I've made headlines...on page four to be precise. The neighborhood edition of the Sunday Houston Chronicle has featured yours truly in the Real Estate section. Thanks to Helene Achanzar for contacting me out of the blue for my opinion on the state of the market. Read on, B-Reader, for the entire write-up.
Houston Chronicle – Real Estate Section of Bellaire/River Oaks/West U Neighborhood Edition
Sunday, October 17, 2010
“Sound Off” by Helene Achanzar
Q. Would you say people have been less afraid to put their homes on the market in the past six months than during the same six months in 2009?
A: I would say people are more hesitant to put their homes on the market. Prospective sellers are reluctant to sell because they see other properties stay on the market for a long time, and we're having a hard time finding buyers for the homes that are already on the market.
Buyers are unsure of the decisions Congress will make about taxes next year. Some of my clients entered the buying market months ago and have recently decided to wait until next year because of the federal tax issues. They're uncertain about what will happen with the economy and their job stability. Some first-time home buyers are leasing their homes now, and they consider how property taxes and home insurance will increase their debt load if they stop leasing.
Katherine Chalkley, Hunter Real Estate Group, West University
