Sunday, June 22, 2008

Buyers Getting Off the Fence in Nashville-Middle Tennessee

Well, I found the article I mentioned in the last post. It was in Forbes. Nashville was ranked the 3rd best place to buy a foreclosure property. Does that mean all buyers are ready to take on that kind of property? Probably not…and you can read why I feel this way in a previous post.

What does it mean for real estate buyers and sellers in the Nashville area of Middle Tennessee?

Investors typically buy foreclosures because they can require more financial commitment (and risk) than the average homebuyer is willing to make (or take). The good news is that with investors ready to open their checkbooks we should start to see some of the excess inventory disappear.

As the market returns to balance, sellers will be more optimistic and less willing to negotiate. If they’ve made it this far, they might as well stick it out…right!?? Prices will stabilize and eventually the market will return to its former levels. In my opinion, that will take 3 to 5 years.

So, if you’re a buyer that’s been sitting on the fence I would caution you to start thinking about taking the leap. There are opportunities today that would have been unheard of a couple of years ago.

I specialize in helping buyers negotiate with sellers for some sort of creative financing. There are lots of reasons why this might be necessary including a buyer being trapped in the home they’re moving from. It’s a win/win for everyone. The seller has virtual certainty that the home will be sold and the buyer locks in today’s prices.

If you’re wondering how this might work in your situation (whether you’re a buyer or seller), just give me a call or visit my web site and send me a request. With a bit of information about your individual situation I can come up with a strategy that works to your benefit. Another reminder, I am a CPA and CFP® (accountant and financial planner) so I always want to make sure the deal makes good financial sense for all concerned.

If you would like to do your own investigation or monitor the market, I suggest that you set-up a Property Alert on my web site using this link: Dr. Gala's Property Alerts

The computer will send you regular updates with properties that match your criteria. When you see something that interests you, send me a note (every property has a direct link) and I’ll do some research for you. No pressure. No kidding. All I ask is that when you are ready to buy, you’ll allow me to help you work through the transaction.

If you’d like to talk further about how you can put my Nashville-Middle Tennessee Real Estate Services to work for you, visit

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Nashville Real Estate Sellers Use Creative Financing

We are definitely starting to see some movement in the real estate market again. Right now, it is primarily investors looking for (or creating their own) good deals. Still, it is a clear sign that some think we are nearing the bottom of this market adjustment…at least here in Middle Tennessee.

About six months ago (I can’t tell you exactly when because – darn it – I can’t find the article now), Nashville was ranked one of the top 10 markets for purchasing foreclosures.

What does that mean?

Well, most of us know that the market around here was never really overpriced. There was a bit of an overjealous increase in values but nothing like that seen in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada. Unfortunately, we have been caught up in the mess to a degree due to the national media frenzy and lending criteria being a bit too lenient.

There are plenty of foreclosures on the market which is great for investors/buyers but not so good for the average home seller. However, with the strong economy here and desireable conditions for business, there is simply no long-term support for the stagnation we’ve experienced with our market.

What does that mean?

I believe that our market will recover much more quickly than others around the country. We will still have to work through an abundance of properties for sale and deal with issues related to financing but for those who are willing to “think outside the box” there are great opportunities.

In fact, I listed a beautiful home in Hendersonville for sale this week offering creative financing options. I’ve already had a number of people express interest. Remember, I am a CPA and CFP® (accountant and financial planner) so I always want to make sure the deal makes good financial sense for all concerned.

If you are at all interested in buying or selling in the next year and would like to monitor the market, I suggest that you set-up a Property Alert on my web site using this link: Property Alerts

The computer will send you regular updates with properties that match your criteria. When you see something that interests you, send me a note (every property has a direct link) and I’ll do some research for you. No pressure. No kidding. All I ask is that when you are ready to buy, you’ll allow me to help you work through the transaction.

If you’d like to talk further about how you can put my Nashville-Middle Tennessee Real Estate Services to work for you, visit www.RealEstate-NashvilleTN.com or give me a call at 615.498.4858. All Realtors® are not alike…let me prove it to you!

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