First off, thanks to those of you who are responsible for starting this forum.
I've just stumbled upon it while looking at some information from Phoenix (who could miss Jim Messengers site?), and was impressed with what I found.
My background:
Started out working for an appraiser in 1976 (MAI) which required that I become a licensee.
1981 started originating loans (19.5% with 6 points!), which I've done consistently since.
In 1993 I relocated from southern California to Las Vegas and started finding my own buyers and sharing them with Buyer Agents, which led to opening my own office in 2001.
At the height of our market we handled quite a few transactions (2004 379 sides & 2005 392 sides). This was done with a staff of 6, most of who were licensed.
This year has been quite a different story. Our marketplace has roughly 35 to 40 percent vacant homes for sale - which experience tells me where bought to "flip". Builders have been offering upwards of 12 percent co-ops and $50,000 to $100,000 in incentives to buyers. Both of these "competitors" have put quite a squeeze on the typical seller who just wants to get a bigger home, relocate to a different part of town, etc.
Buyers are confused and scared. And like most creatures "they stand firm in their tracks when they don't know what to do".
In the long run I believe in the fundamentals of the marketplace and more than anything believe in the homeownership dream that is one of the cornerstones of our nation.
I'm just starting to work on an internet program (when the fishing are jumping into the boat you spend all your time cleaning fish intead of looking at how to be a better fisherman!). And am very appreciative for this forum, as well as some others I've found, for the opportunity to learn from all of you.