Lindy Mahoney
"I am predicting a great fall market. Sales are still below where they were in 2008, but we are ahead of 2010. There are huge values in the market currently, and I have buyers moving in to take advantage of opportunities they feel won't be available for long. Most of them are making their purchases with cash. Global conditions do affect us, especially at lower price points. However, many of my clients feel that real estate is a better place to put their money than gold."
Mike Reddell
"For many buyers, there will likely never be a better time to buy than this fall. Therefore, I expect the fall market to be strong for the following reasons: Interest rates remain at near historic lows, prices are still attractive, there is much less inventory now compared to one year ago, and there is very little new inventory in the pipeline. All of these factors tend to provide a sense of urgency for buyers. For sellers, I think the same criteria make it a great time to sell. Although, in some cases, sellers need to better understand the importance of having the right initial list price as a mechanism to attract buyers. The luxury market is significantly different from the rest of the real estate market. While many consumers are paralyzed by the chaos they hear and read about, the luxury buyer is not nearly as impacted. Confidence in the luxury market continues to increase, mainly because available inventory levels have decreased dramatically over the last year or so. Demand has remained relatively constant."
LeeLee Gioia
"We are working with clients who are looking for alternative investments in this volatile global market. Real estate is material, concrete--something that doesn't evaporate into thin air. We have lived through the feeding and fasting frenzies of the last four years. Finally we now have a solid, long-term window of opportunity for buyers and sellers. Interest rates are historically low. These rates, combined with the intelligent pricing that the market is mandating, make for extraordinary times for anyone interested in real estate. The energy is there and is gaining significant momentum."
Pete Ryan
"In all candor, people are tired of sitting on their money. In Dallas there are a lot of buyers out looking for homes. I know of people buying homes and then starting remodeling projects that are significant. People are living their lives despite what is happening in Greece or other parts of the world. I think the fall market is going to be a positive one. "
Judy Sessions
"So far the fall market has been stable with buyers motivated to act in order to take advantage of low interest rates. While the Wall Street situation always affects the confidence of buyers, I feel that low interest rates are important to keeping real estate activity strong. And the key for sellers is pricing correctly for the market and not necessarily according to their appraisal. "
William Seale
"I think we're likely to see an increase in cash or large down payment transactions. Buyers are turning to real estate over securities as a safer haven for their money. As for sellers, I see them becoming increasingly protective of their residences as investments as well. I believe we're headed back to a seller's market as inventory shrinks and demand grows. We're already seeing that phenomenon in the Park Cities area."
Susie Ryan
"We are busy showing properties. People are looking, and luxury buyers are actively seeking special pieces of property. Of course, buyers are also in search of good deals. I also find sellers are looking to price their properties right. I have also seen a lot of new people coming to Dallas, so I find that to be a real positive. It is a reflection of how strong Dallas is as a city."
Joan Eleazer
"I am optimistic about the fall market with the interest rates low for buyers and sellers understanding the importance of having the right price. There are great buys out there, and I am finding more and more buyers ready to move forward and buy. I am seeing more confidence in the market than I have in the past 18 months. It is also a great time for buyers to move up in size and value. With the volatility of the stock markets, more people are turning to real estate as a safe haven. They know property will retain its value, especially in Dallas where we have remained strong."
Jamie Adams
"I feel that more long-term confidence in the economy is needed as in my 27 years in the real estate business I have never seen better interest rates or overall inventory."
Jackie and Cory McGuire
"Due to the lowest interest rates we have ever experienced (which we know will help with jumbo loans) we expect to have more buyers in our high-end market. Sellers are realizing that the inventory in the high-end market is becoming low in areas like Highland Park and consequently are feeling more optimistic about listing before the spring market. Our sellers and buyers are closely watching Wall Street, the global market and what is going on in DC. We feel instability in Europe (i.e. Greece) makes an argument for people to invest their money in secure places like the US and in assets like real estate. The upcoming US elections will likely give a boost to the economy as candidates make promises to improve the economy, which in turn should help the Texas economy and the housing market."
Karla Trusler
"I am encouraged by the activity I am already seeing for this fall market. I believe it is the combination of extremely low interest rates and a broader offering of loan products that is motivating buyers to move quickly when they find the right house. I am also amazed at the number of clients who are telling us they would prefer to buy first THEN sell. To me that is encouraging. For the last several years it seems most clients viewed that as too great a risk, but clearly the tide is turning in their eyes."
Sandy Petruska
"I think the fall market looks solid. Cash buyers are on the hunt, and while we are all concerned about the debt crisis, buyers are still looking for homes that are well priced. Sellers with homes that are unique and offer value have the greatest opportunity to sell."
Brenda White
"This fall market is an incredible time to buy with all-time low interest rates and competitive housing prices. My recommendation to sellers is that they price realistically at the beginning of the listing to have the best chance for a quick sale and a good return on their investment. My experience is that the longer a property stays on the market the more the contract price declines. While what is going on globally, on Wall Street and in DC can cause uncertainty, I am seeing a lot of cash sitting on the sidelines with many buyers waiting for signs of stability in order to jump in. The luxury market continues to move forward."
Susan Baldwin
"I feel good about the fall market, and I am seeing plenty of buyers and sellers. There is not enough inventory, so it is a great time for sellers to put a home on the market. Buyers, while they may be cautious given the world and domestic environments, are ready to buy if a home is well priced and they take advantage of low interest rates. I feel the market is either at the bottom or very close, so buyers are getting more house than ever. My clients feel that while circumstances may be challenging, Dallas has great fundamentals, and the time is right to take advantage of opportunities in the market. "
Alex Trusler
"I'm optimistic about the fall market. While I feel that the financial situation in the US and throughout the world can be a challenge and may motivate some buyers to consider their purchase decision very carefully, I am still seeing many buyers moving forward. They know that real estate is traditionally a very good long-term investment, so they are pulling assets out of the stock market and putting them into real estate."
Becky Frey
"If the last few months have been an indicator of the fall market, then it is going to be strong. Our supply of ready-to-move-into homes is low, and the ones I have listed this year, if priced well, have sold within 30 days. Buyers are out there and are still cautious about overpaying. But with all the sales we have had the last 12 months we have been able to reestablish pricing which helps. Whenever there is a big dip in the stock market, I see another wave of cautiousness. I recently had a discussions with a clients who are in retail and do a lot of buying in Europe - they expect the financial situation to effect their business, which as we know all trickles down. But there could not be a better time to buy with prices and interest rates."
Jeannie Nethery
"Low interest rates, reasonable housing prices, a favorable lending environment for qualified buyers has created an exceptional market condition for savvy buyers. Sellers who properly prepare their homes to market and price the home near the expected selling price find the home selling for a higher price in a shorter period of time."