2008 In Review

2008 brought many changes to the real estate market and to the lake in general. For the first time in my 20 years of real estate around the lake area, I saw home values start to drop and total residential sales drop by about 28% from 2007 and about 38% from 2006. There is hope just around the corner. It looks like we might have seen the bottom and now moving in a positive direction. Interest rates are dropping to record lows and home prices will never be lower making this a great time to invest in real estate. With low gas prices and the stock market becoming a little more stable, confidence in our economy is growing again. We are still a long ways from back to normal but I think we are starting to move in the right direction.

The lake area continues to grow and with the help of everyone we will continue to make this great place to live, work, and play.

Have a safe and happy 2009 and we will see you on the water.

The First Snow

It had to happen sooner or later, we had our first dusting of snow yesterday. The temps are in the 30's right now and the furnace is working hard. Even with the colder weather, there is still plenty of time to buy and sell real estate this year. And yes it usually is a slower market here at the lake in December and January but if we have nice weather the market gets hot quick. Prices are still holding their own with a slight drop in value. Come the middle of February I predict that the prices will be on the rise once again for the spring rush of buyers.

So if you are thing about buying, now is the time to take advantage of the low interest rates and low prices. The trees, flowers and prices will all start to grow come spring so don't be left out in the cold. Think warm thoughts of enjoying the lake in your new home or condo.