What's the Market Like?

The first question usually asked when one realizes that I'm a REALTOR is, "what's the market like?" Of course, some say "How's business?" When I entered the profession in 1985, my broker told me to answer the last question with :"It's great!"

Business is great as long as agents are helping buyers and sellers realize their wants and fulfill their needs! But we all know that the real meaning of the questions above is "are you selling a lot?" And the honest answer to that question is that the market is always slower this time of year than in the spring and summer months.

However, this may yield a benefit to either a buyer or a seller. Buyers have fewer other buyers competiting for properties. And sellers have fewer houses with which to compete. So, for folks who need to buy and sell in Johnson City and Kingsport, this may be the time!

So, I'd encourage buyers to be preapproved for a loan and sellers to have the property ready to sell and priced according to market statistics for similar properties. These are the most important variables, whatever the month!