How can you have not jumped into the housing market? What is stopping you? Do you think the housing market will still drop another 10-15%? Are you waiting for interest rates to go lower? What are you thinking? I really would like to know.

The Colorado Springs housing market is loaded with good buys. I just saw a home on Straggler Drive drop $40,000. Another on Rushford dropped $20,000. Still another in Briargate listed $30,000 below market. Buyers, most sellers are getting it. They are understanding that there is lots of competition. I just listed a home on Antietam Drive in Pine Creek for only $272,650. Check it out a home in Pine Creek for under $300K. Or how about a home that I listed on Whiskey River for $50,000 less than they paid. I even have another home on Lazy River that could have sold in 2006 for $280,000. We just listed it for $259,000. What about rates. I just got a quote from Kevin Bent of Cherrywood Home Loans for 5 5/8% on a 30 year fixed mortgage. Chief Economist Robert Bernanke said he is lowering rates.

If you are trying to time the market when it hits bottom you may miss it. It is better to make offers and hedge your offers. I believe we are at bottom and have flattened out. The Colorado Springs MLS still showed a .9% increase in prices. That’s a very sure sign of flattening.

Come and see us at www.maecker.com or email us at theteam@maecker.com.
Thanks and Happy New Year!

Thanks,
Brian

What New Year resolutions have you made?

I don’t know that I believe in resolutions. They are too tempting to break. I prefer to do better with areas of my life rather than making a resolution.

Personally I want to do a handful of things, I want to drop 5 pounds by June. I want to always be a better husband and father. I want to be a good listener. I want to read the Bible daily and pray and dream. I want to work out 5 times a week. I want to keep my home desk cleaner. What are you trying to do?

Professionally I have many goals. First and foremost, I want to listen and be caring. I want to improve my systems. I want to make our office all typewritten and paperless. I want my team to be the most trained in real estate in Colorado Springs. I want to touch all my clients at least 3 times this year.

I have a number of goals. I guess I like goals rather than resolutions. To achieve goals it takes responsibility and accountability. I journal to keep track. Perhaps that can help you. I also have a peer partner, Bob Waldron with Coldwell Banker in California. We have spoken every other week for 9 years. His peer pressure helps keep me on track.

I think a huge part of the Maecker Team success is my dedication to myself and the real estate business. I feel that no one cares as much as I do. I may not always show it, but I stress daily over my clients. I understand their needs and want to help.

If you need help with your real estate. Please give e a call at 719-593-2963.

Thanks,
Brian Maecker
Remax Advantage
www.maecker.com

Here we go! A forecast! Actually what we are experiencing in today’s market, I foresaw in 2005. At that time, our market was running soley on interest rates and loan terms. We all enjoyed the fruits of that market.

Then 2006 & 2007 happened. The Crash, The Fall, The Sky is Falling, The Bubble is Bursting! The reality is that the market has been returning to normal. The 25 year average of homes sold is 8500 homes per year. In 2006 we sold over 10,000 homes and 2007 there will be around 9000 homes sold. That is still better than the average.

In 2008 we will see a year almost identical to 2007. I expect to see about 9000 home sales. The military is coming back right now and I think investors will come back into market to buy foreclosures. Higher priced homes may fall in value another 3-5% from summer values. Most sellers have adjusted. You can get homes in 2008 at 2005 prices. Interest rates should stay in the 6-7% range until the November elections. Foreclosures will continue to happen at a similar rate as this year.

All in all, Colorado Springs will be O.K. We won’t crash. We will stay flat. I’ve been selling for 22 years. Let my experience help you sell or help you find good values. Please contact The Brian Maecker Team at Re/Max at 719-593-2963 or our website at www.maecker.com.  

Thanks, Brian