No question it’s rough out there. Many agents and brokerages are closing up shop. We on the other hand opened our brokerage in February. Some very experienced brokers thought I was nuts for opening a brokerage in this market.

It’s not easy. But we’re making it work.

Before your readers go out and pour money into short sale property and foreclosures take note on some info. Did you also know that foreclosure homes that people have bought the past few years are now being foreclosed on or sold at short sales.

One top local broker who once answered the phone on the second ring – now the phone goes to a answering machine.

On a positive note: One Scottsdale Realtor has told me he has just had his best year ever. This guy is a specialist in his area. His hard word has payed off in this tough housing market.

Have a good one,

Pete Kosednar

Mortgage Samson – is there something you know that you're not sharing with the rest of us?

It is what it is though, and as you pointed out, it looks like prices may be declining by less! We can only hope this continues and keep faith in the cycle…it might be worth mentioning that there are several AZ zip codes that have done quite well – which is why it's important to have an agent help with the purchase.