As we welcome the New Year, understanding the challenges that we faced in the real estate industry in 2009 will better prepare us for the opportunities that will present themselves in 2010. This is an ideal time to evaluate the decision to either hold or sell your property. In appreciating markets, the costs to hold, maintain and improve your property were absorbed and realized financially at the time the property sold. We all enjoyed this scenario in past years. In the current depreciating market, however, these same costs must be incurred without the expectation of a financial return. Instead, the return we realize is the enjoyment and quality of our life experience that the property provides us.
This non-financial "return" is personal and different for everyone. As I have mentioned before, our market is not typical of other markets that are reported in most media statistics. Even though we did experience short sales and foreclosures in 2009, we were not as impacted as other regions in San Diego County. When we represented Sellers, we took a proactive position with the Buyers' lenders and appraisers to ensure that the values of our clients' properties were upheld and that the desired loan amounts were achieved. When we represented buyers who were able to secure financing, we established solid relationships with lenders who are currently lending to credit-worthy borrowers. In both scenarios, we achieved favorable results for our clients. We are already seeing well-qualified buyers who have been waiting for the right time to enter the market, and we are utilizing our recently upgraded and improved internet, database, and computer capabilities to better "capture" them and market our listings.
We are also proud to report that my team, K. Ann Brizolis, and Associates, led all Prudential agents in the Rancho Santa Fe offices in the highest production for 2009. We never forget that our clients allow us to realize the success that we enjoy. Our commitment to you and to your property has never wavered; in fact, in a challenging real estate market, we are more determined than ever to earn your business and to represent your best interest.
This non-financial "return" is personal and different for everyone. As I have mentioned before, our market is not typical of other markets that are reported in most media statistics. Even though we did experience short sales and foreclosures in 2009, we were not as impacted as other regions in San Diego County. When we represented Sellers, we took a proactive position with the Buyers' lenders and appraisers to ensure that the values of our clients' properties were upheld and that the desired loan amounts were achieved. When we represented buyers who were able to secure financing, we established solid relationships with lenders who are currently lending to credit-worthy borrowers. In both scenarios, we achieved favorable results for our clients. We are already seeing well-qualified buyers who have been waiting for the right time to enter the market, and we are utilizing our recently upgraded and improved internet, database, and computer capabilities to better "capture" them and market our listings.
We are also proud to report that my team, K. Ann Brizolis, and Associates, led all Prudential agents in the Rancho Santa Fe offices in the highest production for 2009. We never forget that our clients allow us to realize the success that we enjoy. Our commitment to you and to your property has never wavered; in fact, in a challenging real estate market, we are more determined than ever to earn your business and to represent your best interest.