March Trent Woods Times

Hello, Trent Woods Neighbors!

If we had no winter, then spring would not be so pleasant: If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. -  Anne Bradstreet

Happy Spring!

It is safe to assume that all of you, like me, are ready for the warmth and sunshine that the longer spring days will bring.  There is always something very hopeful about this time of year that brings out the best in all of us. Even in the midst of our current recession, we all know we have so much to be thankful for.
And now to the housing market -- What can we expect in 2009?  The experts are telling us that it is crucial to our economy that housing sales get back on track in 2009.

 
Remember, real estate is a local business, so pay attention to your LOCAL real estate experts, not what you see in the national media.  Find yourself a professional, well trained Realtor^® who is well versed in real estate consulting based on today.   The consulting model is built on a very simple principle, that of elevating the role of the real estate professional to one of a true fiduciary, enabling real estate professionals to provide what consumers NEED.  In fact, a Realtor’s^® sound factual advice should be a GIVEN for the consumer, not an OPTION.

2009 is the year of re-education of the TODAY Realtor^®.  Your real estate consultant should be up on the latest advice about the stimulus package, the latest technology tools for online buyers and sellers, and most important of all, your local statistics!

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky was asked once why he was so great.  Interestingly, he did not comment about his speed on the ice, the way he handled the puck, or even how he took his shot.  He simply responded: “I go to where the puck is going to be, not where it currently is." (taken from RRAR President John Wood)

This is a good analogy for real estate today.  Find a Realtor^® for your real estate needs that will help you stay ahead of the market with innovative ideas and marketing techniques.  If we keep doing things the same way we always have, we will get the same results.  Find a Realtor^® who is willing to be honest about what is in your best interest, whatever that might be.

Until next month,

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Consultant

Donna

Trent Woods February 2009 Real Estate Update
(From Neuse River Region Board of Realtors® New Bern MLS System)

Homes for Sale:  56
$100K-$199,999 – 11
$200K-$299,999 – 12
$300K-$399,999 – 14
$400K-$499,999 – 8
Over $500,000 – 11
Homes Sold (Pending):  5
$200K-$299,999 – 3
$300K - $399,999 – 1
$400K-$499,999 – 1
Homes Sold and Closed: 4
$100K-$199,999 - 2
$300K-$399,999 – 1
$400K-$499,999 - 1

Average Sale Price - $274,000
List to Sale Ratio - 98%
Average Days on Market - 192
(February 1-28, 2009)