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Featured Real Estate – Perspective – By Louis Raskasky GOLFViews Contributing Writer I recently listened to an economic report detailing the “doom and gloom” in the real estate market. It can be downright depressing to listen to these reports. Then why is it I feel good about the current opportunities in the real estate market. I believe that the real estate market is good if you are sitting in the right seat. Let’s use a hypothetical example to explain my optimism. Would you be interested in a new car or TV if you could get it for 30% off retail? (For the record houses are not 30% off.) Let’s come back to this question in a moment. Today, the media is focused on a constant drum beat of negativity regarding the real estate market. It is true that the market is down in a number of areas across the country and the media has picked up on this. (Unfortunately bad news sells.) In many areas, homes for sale are lingering on the market longer, home prices are down and sellers are upset that they can not get their asking prices. If you are a seller you probably believe the current market to be quite painful. However, do you recall a few years back when the market was “great?” Property values were driven up by “irrational exuberance.” The media focused on the boom calling it a housing bubble and making statements like “when will the bubble burst?” A great sellers market existed. However, by now we should realize that all markets are cyclical. Returning to my question from above. If you could get a significant discount on a car or TV would you be interested? How about a house? The current market is primed for buyers due to lower home prices, sellers’ willingness to negotiate and a low interest rate environment. If you truly believe in the wisdom of the “buy low, sell high” theory of economics, then I suggest you look at the real estate market. Consider some of the major economic factors influencing buyer enthusiasm. Net migration into Colorado continues to be positive. Job additions remain positive. There are fewer new homes being built at the moment and property values are lower than they have been in a while. And if you hadn’t noticed, Colorado is a great place to live. All of these and a number of other economic factors would lead one to believe the market is primed to move up in the near future. Take a moment to examine the current trends and compare them to previous years. You can find unlimited economic information on the internet and in print. Review economic forecasts and then talk with professionals for their opinions. I believe you will come to a similar conclusion. Whether you are a first time buyer, moving to a larger home or buying investment property, the time seems right to start that search. I can help you through the process. Feel free to visit my website www.coloradogolfcourseliving.com , e-mail me at louis@coloradogolfcourseliving.com or call (720) 224-8085. I look forward to hearing from you.