While reading the real estate section of my local paper today (San Diego Union-Tribune, Sunday Edition, May 18) I came across an article that sorta bothered me. I thought longer about what the author had to say in it, and I read it more carefully, beyond so much weariness of indignation, because I felt that I had been ‘hyped,’ at least if I was not lying. I decided to contribute to the rest of the story.
I report that the article was in the buying guide (SD Homes) classifieds section. In small print on the second page is an advertising disclaimer. I feel that the paper is negligent in not requiring the author of this blatant hype article, which is on page 1, to point out in bold letters at the top and bottom of his statement, when it is clearly not a balanced and factual representation of the current situation. real estate market in San Diego County. And maybe not in the area either.
They don’t mind professional people trying to “sell” their work, houses in this case, as long as it stays within the rules of fair play and truth in selling. This is not, I think, done here. Instead we have ‘hyping’, and selling the idea of ’now is the time to buy your dream home’ just the approach of fear. ‘Why, if you don’t buy now,’ the author and gang seem to suggest, ‘you’ll be missing out on the rising market as we speak.’ Not exactly the words, but you get the idea. We’ve heard it before, with realtors feeling the crash of heavy market declines in their portfolios. A clean and simple case overflowing with the expected effect of moving buyers to the sideline of the market. Do the buyers have their goods? Or to earn a few dollars in commissions? Judge. It is better, however, to read the article and do some further research by independent real estate professionals and see if I am wrong in my suspicions.
The article I am referring to (Waiting to buy is a risky business) is by Steve Rodgers, President and CEO of Prudential Realty of California. In it, he paints a rosy picture of the real estate market in San Diego. He makes such innocuous statements as “the stabilization of the market (?) took place quietly all over the world”. (no!) and, “As house prices stabilize and rise in some areas, waiting to buy becomes more expensive every day.” In addition, Steve writes to me “April was the pivotal month… asking the price just dropped. half percent… .” (Doesn’t that mean they’re still falling and not rising? Aren’t I waiting a little longer for a better deal? Are prices falling?) And, as Steve well knows, ‘seeking prices’ means squatting.” Closing prices are key to the market and have fallen precipitously. Steve doesn’t give you a hint of their regrets although in fairness he should.
The real kicker in the article is that he uses one of his agents, Steven Campbell, an agent in Prudential’s California office in Rancho Bernardo, to fuel his hype. “There seems to be a trend toward stabilization,” says Steven. (Gee, isn’t that an unambiguous and clear statement of the matter? Makes me want to grab my wallet and run to his office so he doesn’t miss the schedule again. By the way, what in the hell did he do. And as they say?)
But expect more pontification and flattery. Steven Campbell continues “As home prices begin an upward trend, the prospect of hunting potential buyers becomes more dangerous.” (Wow, I’m really scared now!) “How much longer can you wait?” asks Stephen. “Right now it’s proving to be a great time to buy because of the combination of factors,” Campbell continues, “Prices are slowly coming back into focus.” (Please can someone explain that last bit to me?? Does real estate sound like Orwellian double talk to me?)
I’m not working on the point; Suffice it to say that it’s hype and it’s a little insincere to say it’s damned pure without a bad trick. Campbell is moving its line up with “a historic surge in the market, many consumers will find that now, more than ever before, is the time The American dream of home ownership.” (Stephen, I remind you – without hesitation – that you are a dreamer, not an American.
The fact is that the national housing market, as well as in San Diego, is not and will not be at the bottom. many months ago. Inventory for both new and existing homes continues to increase monthly as homes remain on the market for extended periods, foreclosures will be added over several months to reach an already overflowing inventory of homes and you can afford it while mortgages are being purchased. will remain low, qualifying to buy a home will be harder than in many years. The unsecured loans of the first half of the 2000s will no longer be no-money-down, low-interest loans.
I don’t envy a good, hard-working sales person five minutes on the clock to get me to buy a product; But I ask that they do so clearly. And there are many realtors out there who will give you honest and thorough advice on possibly the biggest purchase of your life. They do not use inflated inflation, and are afraid to introduce a system to buy. Not if real estate agent is good for you, you are not for him. Not if they are ambitious and ethical.
Such notables as their own site DataQuick, a real estate companyreal estate market analysts here and elsewhere contradict almost all of Rodgers’ Happy looking forward now. They are not advocates of gloom and doom, but things to consider. The San Diego real estate market is not on an upward spiral and it won’t be anytime soon. Don’t get caught up in so much hype that you’re ready to commit; Buy a house when it suits you, not when your real estate is ready because you need money. He buys them and brings them with him.
With some indicators the real estate market may show a slow decline, it should be considered. the time of the year and the time appropriate for the analysis. The boom times are not with us now, and they are far from it. Bear with me, buyers.
Mr. Rodgers is in a high position as the President and CEO of a popular real estate company. However, his here in this case is more like Mr. Rodgers of TV fame. fairy tales bedtime. He knows better in this time of many hurting home buyers and financially strapped buyers than to be a joke. for whatever reason. Sell Rodgers real estate – this is your job – don’t hype it!
I remember two movies that I enjoyed a few years back, both of which are commercial and ethical. One was “Flim-Flam Man,” the other “Rainmaker.” Both embody the lovable confidence of people who go around to small towns looking for dishes to scratch out of money. Both are in book form and I recommend them to Mr. Rodgers of Prudential California Realty.
