There Will Be Winners!

And rightfully so, buyer interest is back, I know, I watch it everyday; the numbers since Christmas are indicating strong buyer activity, a level well above 2012 or 2011. Is it fiction, or is it reality? Can’t tell just yet, but in my opinion buyer activity increases are worthy of action and worthy of respect. If we have a market for 2013 I don’t think waiting for more signs of life will offset letting high interest today leave in the rearview mirror.

The facts are clear and history proves it. Activity begins, activity turns into contacts, contacts turn into showings, and showings turn in to offers, and offers into closings.

OK, the activity has started. Where do you want to be in this food chain?

The beginning of the cycle is here and real, how long activity levels will hold up is a mystery, but one thing is for sure, the activity that is occurring and that has already occurred will put quite a few sales in the pipeline for closings in April and May.

Oh, and the financial markets are up. Let’s focus on selling and standing for freedom, two positives that I think will help us all manage our brains through whatever comes along.

Good luck and good selling.

Sell Ranches, Buy Ranches

Capital is coming because it has few places left to go!

Values and demand are going up, which one moves the quickest is still in questions, but you may take stock in the fact that people are starting to realize that the train may be leaving the station, low interest rates and market bottom pricing are coming to an end.

They will act, they are acting, and money will be going into real estate in 2013.

Is there a compelling argument that real estate is not the next financial success story? We all know that if there is anything that has been oversold and underappreciated since 2007 it is real estate. The pendulum will and is moving, finally, and in the right direction.

Now is the time to get your lines baited and hooks in the water because buyers will be buying properties in the next six-months from dealmakers, the brokers and agents who know and understand how to put deals together and make deals happen. Even if you don’t trust me at least try to remember that I proposed these facts on the first working day of 2013, buyers will be buying.

Let’s also not forget that we need some patience, buyers have to get their legs underneath them, and while it’s important to pre-qualify lets try not to over scrutinize opportunity too soon. Buyers require some appreciation right now for sticking their heads up, so for now let’s assume that everyone is capable of buying until proven otherwise.

Hey, we need a little practice as well.

Good luck and good selling.

Happy New Year! It's Time To Reset

Tomorrow begins 2013, a new year with new challenges and new opportunities, yes opportunities. I simply cannot help myself but I am optimistic about 2013 because of one thing, our country has finally begun to realize that a recovery in real estate is a recovery for everything. We won’t be leading from behind this year, we will be in front of whatever recovery we have, and I believe you can take that to the bank!

Money policy, inflation, demand, interest rates, inventory levels, and prices will fuel a more consistent and increasing demand for real estate. I don’t believe it is a question of if it will happen, but how strong it will be. The Texas market is over depressed due to economic and political reasons because of our conservative nature. We cannot help it, however, as impossible as it may seem, our lone star will become even more valuable in the coming year and with that so will our prosperity and opportunity as it relates to selling Texas. The simple fact is that we will see a lot more money pouring into Texas as the backlash of taxes and over regulation takes their toll on past economically successful states. This will translate into more capital and more opportunity for us, and I am OK with that.

Texans don’t like uncertainty and we’ve had way too much over the last four years. Going forward that won’t completely change, but what will occur is a more robust and recognizable recovery that the majority of people will accept and act on. The bottom line is that there will be more buyers in the market; there will be more buyers in 2013.

It is time to reset!

Let’s not go “all in” but let’s do put some bait in the water, sooner as opposed to later. And, let’s also realize that buyers will still be looking for the “deal makers”, brokers and agents who know how to put sales together and know how to get offers that are realistic and closeable. Your knowledge and ability will pay some dividends in 2013, and, isn’t it about time?

Good luck and good selling.

Capital Farm Credit Stockholders Receive $55 Million in Cash

BRYAN, Texas — Capital Farm Credit Board of Directors recently approved a $55 million cash distribution by retiring a portion of previously-allocated equities.

Combined with cash patronage paid in the spring, Capital Farm Credit has returned record cash distributions totaling $93.4 million, in 2012. Customers will receive their portion of the cash payment this fall.

Capital Farm Credit has a long tradition of strong earnings and, in return, is able to share almost 100 percent of profits with its customers. The ability to return patronage each year affirms Capital Farm Credit’s mission to provide financing and related services to agriculture and rural America, and also affords its membership net borrowing costs lower than many competitors.

“Capital Farm Credit values its customers and the more efficiently we operate, the more profits we can share,” said Ben Novosad, chief executive officer. “We believe this is a value-added service that sets us apart from other financial institutions.”

Capital Farm Credit is the state’s largest rural lender and has 95 years of experience providing financing to farmers, ranchers and other rural property owners. For more information about Capital Farm Credit, its patronage program and its office locations, visit www.CapitalFarmCredit.com.

Insight on the real estate market across the United States, with Russel Haraus, Appraisal Research Counselors, and our own Steve Haines, Texas Real Estate Magazine, and Leslie Erickson, Prudential Georgia Realty.

Watch video on dicussion on Home sellers continuing to slash their asking prices, according to Trulia.com. our own Steve Haines, of Texas Real Estate Magazine; Russ Haraus, of Appraisal Research Counselors in Chicago; and Charles Cohen, of Cohen Brothers Realty in New York, share their perspectives.

Watch video of discussion on whether the housing market has hit a bottom that aired on CNBC's Squawk on the Street, with Russ Haraus, Appraisal Research Counselors; our own Steve Haines, Texas Real Estate Magazine; and Charles Cohen, Cohen Brothers Realty.