The REAL ESTATE MARKET by Cathy Manuel

For what it is worth, I have an opinion about the Market conditions of Residential Real Estate in the Houston Area. If you listen to the media, you would think we are coming out our SLUMP. I feel like it is the same as it was last year, with the hope, that by the end of 2010 it will pick up. Houston really was not truly impacted until late 2008. I don’t mind saying that I had a BAD year in 2009. I am a very upbeat person, and I carry that with me in business. I am still HERE, and I intend on PUSHING my way through this SLUMP. I still intend on coming out on top of the pile. If it makes other realtors feel any better to know this: I tried the motivational seminars, Social Media, Newsletters, Magazines, and all the traditional advertising that WE ALL DO for sellers. I have only been in Residential Sales 6.5 years, but I have always had great sales. I feel there has been so much government interference with our industry, that it has hampered, instead of helped. Now, we all benefited from the $8000 tax credit for FIRST TIME BUYERS. However, it doesn’t seem to be really taking off as much the second time around. I think buyers are just scared and unsure. Many of my sellers had to come to the table with money in 2009. There are a few areas that seem exempt from the slow economy, such as Cinco Ranch. So, for all the Hard Working Realtors, hang in there with me, and join me on top of the PILE.