The Mood of the Move

Tom Hopkins is a renowned international speaker and sales trainer.  In my early career days, Tommy was my hero and mentor.  New in the business of real estate, I was hungry to learn how to sell.  Mr. Hopkins taught me more.

Today, more than ever, knowing why someone is moving, or wants to move, is far more important than any selling technique one could learn.  It’s the basis for The Dream Home Process.

When a mother tells us she wants 4 bedrooms on one level and a family neighborhood.  What she is really telling us is that she wants her young children next to her at night giving her comfort knowing they are safe and she is quickly available for nurturing, and of course a family neighborhood for social activities to include both children and other parents of like mind.  When an existing homeowner wants to purchase a new home, but they don’t want two house payments, it’s really all about financial security and peace of mind.  Hopefully you get the point.

Understanding values and the psychological drive is more important than just knowing what feature someone wants in a new home, or that they just want to sell their home.

Our local real estate market has been in a major transition for more than two years now.  There are plenty of people who have desire and/or need to make a housing change.  Yet, they have decided to hold back due to fear around loss of home values, job insecurity, higher taxes, devaluation of their stock portfolios, governmental policies, or whatever.

Fear not, life goes on.  Cycles will go up and down, political battles will continue, and We The People will eventually overcome all obstacles we encounter. 

This may be a bold statement, but real estate ownership should be mostly about the intangibles and little to do with financial investment.  A home is a place to call your own.  The freedom to do with it as you wish, a place to share with family, entertain friends, to create memories, and enjoy life. 

The value of a home historically will only stay ahead of inflation by 1% on the average, but it will continue to be a long term solid, conservative investment.

We at The Tony Ratchford Group know how to simplify what’s important, give you great assessment of your opportunities, and help you find the ideal plan.  Together we will maximize your dollars, quicken the process, and give you greater peace of mind.