As children, my mother used to tell us a fascinating story. She would start her mesmerizing tale by weaving our imagination around the excitement, sounds and rhythm of the scene on Market Monday. She held our rapt attention...describing ladies carrying their brightly colored bundles on their heads or on their backs as they walked towards the market to display their wares.
Some walked slowly...they had a lot of baggage on their mind. Others expertly balanced their loads on their heads...walking with the erect, graceful posture that one observes all across the African Continent. They all walked purposely. There was much to be sold at market this Monday.
As each person reached their assigned stall, the bundles would come down be unwrapped and arranged. Problems for Sale...all on creative display. Some were stacked a mile high. Others were sprawled artfully out of containers...begging you to reach and grab one to take home. After all the arranging and preening was done, the owners of the Problems would have a short time to catch their breath before the market opened. This provided an opportunity for them to glance over to see what their neighbors had brought for sale or to stroll around to take a look.
Immersed in the tale, she would encourage us to stroll around the perimeters of the market...looking at the various Problems that others had brought for sale. The picture was so real for me; markets are fascinating places. My mother would continue..."Look at those problems she would say...do you want what they have brought for Sale?" "Would you like a good dose of sickness or perhaps some additional financial misfortune?" We would of course shake our heads vigorously and say NO!
She ended the tale by telling us that soon after opening inspection, most people would return to their stalls and begin to pack up their loads. Perplexed we asked why? She said that after they had inspected other people's problems, they decided that it was best to return with the ones they brought with them.
Today, I read a blog post about the real estate market in parts of the country which are dealing with a 3- 5 YEAR INVENTORY of homes FOR SALE. I return again to the wisdom of my mother's story. It is time to pick up my bundle and go home. Here in Grand Rapids, Michigan we have between 9-11 months of inventory in most areas. In some areas it is less. While this may seem like a long time to wait for a home to sell, at least your home will be SOLD before a Freshmen in high-school is about to graduate! That is good News.
If you've been discouraged by all the bad news about the real estate industry, it's Time to Count Your Blessings and Be Thankful that you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Looking around at the situation in the country and in other parts of Michigan...we are blessed and have much to express Gratitude for this Thanksgiving Season.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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I'm grateful that I live in Crossville, TN. Beautiful, friendly, moderate weather, and home of the cheapest taxes in the state. No wonder retirees love to relocate here. More bang for your buck.
That's a great story and a nice comparison. We have about 2.5 years of inventory.
As for personal baggage, we're all better off just working to get rid of the baggage we're carrying than to pick up anyone else's. Besides, we've hopefully learned valuable lessons from whatever caused that baggage in the 1st place =)
Lola - our market is comparable to yours overall. I think the last numbers here were 10 - 18 months. That's bad, but not near as bad as some other areas. Certain areas of Toledo are really moving quite well.
Once again, my friend, you have provided a vision in the mind's eye of what another part of our world looks like. Your writing skills are superior - as you have been told time and again. I always enjoy reading your posts. Thank you.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Lovely post Lola.
Our market is very different in different counties. Overall we have inventory of about 9-15 months depending on the county.
However, we still have a disconnect between the list prices and qualifying incomes. So, I believe we'll have to see a 20-15% reduction in price before buyers will come out in significant numbers.
Sandi, Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the story. My mother is a great story teller...I've learned from her. Have an Awesome Thanksgiving Celebration.
Hi Lola - what an amazing lesson your mom taught you while you were growing up! And what a way to relay it to us. This certainly helps us to put things in their proper perspective. Like you, I too, shall take my bundles and come on back to my home.......
Thank you for a fabulous post!
Ann
Amen Carole, We're given grace for what belongs to us...not the "property" of some one else. :) Thanks for your comment & Have a Great Thanksgiving weekend.