I get asked this question a lot these days. Sometimes, before even given a chance to answer; the questions is followed by 'expert' opinions like:

"I'm sure the market is still in a decline..."
"I don't want to lose money by buying too soon..."
"Real estate isn't a good investment anymore..."

This is usually a signal that it time for a little straight talk, which you may know I'm good at. So here goes...

If you are afraid the market is still declining and it's not time to buy a house, then you are right. It is too early for YOU to buy a house. Why? Because everyone has their own level of risk aversity. If you are so uncertain after all the research you have done and all the expert opinions you have sought out; then don't buy yet. 

Now, on the other hand, if those 'expert' opinions are coming from Fred in the next cubicle at your office or you pest control specialist or even your surgeon; you might want to seek out the advise of a professional who is actually IN the real estate or real estate investing business: a Realtor(R), a banker, a financial manager. Hey, maybe that's why you asked me the question. 

Even when speaking to those professionals, however, no one has a crystal ball. So, usually that advice will go back to, "If you feel the risk is too great for you, then it IS too great for you." 

Just remember, the extremely risk averse only jumped into the last booming real estate market at the very top of a cycle. And they are the ones living in ahouse they bought in November, 2007 at a price 25% higher than they could sell it for today. 

So there is a little insight into the first question. More on the others later.

...if you think that market price for your home listing = the amount you still owe + Realtor commission + a little extra for the down payment on your new place.

...if you want to list your house a 'little high' to leave wiggle room for the low offers.

...if you think an open house every weekend and advertising in every print publication in the tristate area will sell your house.

...if the first words you plan to say in  listing meeting are, "well the house down the street sold for (insert dollar amount here)"

...and those words are not immediately followed by, "...last last month - and it's the exact same floor plan and condition as mine..."

Ok, "Get another Agent" is a little harsh, maybe. But my point is this:

Select a Realtor because:

1. She/He is a professional, with ethics, continuing education and resources.
2. She/He is  person you trust to advise you on market conditions, determining list price, staging, marketing techniques.
3. She/He provides research and analysis to back up those recommendations.
4. She/He is not just telling you what you want to hear.

Now, a few more harsh words:

If you are a surgeon/auto technician/accountant/teacher/(insert profession here), I promise NOT to tell you how to operate/auto repair/prepare taxes/educate our youth/(insert service here). Please trust me to help you sell/find your place.

This market is no longer a happy, pretty place with rainbows and roses (with no bugs on the leaves). I've probably got some bad news for you. And you're gonna hear it, 'cause it's important to know. So here's a little sampler:

• My picture on a business card/billboard/shopping cart will NOT sell your house. That will take us working as a team to price it right, stage it right and market it to the right target market.
  
• There are only three things that affect the sale of your home: Location, Condition and Price. 
• These days "They can see past it" are THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE WORDS you can say.

So, if you're not ready to really listen to professional, informed and backed-by-research recommendations for how to get through this not-so-comfortable buyer's market with your dignity and your house sold in the shortest time possible for the most money possible through hard work on all our parts...

GET ANOTHER AGENT.

OK, I know. Salemtown?!? Clearly the bozTEAM has been hit on da head!

"In what world is the cute, mostly cottage and victorian, front porch neighborhood of Salemtown been Modern?" you ask.

Well, if you haven't seen Salemtown lately, you may be in for a surprise. There's modern on that there hill! (Yep. Salemtown sits on a hill that still offers some great downtown views and promises to be unobstructed due to some charter promises of Historic Germantown and the dedicated Historic Commission.)

There's more modern there than you might think. And at some of the best prices for modern in all of Nashville. Take a peek for yourself. Or call the bozTEAM for your complimentary and always entertaining, private neighborhood tour today!