In reviewing the sales stats for the Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, I have the following information to share:

In first quarter 2008, there were 53 sales in the residential sector in Douglas County.  14 of them were in January, 21 in February and 18 in March.  Seven sales were REO or Bank Owned representing 13% of the sales.  By price:  11 sales were $0-$100k,  19 sales were $101-$150k,  10 sales were $151-$200k,  10 sales were $201-$300k  and 5 sales were over $300k.

In first quarter 2009, there were 39 sales in the residential sector in Douglas County.   11 of them were in January, 17 in February and 11 in March.  Thirteen sales were REO or Bank Owned representing 33% of the sales.  By price:  17 sales were $0-$100k,  9 sales were $101-$150k, 7 sales were $151-$200k,  4 sales were $201-$300k and 2 sales were over $300k.

Overall, sales were down first quarter 2009, over 2008 by approximately 26%.  The seven sales in 2009 that were $151-$200k , topped at $179,800.  So that means that 33 of the 39 sales in the first quarter were below the $180,000 price tag.

Statistical information provided by the Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

These statistics however grim, do have a bright spot.  Even though sellers are taking a hit on the chin, it is probably one of the best times to buy real estate I have seen in my career.  The housing affordability index is off the charts with interest rates and prices where they are.  The fear and  paralysis that people have when investing into their future is normal.  Usually, by the time that fear goes away it’s too late to get in on the best deals.   Some refer to that as the “herd mentality”.  To make the most of any market, try to do the opposite of what the rest of the people are doing.   People with money will usually advise you in that direction every time.

Couple of other things, probably that I don’t proclaim to know too much about but:  this Summit Meeting that President Obama is at…that will probably change a lot of things in the future.  One being maybe the dollar’s usual standing as being the top currency in the world.  There may be another one or two that enter that arena.   Keep an eye on China.  Also, our national debt is incredibly high.  If inflation rears it’s ugly head like it did during President Carter…the best and probably the only place to be invested is real estate (especially for us “lay” people).  

Keep a close eye on the horizon, try to predict the future events, get in the crossfire with your investments.  There are books out there that keep you thinking.  I read Megatrends in the early 80′s.  He said that as the world becomes more technically advanced, people would reach out more to connect with other humans.  Hence, cellphones, email, texting, computers…there are more visionairies like this out there.

World Population is going through the roof.  We are no way near ZPG.

U.S. Population is rapidly growing.

The need for food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, clean air, energy…all of this will affect the human race for the next 100 years.   And we haven’t even started to talk about the advent of nano-technology.  It’s going to be an exciting ride…the next century that is.   And don’t forget, it all needs real estate…and turn off the daily news.

I would appreciate some feedback, let me know your thoughts