Good Start! Well, 2008 is off to a good start. Showings and web traffic are both up for the month. Buyers seem to be getting a head start to the busy March, April and May time frame. Deeb Realty invited an appraiser to come in and give his take on the 2007 market and his outlook for 2008. One thing that stood out to me was the fact that the number of home sales were actually up 5% for the first three quarters of 2007 and then in the fourth quarter sales were down slightly. He also noted there were price pressures felt across all price ranges, but the $300,000 plus range had the most pressure. He felt 2008 will be similar to 2007 with a slight increase in the number of sales for 2008 and there will be continued price pressures for homes until supply and demand come back to normal levels. Homes will continue to sell, but the ones selling in a timely manner are ones that have been updated and are in good condition. Buyers will continue to have a good supply of homes to choose from. Those that don't mind homes that need some minor updating will get good deals in 2008.
I am continually updating, modifying and adding new features to my website. Recently, I added a new feature that allows clients to search the Omaha MLS and gives them the option to create their own accounts in order to save properties and searches they like.
Since statistics show that each person knows of 3 - 6 people who will buy or sell a home each year. I would really appreciate your referral if you know anyone that will be buying or selling a home this year. Please forward them my contact information, website or this newsletter.
Finally, check out my Blog called http://www.omaharealtyblog.com/ for recent posts and statistics on the Omaha real estate market.
A Quick Note from Steve
Well, I can't believe it is February already. I guess I must be getting older, because the cold weather seems to be harder to deal with lately. Taryn turns 3 on Feb 10th. She has become little Miss Independent lately with her "I do it myself" attitude. She's growing up so fast and loves everything Princess. I think she could be a handful as she gets older, but maybe that's just girls. Since we joined the YMCA, Nick has been taking swim lessons once a week. He also started singing in the kid's choir at our church. He really seems to like both, but especially loves the water. I have been working out 3-4 times a week and have lost only a couple of pounds but feel much better. Teresa has been thinking of Spring projects for me to do around the house, all of which are nothing major, so that's good for a change.
Trivia Challenge Question:
Which movie quote is this from? [Driving down the railroad tracks toward an approaching train] "I'm betting he's going to swerve first!"
Another one of my favorites!
Thanks to everyone that submitted guesses last month and especially Bill D. for submitting the correct answer. My last month's quote was from "The Hunt For Red October".
Thanks again for taking a couple of minutes out of your day to read my real estate newsletter. If you know anyone considering buying or selling a home, I would appreciate your referrals.
Steve