HousesforsalestaugustineBlog

From Time-Union Saturday Home Story

by William A. Watson Jr., Chairman of the board and founder of Watson Realty Corp.

People are always asking me for tips and observations about the real estate market, so today I'm going to share with you one of the great secrets of real estate: The best time to buy or sell a home is now. This is especially true for first-time buyers. In my 45 years in the real estate business, there has never been a better time to become a first-time homeowner

Why? Mortgage rates remain historically low, and mortgage lenders are very interested in financing qualified buyers. Many first-time buyers can qualify for up to a $7,500 tax credit, an interest-free loan from the government to help make home ownership more affordable. Builders and current homeowners need and want to sell property, and because of current market conditions, many sellers are willing and able to negotiate attractive pricing and excellent terms. Watson Realty agents have been trained to help you make the most of these opportunities, help you pre-qualify to buy, and even help you make a plan to move up to home ownership.

How much do you pay in rent each month? Multiply that times 12 and look at the amount of money you're giving away each year. Homeownership gives you tax credits and deductions that can actually help you build wealth and equity over time. Renting does nothing of the sort. You owe it to yourself and to your future to find out what home ownership can do for you.

How much do you pay in rent each month? Multiply that times 12 and look at the amount of money you're giving away each year. Homeownership gives you tax credits and deductions that can actually help you build wealth and equity over time. Renting does nothing of the sort. You owe it to yourself and to your future to find out what home ownership can do for you.

Why would you want to sell a home in today's market? Life doesn't stand still. Children grow and move away. Needs change. Even the general economy can be a factor. Want to reduce energy and gas costs? You're probably a candidate for downsizing and moving closer to the facilities and services you use. Whatever your reasons, Watson Realty associates are trained to help you. Homes that are well-priced are selling today. Perhaps not as quickly as they were two years ago, but nonetheless, they are selling. All the more reason to put your house on the market sooner - if a move is in your future.

Earlier this month, the federal government stepped in and took over the affairs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two biggest players in the Real Estate financing industry. They were caught in what the media called "the real estate bubble" and, combined with other economic factors, their widely acknowledged problems extended trouble to almost every sector of the economy and every part of the country. Experts agree that this move by the government is very likely to have a positive effect on the housing market, stabilizing prices and stimulating home ownership. That's good news for the economy, too, because real estate sales help drive demand for hundreds of products and services.

Another thing to think about: Real estate values may fluctuate in the short term, but over time, nothing holds and builds value like real property. No one can predict the future, but if you look to the past for indications you'll be hard pressed to find any real estate in North Florida that is priced less now than it was five, 10 or 15 years ago. Real estate remains one of the most valuable, and viable, assets a family can acquire.

Based on my years of experience and knowledge of the business, I believe that right now - today, tomorrow, the fall and winter of 2008 and 2009 - presents a tremendous opportunity for people of good faith and credit to buy and own property. It's an opportunity the likes of which we have not seen in years.

As I meet and talk with people around the state, I'm frequently asked when the perfect time is coming to buy or sell. Here's my advice: If you have a good track record of picking the winning Lotto numbers, then you might be okay waiting for the market to "improve." But if you're like most of us, the "right time" to buy or sell is a purely personal decision. If you have a good advisor and buy or sell wisely, you shouldn't lose.

At Watson Realty, our fundamental promise is to be good advisors to buyers and sellers of real estate. We know how important a decision it is to buy or sell a home. We know that the old saying is true: "Your home is your castle."

Obviously, I can't speak for you. But if I were a renter, or a homeowner thinking of a change, I would be taking advantage of the amazing opportunities out there in the marketplace today. If you start now, you could be in your new home for the holidays and have a happier new year in the bargain.

For great information on first-time home buying, attend The HomeSmarts First Time Homebuyer's Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Jacksonville. Call (904) 899-8950 for reservations and details.