"So What's the Market Like?"

There is always curiosity about how the real estate market is doing. Even if people aren't moving, I am often asked to comment on current market conditions. Recently at an open house, I was placing signs and a couple walked by and asked, "Does anything sell this time of year?" 

It seems like the market has been rapidly evolving over the last 10 years - from prices in free fall creating a massive short sale market, which then led to a massive REO market, to flip investors buying homes for cash to our current market. Right now is actually an interesting time in the market. Recently a National Association of Realtors spokesperson was quoted as saying the 'the market is stuck in slow gear.' However, I see huge opportunities where both buyers and sellers actually have a shared balance of power in the transaction, something that's been missing for a long time. 

When prices rose in the early part of 2014, many sellers mistakenly thought that meant the market was back on an upward trend. Then interest rates rose slightly which stalled the market. Many active listings continue to come onto the market too high. Which leads to price reductions and higher days on the market. HOWEVER, if the home is priced at the higher end of the sold comps, which is BELOW the active comps...SOLD!

With pinpoint pricing and strong marketing, homes are still getting top dollar for today's market. Buyers still have great, low interest programs. It's a relatively good market for both.

Below is the latest active, pending and sold information for Placer County. As always, please feel free to contact me for a market analysis of your home or the latest list of available homes.

Property for sale - 4732 Monument, Sacramento, CA 95842

Success Training

This year has been interesting at the Boucher house. 

Travis continues to grow and have success as a mountain bike racer and triathlete. We have done our best to provide him with the bikes and equipment he needs to succeed. We seek out amazing and talented people to coach and mentor him in a positive environment.  We have read and researched for hours on swim technique, transitions, fuel during racing, fuel while training, post workout, pre-workout, eating, sleeping, recovery, USA cycling race schedules, points, classes, etc. We have done everything in our power to ensure that Travis' natural talent and his desire to race are fostered and nurtured. This has translated in a lot of success and FUN for Travis. He has met amazing people and done incredible things this year. All in all - success. What more could you want for your child?

This year has also seen some challenges in my real estate. I love real estate. I can't imagine doing anything else....but I was allowing "things" to become obstacles. I didn't have support from a local real estate office. I was sidetracked by BPO appraisal work which was providing some stability but also taking away my real estate schedule. Now I don't know about other Realtors but I know that without a schedule my business gets sporadic. Without the right tools, marketing and brokerage, I flounder somewhat. 

So I have made significant changes. I moved to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Auburn. Great broker and agents, great support (my bike, my coach). I'm investing heavily in my marketing plan and taking classes to become one tech savvy, legal literate, fabulous agent (my equipment). Finally, I have a strict schedule. Everyday, every week - planned (my training schedule). After 12 years in the business, I'm not starting over, just adjusting and re-applying.

Turned out the plan for success wasn't hard to come up with. I just looked to my kid and his approach. Yep, I can do that. Just like Travis.