Well 2009, you taught us a lot. We are more thankful for the jobs we have and the money we make. More importantly, we cherish our friends and family perhaps more than ever. It has been a crazy year for all of us-some made more than ever by cashing in on the niche spots in the economy but most of us just barely made it through and are ready for 2010!






Here are some tips to take into 2010 that I gathered from some of my clients and other professionals in the real estate industry:


-Absolutely take advantage of the $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit for purchasing property before it disappears in June!


-Aside from investors who are doing remodeling/flipping, think more long-term when looking for your new home(perhaps holding on to it for 5-10+ years as opposed to 2-5 years)


-Curb appeal and staging have never been more important to buyers


-Don't stretch your budget: live within your means even if that means waiting on your dream house another year


-Work hard, but don't forget to leave it at the office (or hide the Blackberry) and spend focused time with your family


-Sellers may be more willing to add in extras: you like the playset they have in the backyard? Or the bunk beds upstairs? Ask for them! It may just relieve them of hauling the furntiure in the Rent-A-Truck.








Here are a few tidbits I've heard from clients that should get you motivated!


-I talked to one of my clients last week and he said that Wells Fargo/Wachovia made more money last year than ever before. They are going to start hiring new people this week.



-I also just got an email from another client that said his company targeted niches and segments of markets that were starting to come back 6 months ago (San Diego, Las Vegas) and they have seen a 26% increase in their product sales. They predict Charlotte is 6 months behind these markets.


-Agents in San Diego and southern California are desperate to find inventory for their buyers! The listing agents are getting 20 offers on listings. In Las Vegas, if you don't offer cash they won't even look at your offer.