WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR THIS STATISTIC...IT'S A DOOZY

It goes without saying that there is always an advantage to selling or buying in almost any market, depending on personal need and motivation.  But right now??  A staggering 96% of Americans currently looking in today's market, say home ownership is "very important."  It is particularly high for women and Gen X and Gen Y.  Another 74% of those polled said, "interest rates are at historic lows and now is a great time to buy."  But let's look beyond the hype of those who are enthusiastic, to see if there are other signs that So Cal is in an upward trend and that the recovery is more than momentary.  We don't have to look far.  The end of April and beginning of May have given us lots of ammunition.  First off, nationally, solid job gains have eased apprehension about the recovery.  The U.S. economy added a solid 165,000 jobs in April.  Unemployment scooted down to a four-year low of 7.5%.  Does anyone else remember when it was double digits?  Not only that, but the job gains were higher in February and March than originally thought, and the gains came despite a global slowdown.  The Orange County Register noted that if you track the three major moving companies, collectively the van lines fell 9% in moves out of California, comparing 2011 with 2012, the first drop since 2009.  Plus in 2012, the state added 296,000 jobs, the nation's biggest job boost, by the way, and unemployment in the state fell to 10.5% from 11.8%.  All in all, this means not only are people feeling better about their financial situation, they are better.  This paints a rosy picture that explains tight inventory and so many buyers out there.  Add three other factors: 1) low interest rates.  2) Pent up demand.  3) back to the survey, 46% of prospective sellers feel the need to find another house first, creating a big blockage of homes and 43% are waiting to make bigger profit.  There is definitely some buyer gridlock happening on the housing front.   Good ways to avoid this are be ready to buy and be prepared to offer your highest and best because you will most likely have stiff competition.  Sellers will be able to peruse through the offers.  Writing a letter to the seller, explaining why you want the house and what it means to you and your family is another great tool.  It isn't always just about the money, believe it or not.  Finally, some people still feel some skepticism over the recovery.  Is it too much, too fast?  Let's remember, prices may have risen sharply compared with the last 6 years, but this is real money this time, real loan qualifications, real down payments, real appraisals.  Prices could level off, if interest rates rise, or if more supply hits the streets.  But the people who already bought, could afford it, and will be sitting with a home whose price may have fallen, but are making a fixed payment at 3% interest.  They are not going to default and they are not going anywhere.