OMG! Do the finance reporters understand Real Estate??

I just about flipped today when I heard a reporter on MSNBC report that January sales were at a 12 year low because buyers are waiting to hear about government programs and they don't want to buy. And, guess what, the Northeast is the lowest. Helloooo............sales in January are contracts from November/December. Sales are ALWAYS slow in November and December, paricularly in the Northeast. The buyers in the Northeast aren't particularly worried about anything other than their jobs.
If they have a job and realize their job is secure, they are buying!

Yes......buyers are reluctant, but, guess what? The buyers are out there. A huge part of the problem are the cobrokers who are less skilled at selling in this market, so buyers are receiving less good advice about what constitutes a good sale. However, I have been way busy....which I would expect this time of year.

No more GLOOM and DOOM! If you want to buy, do it now!!! You will be sorry this time next year.

Letter to Senator Collins

Here is a letter I sent to Senator Collins. She needs to be complimented for not taking a partisan stand!!Senator Collins:



I want to personally thank you for taking a courageous stand in the face of your own party to get the Economic Recovery Plan out of the gate. I think that to do nothing would have been horrific. You and Senator Snowe truly represent what is best about Maine!



I am writing today as a person who absolutely believes in the principles of abundance and prosperity. Even though the real estate market has seen better days (!!), I continue to thrive and do well albeit it is like slogging through mud at times! I spend money when it makes sense and remind myself every time I pay my bills that I am increasing the prosperity of those around me. If I were to sit on my money, someone else will lose their job or go hungry or what ever…..



This brings me them to a recurring thought I have had regarding the so-called hoarding that is occurring with the banks and other financial institutions. I understand that they are offsetting losses on the balance sheets, but can’t something be done to get this situation reversed where there is a reward for putting the money back out in the system? After all, money is really a symbol for time, effort, power, values. It really belongs to the universe, not to individuals or entities. It can be such a force for good. It doesn’t do anyone any good figuratively sitting in a vault somewhere.



Along those same lines, has any thought been given to requiring that those entities who are benefiting from the taxpayers’ money, whether they be students receiving subsidized loans or financial institutions receiving TARP funds, give back to the country in time and effort assisting those less fortunate? ….or assisting communities or states with needs that are going unaddressed? It’s just a thought.



Thanks for listening. Maybe I am a pie eyed idealist, but I truly believe that together we all achieve more.



Keep up the good work !



Warmly,



Jean-Marie Caterina



Find out what's selling in YOUR neighborhood!

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Jean-Marie Caterina, Broker

Caterina MacLean Group

Keller Williams Realty

50 Sewall Street, Second Floor

Portland, Maine 04102

(207)553-2606

Fax-(207)879-9801

jcat@kw.com

www.wesellmaine.com

www.catscomments.com (Blog)





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