What can we do to 'fix' our market

After watching predictions for todays market, I thought it would be another great Monday to start the week. But after another 200+ point drop in the market, I am reminded of what our US economy is based on: speculation. Simple predictions of what a bunch of people 'think' our market will be doing over the future. I am not a licensed economist, nor do I pretend to know about the state of business. What I do know is that it would be wise to listen to those that have become rich off of the 'speculation' of the future of a particular business. The Snowball as he has become more widely called, since his recent book, has acres of diamonds to share with us all. Warren Buffett once said our stock market should only be open for trading a few times a year. This would prevent the 'speculation' market, at least as it is now. I have not read his new book, nor any book he has been a part of in the last four years. His wisdom transcends the current state of our market and places a great perspective on our business.

Over the last several years I have tried to study our US market economy. What little I have gleamed from this process continues to point towards our perceived notions as the basis for our US market. When people think our market is getting better, the pour money into the markets, when they perceive the market as getting worse, they tuck tail and run. So where does that leave us? I will answer that with a quick story about the local news...

We get the Charlotte news in our area. It has become affectionately known as the nightly crime report. For some reason the main channel my TV is on when the 'news' starts or is advertising for later is FOX. They are masters at taking every single incident in Charlotte and making it seem like the world is coming to an end. The reasoning for this approach is clear, more people watch the news when it is negative or suspensionful than when the story is about the person who saved his neighbors life.

So, is it any wonder why our speculative market continues to get worse when we allow our minds to get inundated with the 'media spin' on the state of our market.

Thank You,

Marc White

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

The Green Economy

While this might be a great title for a new book, speech, or argument against the current recession; I am talking about the upcoming information and networking event hosted by ASU Center for Entrepreneurship. Tuesday, February 24 at 8:30 pm, this free event is designed to provide an arena of discussion and information for people to have a greater understanding about the technologies and advancement going green has for both private business and private home owners. It also will focus on how builders, developers, and other business owners can take advantage of this movement.



Renewable energy is not new to the High Country, for years ASU has been using renewable energy around their facilities. The local community embraces the idea and has supported renewable and sustainable energy initiatives in many ways. As gas prices soared through the roof last year, people in the area began finding out more about the current green technology than ever before.



While we embrace this change, we must also start to make it a staple in our communities.



Thank you,

Marc White
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

Land Financing

How do you thi

Third Monday Market Updates

Earlier this month, I had indicated that the market looked to be getting a little better. While this is true, it certainly looks like it is going to take some time for our ‘recovery’. Our Absorption Rate (or inventory numbers) continues to rise, while our sales decline slightly. The decline of sales is mainly due to the time of year and the lower numbers from the last twelve months. As some sellers are getting more desperate, we have seen a reduction in sales prices (not necessarily a reduction in value). Recently our government has voted to “restore our economy” with a stimulus package that has been much anticipated and may or may not actually be a help to our economy.

With all of this said, we are anticipating our market to start its recovery in the third quarter this year (it might even begin earlier in the second quarter). With inventory numbers are high as they are right now, I am trying to spend all of my time marketing property; Taking extra time to find new marketing mediums and continuing to build upon those I have already established. Your input is greatly appreciated, as I know there are new websites and marketing mediums that hit our market everyday.

If you have any questions please contact me at anytime.

Thank you,

Marc White

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

Economic Stimulus

With all the hype $800 billion dollars can buy, it looks that the government is passing the newest economic stimulus package. The local High Country real estate market (comprised mostly of Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk), is not expecting this recent bill to overtly effect the sales of all real estate.

The stimulus package was at first to include a $15,000 tax credit for all home purchases. After short debates, it was thrown out of the bill. For many areas, this change will have some negative effects on the real estate market. But for the High Country, we will see little to no effect from this "last minute" change. Our market is mostly comprised of buyers and sellers who are purchasing or selling a second home.

Also, with the sales reduction we saw through 2008, and the number of "lookers" so far in 2009, this Economic Stimulus package will effect is through other avenues, outside the real estate industry. Many sellers are getting more and more anxious to part ways with their real estate. The largest obstacle the High Country real estate market has to overcome is the current market for financing land sales (which you will hear more about in this blog in the coming days).

Thank you,

Marc White
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

Tax on Avery Co Land voted down

Last week many people reported that Avery Co residence had voted to approve the recent Avery County Land Transfer Tax, which was proposed by they Avery County Commissioners. The re-evaluation process confirmed the erroneous counting performed by the Avery County Board of Elections.

Today, it was confirmed that the vote to approve the Avery County Land Transfer Tax was denied by the residence of Avery County. It was a very close vote, will numerous negative statements mentioned against those lobbying for and against the ballot.

While I am not a resident of Avery County, it is my opinion that the Avery County Commissioners overstepped the boundaries of legal voting and may have swayed many voters because of their actions.

Many people I have had the opportunity to talk with completely disagreed with the Avery County Commissioners and their actions before the voting took place.

For the twenty-fourth time, the proposal has been turned down by the North Carolina residence. Going forward from here, we will continue to see the North Carolina people vote against local county commissioners. Maybe after 24 votes, the commissioners will stop wasting our money and allow the voices of nearly 8 million voices be heard.


Thank you,

Marc White
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

Updates

As we begin to enter this busy season for High Country Real Estate, I have bit off a little more than I can chew. Over the last three weeks, I have begun the process of dramatically changing the face of High Country blogging, well at least for you and me.

Over the next two months, all three of my blogs will be focused here. We will provide information about the High Country Real Estate market as well as the High Country in general. I want you to have a better understanding of the beautiful North Carolina High Country, and this is where your search should start.

Feel free to leave me Questions you might have for me about this beautiful place.

Thank you,

Marc White
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC