Welcome to 2015

If you're reading this post, you've made it to 2015.  Congratulations and welcome!!!!  We are expecting and working to have a fantastic year.

There is really nothing to going from one day to the next and putting up a new calendar but psychology, entering a new year makes everyone feel you have a new start!  A new beginning!  A way to forget the negative things that happened last year and look forward to the year ahead.  I am typically a very optimistic person by nature, even in the midst of adversity.  This year is no different and I seem to be even more positive this year than most for some reason.

I'm not super big on New Years resolutions but I'm HUGE on goal setting.  Maybe it's the same thing but this year, I'm making a very small change in my goal setting this year than others.  I've set up 4 personal goals for myself that are all unconnected to each other.  Personal, professional and I've written them down!  I have a board in my office that they will remain there as a reminder each day.  I've got steps to take on a daily basis to achieve those goals too that are on my calendar to remind me of the steps to achieving my goals.  On the surface, they are not life changing goals but they are steps that can and will be life changing.

I recently read an article on Zillow's blog that US renters spent 441 Billion on rents in 2014 and spent $21 billion more in rent in 2014 than in 2013.  It is expected that rents will increase again this year and rise faster than home values.  What does this all mean?  Well, if you are in a position to buy a home, NOW is the answer if you are thinking about buying because interest rates are remaining low and prices are already increasing but at a modest pace.  There is a good chance you can own cheaper per month than rent.  If you are an investor and thinking about buying, NOW is the answer if your thinking about buying investment property.  Rates are still low (investors are going to pay more than homeowners) and your investment should increase in value as your renter reduces the mortgage for you.  Investors should remain careful what and where they purchase though.  How about the Sellers?  Well, I had a very VERY wealthy businessman tell me one time the best time to sell something is when you have a buyer!  So, is it a good time to sell?  YES is the answer to that question but be careful about pricing yourself correctly where it's not too high turning off prospects.

You want to hire a local Realtor to ensure your transaction goes smoothly and your getting the most for your money on both the buyers and sellers side.

Whatever you do, make 2015 the best ever for yourself and someone else too!!!!!  Thank you for your time and hope you find this article useful!