Here it comes.....

Wow! This week has really gotten away from me. Sorry I haven't posted since Tuesday, but it's nice to know people are interested in what I'm saying from all the emails I received.

I'm working with buyers and it's only proving to me that people are ready to buy now! School will be back in session toward the end of next month and buyers want to be settled in their new homes before then.

I will offer a bit of advice to buyers - especially first time buyers - and I think I've said this before. Make a list of things you MUST have in your new home and things you would LIKE to have. When your agent sends you properties to look at via email (hopefully he's doing that), weed through the properties using your list. You don't need to see everything that's on the market, you just need to see the right houses. If you have 16 houses on your list, narrow them down to the best 5. I know buyers feel like they are going to miss the next best thing if they commit to one property, but you know what you like when you see it. And if a particular home meets all of your criteria, that's the one for you.

Your agent should be able to offer you advice while looking at properties. He or she can put into perspective the pros and cons of each property and relate them to the things you have told him or her about your perfect home. For instance; "well, this does have the large bedrooms you like, but you said you needed room to store your RV and this home definitely does not have that. You wanted a swimming pool and this home doesn't have one, but it does have the fireplace you wanted and it's in a great neighborhood."

Trust your instincts and don't confuse yourself by looking at too many homes. Make notes while you are looking at each one because you will surely forget which one had the wall to wall carpet and which had the tile when you get home that evening.

Ask to see your favorites for a second time and look at them with a more critical eye. Before you know it, you're ready to make an offer. Talk to your agent about the offer - you'd be surprised what types of deals are being made in this market.

As always, I'm here to answer your questions. I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday.