Well, we made it to the end of 2010. The question we all have is: “What’s in store for 2011?” We will soon find out, but the only certainty is what happened last year. So, let’s recap what we saw and compare. Unit sales were lower than in 2009 but the average sales price was higher. Overall sales totals by dollars of properties sold were roughly the same. Therefore, a flat market. With these statistics, one can only write a boring article.

But here is something to ponder. Ten years from now, the buyers of properties this year may be seen as the intelligent investors. That makes one big assumption – a return to some normal growth in the economy will occur. There are indicators to make one think this will happen, but the past has made everyone cautious about making predictions of better times.

Why should you believe that statement about the buyers? Prices have started to stabilize and it seems that is partly due to people having a perceived value of what a particular property is worth. The perceived values and the actual prices are converging to the same number. This is not a perfect science or evaluation of prices, but it seems to be occurring.

As the economy in the area (and I include the Massachusetts and Connecticut economies in the “area” label, because so many of our residents work there) recovers to better levels, so will the conviction of buyers to come back into the market. At the same time, sellers will be less likely to move. That will begin the next climbing trend in prices. Then, more people will think about moving and the volumes could rise to past levels. Thus, the start of a new cycle.

Looking into the crystal ball, will this trend start in 2011? I’m still looking for that person with the accurate crystal ball.

Each year, the Residential Properties’ Offices team up with organizations around the state to bring the holidays to families in need. We were able to catch the Providence Office collecting and delivering gifts to the Broad Street Salvation Army. Our company and agents feel this is an important way to give back to the communities we serve.

We have created a montage of the donation process, from gift wrapping to delivering the presents.

We wish all a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

When negotiating real estate deals these days, too many people get into trouble because of what I call “their primal need to win.” The real estate market is getting better but is still fragile, and compromise is the best course of action to keep a deal together. The issue with the win at all costs way of thinking is that everyone loses. If your goal is to buy or sell a house, you need to keep reminding yourself of your objective, so that you don’t get stuck in a ditch of minutia or lose sight of the big picture.

For instance, as a seller, it is always best to respond to every offer, even when it is much lower than you were expecting. Don’t insult the buyer by telling them to take a hike. Instead, stay true to your goal, thank them, and then convey that the offered price is too low. This may keep the door open for their next offer if they are serious buyers. Just remember that in a “Buyer” market, everyone is looking for the best deal.

The terms of a deal are also common stumbling blocks to a successful transaction. If you have negotiated the price but the terms are cumbersome, ask yourself if it will matter to you in 30 days. I have seen too many people lose a perfectly good transaction over a 10 year old washer or dryer.

The final outcome should be what’s important to you. So ask yourself, were you able to buy the house you wanted, or sell the house you lived in? The price settled on has everything to do with market conditions and nothing to do with determining if you won or lost.