For the past several years, those bearing bad news have held a firm grip on the microphone.   After all, they had a lot of negative things to report, so lets not blame them.   Bad news does sell.  And people do buy it…that is, until they have heard enough!

Since the first of January, I have been asking prospective home buyers a question…. “If you had purchased 60 days ago, you could have saved a little bit more money.  Interest rates have edged up slightly, even though they are still at record lows.  Just what has made you come out to explore now?”  (Please keep in mind that these prospective buyers are among the NINETY PERCENT of people that still have jobs in this country.)

 The responses are very much the same across the board.  “I’m hearing more positive news, I feel good about my job, and I know my rent will probably go up next year.”   OR …  “We’re getting closer to retirement and probably won’t have another chance to buy with interest rates this low.”

Folks, the “bearers of good news” are now getting their time at the microphone!   And the message is getting across.  It is certain, and sad, that many Americans are still without work.  The NINETY PERCENT that still work will be the ones that turn this economy around, and help put those unfortunate ones back to work.  If we truly want that to happen, we’ve got to communicate positive news whenever possible.

Let’s take a look at the good news that is now circulating…..

http://www.inman.com/news/2011/01/27/real-estate-sales-rebound-in-2011-prices-nearly-flat

We all know that the price of things are a simple result of “supply and demand.”  We all know that there is a finite supply of land… there’s just not any more of it being made.  Here’s another opinion of why now is the time to buy:

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23505825

I can tell you that our sales have picked up dramatically and our inventory of completed homes is being snatched up quickly in many areas.  WE ARE BUILDING MORE!  Please visit www.OleSouth.com for information on all of our new home neighborhoods in Middle Tennessee.

No two pieces of property are the same, and no two areas are alike.   You have got to weigh the “risk vs. reward” and at the same time keep in mind that you are buying a home first, and investment second.  And the most important part…. you will one day own it, something you cannot say for your apartment. 

Things are looking better for the housing industry, but at the same time we also have to be realistic, as you can read here:

  http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2011/01/new-home-sales-increase-in-december.html

From a person that specializes in selling new homes, there is a good chance you will always hear … “now is the time to buy.”   We are not trying to be intentionally misleading.  In most cases, compared to renting, “anytime is a good time to buy, but some times are better than others.”  Feel free to quote me on that!

How things are really does depend how you choose to look at things.  I prefer optimism over pessimism anyday.

One thing I can say factually, there is a small village in southern Honduras, near Choluteca, that will soon be looking at their homes in a totally different light….actual light…. at night!  They will also have access to filtered drinking water for their homes, and a more healthy cooking stoves thanks to District 6760 of Rotary International.

Read more about our upcoming trip here:

https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2011/01/19/nashville-new-homes-assafartay-is-going-to-honduras/

There will more than likely not be any blog posts until I return, but you can count on quite a few recaps then!  Many people warn about posting travel information online, and for very valid reasons.  I have a few valid reasons not to worry about that:  A great home security system, a wife that is proficient with guns, and good insurance.  Bring it on!

Happy Buying & Selling in 2011.  It really can be the “Year of the New Home.”  YOURS!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee