When things started to look a little rough in the housing market, I thought about this advice. So many people had stopped looking at property as a home and were only looking at it as a bank account. Not everyone’s problems are a result of this, but there are plenty that got caught up in that game.

I always try to advise clients to buy a “home” first and deal with the investment potential of it second. Sure, we all want to make money when we sell our homes down the line, but overall, we need shelter.

I refer to Jay Thompson’s comment:
The simple fact is that it is NEVER “a great time to buy” for everyone.

and Jason Sandquist’s comment:
I think being somewhat optimistic is good but too much ruins the credibility.

Two solid quotes that I agree with completely.

Yes, it is an excellent time to buy in some parts of the country… if you have a five-year time horizon in mind. That is the point that I make sure all my clients understand before we head out to spend their money.

Prices are down, rates are below 5%, and they have always wanted a home. Bingo!

I think the world needs to know how we view ourselves, our association, our clients, and our profession. It helps to see that there are those out there (and I think we out number the “bad apples”) that want the industry to be a good experience for their clients.

That has never been more true than now. If you are in the market to buy real estate, now is the time. Of course, as Jay says, it totally depends on your situation (doesn’t it always?) but I know I sure wish I had a few thou laying around right now.

I’d hate to have to sell today, but there are deals to be had if you’re a buyer.

Inform and educate is definitely our job. I’ve always felt like more of a consultant than a salesman.

I can’t sell a house for crap, but I can help you make the right decision for your situation. I have told people straight out that they shouldn’t buy something at the time … It’s better for business in the long run when you don’t BS people.

I like your description of it as “fluff.” Your article hit the nail on the head. I feel the same about pricing. I can show you all the comps in the world and tell you that it’s priced right, but unless it’s the right price for the right home for you…well, it’s not the right price is it?

Of course, with the above argument comes responsibility – it is still my job to inform and educate you as to pricing and why it is a justifiable price, but it still doesn’t change the facts. If a home isn’t priced right for you, you shouldn’t be buying it.

There are so many variables in real estate, I agree. Mathematical, statistical, logical, emotional, personal, and just plain old “gut feeling” too. Each one can push any decision one way or the other.

Thanks for stopping by Jay, I know you’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.

You know how I feel… The NAR (and agents in general) need to inform and educate consumers about the market, not sell consumers with a bunch of fluff.

The simple fact is that it is NEVER “a great time to buy” for everyone. There are just too many variables involved to make such sweeping claims.

the thing that irks me is when you have a shameless realtor running around saying that ‘it’s a great time to buy’ to everybody with no fundamental fact.