So like everyone else, I’m pretty sick and tired of all the constant negative talk about the real estate industry that the media seems to spew on us on almost a daily basis. It really gets to me when they make huge sweeping generalizations about the real estate market across the nation. So with the help of some of my close real estate friends, I thought I would provide a glimpse into some local markets to see how the “feet on the streets” see it.

I asked four simple questions and was pleasantly surprised by the answers I got back. Here we go…..

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Lesley Lambert, Westfield, MA  (Follow Lesley on Twitter at @LesleyLambert)

What are you telling your buyers about buying in today’s market?

For qualified buyers, there hasn’t been a better market to buy a home in my 20yrs of experience.  The combination of lowered house values combined with the extremely competitive rates and tax benefits make now ideal for a home purchase.

How are you combating all the negative news that the media is spewing?

I talk about the negative media A LOT.  I counter with statistics from our area that show that the doomsday numbers are not right, at least not here.  I explain market corrections and opportunity for profit and discuss the fact that equity isn’t real until you cash out, so most people haven’t “lost” anything.

How many buying clients are you working with right now?

I am working with five, two are going under contract this week.

Do any of them know about the tax credit in the Stimulus Bill?

I have a printout of the bill and will be blogging and emailing about it regularly! My current buyers know, because I told them and they saw it on the news, but I plan to roll out a PR push.

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Dale Chumbley, Vancouver, WA  (Follow Dale on Twitter at @DaleChumbley)

What are you telling your buyers about buying in today’s market?

I am letting them know it is a wonderful time to buy.  Interest rates are still at all time lows, prices are back into ranges of reality.  There is a great inventory of homes to choose from and we are also seeing softness in the current list prices as well.  Plus, our prices are still lower than a comparable home in Portland, OR.

How are you combating all the negative news that the media is spewing?

I’m shooting straight with them, telling it like it is.  I’m not hyping up either side of the argument.  I bring it back to the reality of what is being seen here in Vancouver, WA.  It is still a very good time to buy (see above answer).

How many buying clients are you working with right now?

I am actively working with about a dozen buyers right now.  I have many more than that in the “thinking about it” category.

Do any of them know about the tax credit in the Stimulus Bill?

So far, no.  The Stimulus Bill is still quite new and was uncertain at the time we began looking.  I’m sure that it will begin to work its way into our conversations in the weeks to come.

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Lori Bee, Waxhaw, NC  (Follow Lori on Twitter at @BeeRealty)

What are you telling your buyers about buying in today’s market?

I am telling them that now there are great opportunities to buy right now.  But they must be pre-qualified by a reputable lender first, because the really good deals often come and go, quickly.  I also reassure them that there are always fears and risks when buying a home, and now is no exception. However, the opportunities are much greater in my opinion than they have been, since I’ve been in the business (9 years).

How are you combating all the negative news that the media is spewing?

First of all, ALL real estate is VERY local.  National news can be very misleading to consumers.  For a long time, for example, Charlotte was not so much affected as compared to the rest of the country.  But people coming here didn’t get that.  Even now, we have not seen the significant price drops because we didn’t experience the significant appreciation. And to offer 40% below list, is ridiculous (like I heard MSNBC analyst suggest yesterday).  Some neighborhoods here are actually getting more than list price still (Myers Park is an example here in Charlotte).  There are also neighborhoods now that are affected too, but those are the ones with the deals if you are an opportunistic buyer! 

And even if you have to sell and lose some on that end, you are gaining on the other end if you buy right.  So usually it more than balances out.

How many buying clients are you working with right now? 

Four currently. Three from out of state, and 1 cross region relocation.

Do any of them know about the tax credit in the Stimulus Bill? 

Yes, all of them do, because that is my job – to educate my buyers.  But then I turn them over to lender for actual calculations (math is NOT my strong suit) because it affects each one of them differently.

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Heather Elias, Leesburg, VA  (Follow Heather on Twitter at @hthrflynn)

What are you telling your buyers about buying in today’s market?

I do not need to sell them on the benefits of prices and interest rates being low at the same time. I mostly have to educate them on the difference between bank owned properties, for sale and short sales, and what that means to them in terms of the protections they would usually have in a purchase transaction that they are giving up when they buy one of those homes.

How are you combating all the negative news that the media is spewing?

Numbers don’t lie. Our inventory levels here are very, very low. In certain areas, the desirable listings are getting snapped up in multiple offer situations. For a buyer who is having a hard time understanding that it’s competitive now to buy in those areas, it only takes one time on being the contract that loses out before they adjust. I do try to explain that the media talks about the market in broader terms, but as buyers search and identify properties, they are looking at things on a much more local level.

How many buying clients are you working with right now?

Eight, three are under contract.

Do any of them know about the tax credit in the Stimulus Bill?

One under contract will be eligible for the credit, and of the five that aren’t under contract yet, at least four are eligible. They are all very aware of it..most folks I work with are tech savvy and have done a ton of research before they start working with me. That being said, I’m making sure I explain (as best I can) about the credit and how it may work for them.

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Kim Wood, Chester County, PA (Follow Kim on Twitter at @KimWood)

What are you telling your buyers about buying in today’s market? 

Sellers that are selling need to sell. The interest rates are low – there are incredible values to find.  

How are you combating all the negative news that the media is spewing? 

I usually explain (or reiterate) that real estate news needs to be local – even down to the neighborhood – listening to National News gives a perspective, but it’s important to check with an expert that works up close and personal with the area of interest. 

How many buying clients are you working with right now? 

Most of my buyer leads I pass to my team members to work with. The leads that have been coming are increasing. 

Do any of them know about the tax credit in the Stimulus Bill? 

I have not been approached by a buyer with particular questions about it – talking to people in general they know ”about it” but still need informed on the details.

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 How do these answers compare to what you are hearing from your local agent? We’d like to know.