NOVA Real Estate 2012 -All that Glitter & Shines

Happy Holidays from Scott MacDonald & REMAX Gateway

Happy Holidays!

What a year it has been in real estate. Sales were better than expected, mortgage rates went lower than expected and inventory levels have dropped substantially. As a result, most of the year I felt like a broken record stating how low inventory levels were in our area, how low interest rates were and what a great time it was to be a seller as a result of these elements. Also, I often commented on how prices had stabilized and were even increasing which made it an optimal time to buy coupled with the low interest rates. This month will be no different except that inventory is even lower and rates have come down even more. Crazy but true.

The question is – what will happen next. I am about to unveil my Top Ten Predictions for 2013 so you will have to wait and find out. It is an annual video and blog that I have been doing over the last several years. As is the case with most prognosticators, I am right sometimes and way off on others, I get razzed and complimented. We start with the year in review and how I did with my predictions then go into the next year. I am looking forward to your reviews and comments.
In the meantime, be safe, relax, spend time with the family and enjoy your holidays. If you ever need anything or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. (703)652-5777
All the best –

Scott MacDonald

How low will it go?

It has finally happened.  Inventory levels in Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington, Fauquier, Alexandria and all the cities in between have now dropped below 5,000 homes for sale.  We have just 4,692 properties on the market. We have not been this low in nearly a year.  This number is not an all time low – the first week of March in 2005 we had 1,652 houses for sale – this was the all time low for this region.  If you are curious, the all time high was the third week of November 2006 when we had 22,898 houses for sale. So as you can see, we are approaching an extreme situation in housing – nothing for home shoppers to buy.  A more balanced market would be in the 8,500 to 9,000 range – we are at about 50% of where we need to be.

So what does all of this mean?  If you are a seller, now is the time to put your house on the market because there is very little competition.  If you are a buyer, you will more than likely be in a multiple contract situation so be ready to put your best offer on the table initially.  Also, buyers will turn to new construction as an alternative to their housing needs as they can’t find suitable solutions in the resale market.  Lastly, prices should continue to increase – just need the appraisers to agree this is the situation.

What else is low and going lower?  Interest rates.  It is amazing that virtually every week the news is rates continue to hit new all time lows.  This makes now a great time to buy or refinance.

So, what is your opinion?  How soon will it be before we see an increase in inventory?  When will we see rates increase?  I’d love to hear your opinion so give me a call.

Business Planning for 2013: LEAP!

I’m excited that you have taken the big step in your career by investing your time, energy and effort to take your business to the next level.

The important thing to realize is showing up is not enough.  You need to be engaged, focus and have a level of commitment to the plan your come up with this weekend.

In addition, you will need to change.

Change your approach to the business by adding accountability into your schedule.

Change the way you do business – perhaps developing a mobile strategy, online strategy, or including something else new.

Change how you view your business – become a visionary.  Think about what is coming down the road and how you will need adjust your approach to the business.

Most importantly, you will have to take action – not just talk about it.

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As time goes on, you will need to make adjustments.   Just like a pilot, a plane is off 99% of the time while in the air because of turbulence, air stream, storms, etc. you will need to adjust throughout the year as well.  How do you do this?  get a mentor or a coach.  We are hear to help.

You will need to take a leap of faith in your business and your plan.  Try different things – client parties, popbys, coffees, write notes and most importantly, you will need to do it consistently. Join networking groups – get out there and be present while you are with them.  The more things you try, the more likely you are to find something that works for you.  Do it, fix it, try it again.

In addition, consider the law of momentum.   Continually staying in motion will keep you moving towards your goals.  Do something – everyday to move you closer to your goals.  Embrace the self-discipline it will take to make it happen.

We have an agent Kay Woodard who has been getting up at 5:00AM and has been walking 5 miles.  She has been getting up in all types of weather and temperatures to walk regardless of the conditions.  She has done it whether she wants to or not.  This means, you have to do it whether you want to or not to build your self discipline.

If you are taking on a new initiative, take the time to educate yourself on what it will take to be successful in that area.  Meet with others who are successful in this area, read extensively about it, and then do it.

Also, analyze yourself – find out what is your “prime time” and get things done during this time – plan and prioritize around this time of day to get things done.  Top performers pay now so they can play later – low performers do what is fun and easy versus what is hard and necessary.  Commit to yourself today and everyday that you make the sacrifice and not play now and have to pay later.  Get up a little earlier – become the Ninja inside of you to write your gratitudes down, do your affirmations and write those personal notes.

Think and speak positively – be an optimistic force in your own life so you can be a positive force in the lives of others.  Optimism builds enthusiasm within you and gives you energy as well as gives you self esteem.

Lastly, be prepared – for your day, your appointments, your plan of action, and lastly your success so that you can build upon it,  daily.  Now, let’s begin!

 

Staff Sergeant Reminds Us

Yesterday I was at a meeting for Homes for Heroes and I heard a young Marine speak about his life and how it had changed after being injured in Afghanistan.  His name is Staff Sergeant Joey Jones

Here are some notes I took and wanted to share with others – enjoy:

  • Build a life on purpose – decide what you want and go get it…
  • Determine what your personality is and what serves you best for your skills
  • No “one” is better than the whole
  • Make a decision to make a difference in someone’s life
  • Decide – what are you gonna do now
  • You control yourself and your destiny
  • You hold the keys to drive your life – don’t give the keys to anyone else.
  • Work hard
  • Care about others
  • Give back
  • Make it happen
  • What makes you happy?  Figure it out and do it more…
  • How can you be a hero to someone else today
  • Determine your goals and aspirations and achieve them
  • If you do anything – do it right
  • Nothing worth doing is ever easy
  • Be respectful to others at all times
  • Read the book – Lone Survivor
  • Check out the campaign www.bootcampaign.com and contribute
  • Take time and practice then make the appropriate adjustments
  • Commit to giving 100% at all times

 

These are things we have heard in the past at one time or another but it never hurts to be reminded of them to keep you focused.

 

And the market goes on and on and on…

It is amazing what a difference our real estate market has experienced this year versus the last few years.  Previously we were inundated with short sales, foreclosures, dropping prices and very little confidence in the market.

Today, we are at a low point in the number of short sales and foreclosures on the market since I started keeping track of them over two and a half years ago.  In October of 2010, we had 1,460 short sales on the market, today we have only 386.  Additionally, foreclosures are at a low point as well.  In November of 2010, we had 516 foreclosures on the market and today we only have 178.  Additionally, prices were falling in the Northern Virginia area.  According to RBIntel.com our market prices bottomed out in February of 2009 with an average sales price of $307,225.  Today our average sales price is $469,800.

We are still off our highs of 2006-2007, but we are headed in the right direction.  All of this information coupled with low interest rates has restored confidence in our market.

Rates?  Did I just mention rates?  Yes I did and they are ridiculous!  Yesterday I heard one of our clients locked in a rate of 3.25% with a lender credit of 2%.  We continue to see rates decline which leads to the question of how low can they go before more people act on refinancing or purchasing?  Only time will tell.

The last area I would like to touch on is our rental market.  The inventory of active rentals remains low and interest in these properties remains high.  At this time, many people prefer to rent over buying as they remain skittish about buying or are in a situation such as a recent short sale which prohibits them from being able to purchase.  This situation has resulted in rental rates rising making investing a viable option for many people – maybe even you!

If you would like more information on how these numbers affect you whether buying or selling a house, or if you would like to discuss becoming an investor, pick up the phone and give me a call.  I would love to speak with you about your situation in more detail.