Against the Grain. A Sioux Falls Realtor thought.

Against the Grain.

Have you ever seen furniture or a guitar made of quarter sawn oak or maple? The grains are tighter and there are these little ribbons of pattern that burst sporatically throughout the surface of the wood. It’s really quite amazing and the name for those ribbon like patterns is kind of spectacular too. They are called medullary rays. (possible rock band name?)

These natural patterns/rays can't be seen or admired from wood that’s just cut the typical plain old way. It reveals something exciting and interesting that is hidden beneath the surface. This is achieved because the cut of the log was done by “going against the grain.” And that is EXACTYLY why I can appreciate it. It becomes an allegory for a lot of what I believe in.

If told, Do something. I will reply “I will.” If told, Do something different. I will kick back my chair, hop on the counter, hold up the rocker finger horns and belt out “R-R-R-Right On!”

Give something new.
Don’t let fear stop you.

The concert in my mind repeats these kind of lines like the chorus of a heavy metal ballad. Hey, it's my path to encouragement :)

I believe in innovation and more than anything I appreciate it when others believe in it too. I love it. I admire it. It simply ROCKS!

If you are going to do something, look to the leaders of those who have done it before you. Find out how they operate. Find out what systems they used to put on their show. Mimic these things that make their work easier, better, smoother. Then take that last bit, the piece (of the furniture, or song if you will) that everyone sees and turn it. Mix it up. Blast something that is unique for the whole world to hear!

I try to do that with my real estate career. I try to see what the leaders in my field are doing to systematize and I work on that. Then I add my own style.

 I can tell you that sometimes an idea will flop. Other times it will work. Sometimes people will ‘get it’ and other times they won’t. But I know that the right idea for each unique home or buyer at the right time can make a plain old situation turn into ribbons and patterns of coolness! I hope one day to be able to pack a stadium with past clients.

Now, how can I form a rock band and convince them to market my real estate biz for me?....

Dog Days of Summer in Sioux Falls

The Dog Days of Summer

Here we are in the thick of summer. Droplets of sweat form on our brows like condensation on a cold glass of iced tea. Our kids perch in front of oscillating fans to numb thoughts of impending school days. And our dogs lay spread eagle on shady cool grass.

Despite the heated discourse in Washington and searing concerns over the country's deficit and credit worthiness, house sales in Sioux Falls have been slightly higher than this period last year. I'm guessing, based on our pending sales numbers that this will continue through the rest of this quarter.

 

The immediate result of our S&P down-grade to AA+ will be stock market lows and peaks. But more importantly to our real estate market, it is estimated to bring yet another temporary dip in interest rates.

Both situations are ripe for opportunity. Long term investors and those who believe in home ownership will take advantage of the cheap money to reach their big picture goals.

It's like my dogs, they take advantage of the hot sun to warm their tummies and the dewy lawn to cool their backs. They seem to understand that every situation has multiple opportunities. Many people will be wise and do the same and see this time as the right time to invest for the future.

Kick back, cool down, unleash your dreams and enjoy the sunshine! Consider whether now is a good time for you to sell and/or buy some real estate.  Sioux Falls is ready when you are and so am I. Call, text or email me anytime.

John Maurer

THE AGENT

605-521-1183

John@GetTheAgent.com



Snapshot: The STATE of Sioux Falls, SD Real Estate

What's going on in the Sioux Falls housing market?  For anyone asking, here's a quick snapshot of our market today (May 18, 2011):

There are 1,126 homes for sale on the market in Sioux Falls
Nearly 50% of these homes are priced at $150,000 OR LESS
161 of these homes are priced at or BELOW $100,000 OR LESS
There are currently 337 Homes with ACCEPTED offers on them right now.
Since the first of the year, 611 Homes have sold in Sioux Falls.
Nearly HALF of these sales have occurred since April 1st!

My perspective:
We are teetering on a shift in the seasonal market here. There are some good indications that the Buyer and Seller markets are reaching an equilibrium.  Historically this should shift a bit towards a Seller's market within the upcoming weeks.  The numbers above show an even stronger potential for the shift.

Consider that within the last month and a half over 600 homes have sold or are under contract and there are fewer than 1200 homes available.  This means a quickly shrinking availability of homes compared to home shoppers. This equals potential higher demand and therefore higher bargaining power for the Sellers out there!

If you are a Buyer, don't fret yet.  Great rates and programs are available to give you more power than ever.  Plus home prices have still been held low for now after coming off of the last couple of years, so you still have purchase strength for your dollar!