I just read an article written by Dian Hymer entitled "Is selling a home in today's market worthwhile?" Dian is author of "House Hunting, the take along workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting out, the Complete Home Buyers Guide." Here's a link to find Dian's books on Amazon - she is a great real estate writer! http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Out-Complete-Buyers-Guide/dp/0811812723 Dian said "Residential real estate is an intensely localized business." Knowing that, I'm even more confident this week about the health of the "intensely localized market" that The Rootdown Group serves. I'll have some stats out later this month, but pending sales appear to be on the rise in Intown Atlanta and Decatur, we all know that primary mortgage interest rates are terrific, and The Rootdown Group is busy. Since January 1st, we have spoken directly with about 30 prospective people whom we know will buy or sell real estate this year, nearly half of them in the next 90 days. Greg Ruis, Dana … [Read more...]

I believe that in 2008, less contracts will fall apart. Crusaders like Ralph R. Roberts are making things happen by exposing the truth about mortgage businesses, but lets face it, market forces have placed mortgage companies on notice. Here's a tidbit from Ralph about the nature of underwriters and their role in mortgage businesses posted at the always informative website Flipping Frenzy "The underwriters were reminded daily of all the companies like theirs that were shutting down as a result of the mortgage meltdown and that their company was one of the few survivors. They were told to keep closing loans. With all of those other companies going out of business, they now had a golden opportunity to increase market share and become the lender of choice. They were told that management was aware and that they were over staffed, but because they were doing so much business, nobody would have to be laid off. They didn't have to worry about having a job as long as they continued to close … [Read more...]

Wrote a contract. Generated 4 Buyer leads and 2 Listing leads. Saw 8 or 10 new properties for sale. Got www.intowninsider.com up and running. Realtors are getting busy. I watched a Flip This House episode on 1/5/08 featuring a South Howard house purchased in the $130's and an underfunded renovation that somehow went to foreclosure. Best TV all week. I missed Celebrity Apprentice with Gene Simmons. I got a new coffeemaker coming. Went to Piedmont Hospital to see the rooms and tour where babies get born. I shall return there soon with Laura to deliver one of our own! 2008 is upbeat! Good week. Lets keep having more of these Atlanta! … [Read more...]