In today's marketplace if you have a house to sell the key is obtaining a professional, independent market specific evaluation of your property.  Oh you say, "I've heard this and I've heard that and I believe that I have a handle on the market value of my property".

It is a mistake to ASSUME that the broad conceptions (or MISconceptions !) out there which suggest that because of a struggling marketplace, now is not the time to sell your home.  There is an inundation of negative press on the current real estate market.  Most media disseminated information is cast broadly, meaning over a wide geographic area spanning numerous differing markets.  Unfortunately, negative spins get more attention in the media. 

Misconception Number ONE
Property Values have dropped X%.  The actual information provided is the % increase or decrease in the AVERAGE SALES PRICE from one period to another.  Typically the data is compared from one month last year to the corresponding month this year (say May 2007 to May 2008).  So if you have read values have dropped 9%, it actually means that the average prices of homes purchased have fallen.  Said another way, more prospective buyers are seeking lower priced houses as opposed to higher priced houses.  This does NOT mean that the value of your home has dropped 9%.

Misconception Number TWO
You can take broadly compiled data and apply it to your local market.  So you read the paper and hear that values have dropped 9%.  Then you read closer only to find that it applies to the mid-atlantic region or possibly even the national marketplace.  Appraised values are generally determined by activity that occurs on comparable homes within a HALF TO ONE MILE RADIUS.  Please do not make the mistake of jumping to a conclusion in applying this type of data to your own unique property.

AN ALTERNATIVE THAT CAN GIVE YOU A YEAR OR MORE TO SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME
In certain circumstances, we can provide assistance including special seller incentives and the utilization of a special financing program through a local lender.  The combination of these two can allow for extended time to sell your existing residence for a period of up to one year (and sometimes exceeding one year).  In the meantime, we can start AND complete your new home AND you can move in prior to the sale and settlement of your current home.  Visit any of our communities to determine if this alternative might work for you.   

DO NOT RULE OUT RENTING
There are certain situations where renting is a viable alternative.  There can be an incredible upside to doing this over time.  Consider this possibility... You have a home with a current market value of $275,000.  With a 3% appreciation per year over a period of 15 years the value increases to more than $428,000.  So say that instead of selling your current residence you refinance it with a 15 year mortgage and decide to rent it.  While the rent subsidizes the house payment, at the end of 15 years you've build a nest egg approaching a half million dollars !

Take the appropriate steps to become informed... DO YOU HAVE 30 MINUTES ??
Our on site professionals have the ability on the spot to make a basic evaluation of your existing residence.  All that you have to do is provide some general information and give us 30 minutes to make an evaluation.  Go to lunch and when you return we'll provide the market data and a calculation of sellers net proceeds from the sale.  If the evaluation requires a visit to your property, many times this can occur in the same day.  Either way you'll be informed and able to use this information to make a sound decision on whether now is the right time to build your new home.