Bailout Locally

Greetings from the North Woods!

The bailout has been talked about and written about a great deal but how does it affect us locally? While we have not suffered as many foreclosures or a real estate bubble that has burst, we have certainly been affected. From my perspective, the biggest issue facing all of us as buyers, sellers, realtors, etc. is the tight mortgage and credit markets. How quickly and "effectively" the bailout plan is implemented will have a big effect on buyers securing the credit they need in order to purchase the real estate we have to sell.

Locally, our financial institutions are very solid and actively making loans to qualified buyers. However the overall market meltdown and economic slowdown has triggered tighter lending policies. Gone, for the most part, are the days of zero to low down payments.

There are postives in all of this! Current lending policies cause people to only borrow according to affordability. Financial institutions have implemented plans to help keep people in their homes and forestall foreclosures. People are also having to budget and plan better. Sellers are more realistic in pricing and buyers are better at due diligence. Overall, I believe it can bring a new energy to the market. It is usually in the toughest circumstances that we learn the best lessons.

Additionally, I remain optimistic because the phone has kept ringing and deals are coming together. Traditionally November usually marks the beginning of the slowest period in real estate. Fortunately, that gives us time to reload and get ready for Valentines Day when the real estate market begins another busy season. The last time I checked, they weren't making more real estate - especially lakeshore!

Have a wonderful weekend and come on up and see us soon...Life is a Gift...Live It!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@cheqnet.net
www.garynathan.com
www.haywardwaterfront.com