We have seen a very encouraging increase in activity in the past 4 to 6 weeks.  We have seen more activity in January and February than almost the entire last half of 2007.  Properties are once again going under contract at a fairly good clip. I am predicting a significant decrease in Inventory by Easter. Remember, these articles are my personal opinions, and nor purported to be anything else.

I think there are many factors involved; great interest rates, reduced prices, increased choices, the Buyers are starting to say ; "Hey, I can get a deal down there" - and they have started coming back. I think people are tired of hearing the negative talk on every single form of media in existence. We get it, the market went down. Guess what? It is coming back. Unfortunately, good news doesn't sell. In my personal opinion, the media is significantly responsible for helping real estate spiral both upward, and then downward. No matter what, the Smiths and the Jones do similar things. Consumer confidence is greatly effected by positive or negative news stories.

Once again folks, it's economy 101! Supply versus demand. We saw a steep decrease in demand, the supply of available homes increased more and more, and as interest waned, the prices came down. Now, we are slowly seeing the demand increase. As that happens, and homes go under contract, the supplyis beginning to to diminish, and a balancing of conditions should follow..

You can wait if you want, but in my personal opinion, we have seen, and moved past the " bottom." I believe this will be one of those times talked about in the future; "you know, I could have stolen something back in early 2008" and / or " I could have had _____ for ____ in early 2008, whereas now that the market has come back, I have to pay_____++."

I have heard literally hundreds of "couldas, shoulds, and whouldas" What I am discussing is already happening. Furthermore, I do practice what I preach. I am looking to buy a third property in Avalon, I really think now is the time. No one has a crystal ball, but I can tell you, I have seen this before. I believe our 2nd home market's recovery will precede the primary market home market.

Either way, I can tell you this; I started at 7 am yesterday morning on the phone, and am just finishing my real estate stuff for the day on my computer, 17 hours later! I guess things are busier!

* The opinions expresssed are soley those of Mark A. Marroletti, Owner, and Broker of Record. They are my personal opinions, and not purported to be facts. Everything is open to interpretation.