Summer '09

Well, at least weather-wise, it appears summer is upon us. Only a few more weeks of school is left, Memorial Day has come and gone and now people are hopefully gearing up for whatever types of vacations they can afford.

Monetarily, this year's events have squeezed many families and those who live in wonderful Anacortes are no different. I know my business with Windermere has taken a serious hit, as well as many other businesses in town. Extra savings is now used to the pay the bills and most of the fiscal goals those of us set for ourselves will have to be met next year.

With that, I merely wanted write to say that ultimately, many of us are in it together. Car dealers, Real Estate brokers, Restauranteers, Small novelty shop owners, the list goes on.....
There are many out there that have continued to live within their means and good for them. They have managed to be tenacious in the savings and also thrifty in their spending, especially when times are good since that is where you can truly save.

For those who are merely hanging on to whatever assets they have month to month, please stay focused and motivated. For those who have or who are on the brink of job loss, try your best to get on the job search bandwagon. Try to broader your ideas of the types of jobs you truly would like to do and turn the negative into a positive in the job search of something enjoyable.

Regarding home sales, since that is my primary field, I am not really sure what is going to happen this year. All in all, we had very few home sales in the first quarter with a decent spike in sales in the second. Many of the contracts have been in the under 350k range, yet some homes in the above 500k range have sold also.

If you have a home you are wanting to sell or currently have it listed, price is everything. No ifs, ands or buts........people want security in the fact that whatever home they buy now, they can live in for a few years and at least not lose money. They want what they consider a decent deal and I do not blame them. So, remember this when pricing your home.

You want the most money for your house for sure, all of us do. But, price too high and ultimately the home becomes stale, and you end up selling alot later for a lot less. Or for those who plan to purchase elsewhere, if you delay selling until the market is back on the rise.......the rise is a benefit when selling, but a hinderance when you get back into the market by buying during the rise also.

Lastly, there are many decent opportunities out there with regards to real estate and other entities as well. Cars prices have come down dramatically. Boat prices also. My overall thoughts are the despite the economic squeeze, try to work hard, be as thrifty as possible, but do not close your eyes to good deals that may come your way.

Good luck.
Troy