Welcome to the New Year

A Happy New year to everyone. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my clients of the past year, who have helped me to achieve sales of over $16m during 2006. This was significantly my best year ever, despite the downturn in the market which affected the whole area, not just Front Royal and Warren County.

The market is tough, but don't let anyone have you believe that it is a disaster. What we have seen is effectively a return to a "normal" market where sellers have to put their best foot forward to make their home as saleable as possible, where correct pricing is paramount, where Realtors have to work harder (and sellers should expect them to) to maximize the promotion of their listings, and where buyers expect to negotiate on price and terms. Above all, where it is normal for a home to be on the market for several months before it sells.

That is all a far cry from 18 months ago, when sellers and Realtors could get away with the minimum work, and where buyers had no choice but to accept the prices being sought - because if they didn't, then someone else would take it from under their feet while they were thinking about it.

The age of reality has set in, and unfortunately some sellers still don't "get it"; their homes will remain on the market unsold. Some Realtors also continue to think that listing a home in the Multiple Listing Service, and perhaps a homebook or two, is sufficient to get it sold; their business will dwindle. Homeowners are coming to appreciate the value of a comprehensive marketing plan, combined with a high profile website that is easily found in the search engines, and that provides extensive information for the buyers including plenty of quality pictures and virtual tours.

Did I mention that I do a great job of marketing a home? :) If you're thinking of selling your home (or have it on the market, but are unhappy with your present arrangements), check out my Featured Listings page, and give me a call to talk things through.