by Nicki Campbell

Everyone seems to be in a bad mood lately!  People are short with each other at work, on the road, in the grocery store -- even on TV! 

Okay, there are lots of things to be upset about.  The stock market dropped more than 500 points yesterday making it even harder for most of us to (ever) retire.  People all around us are losing their jobs and the rest of us seem to be worried about losing ours, too.  The presidential campaign has sunk to personal attacks instead of any real discussion of the issues.   The hurricane came up from Texas on Sunday and wreaked havoc on Central Ohio, leaving half of the county without power for up to 8 days. 

And then there's real estate....People who are trying to sell their homes are frustrated with the lack of activity or are often getting low-ball offers.  (This makes them mad at their Realtor, which puts the Realtor in a bad mood.)   Loans are harder to get, houses are appraising for 10% less than a year ago, and buyers are walking away after the inspections come back with the usual list of suggested repairs.  Buyers don't trust sellers, sellers are mad at buyers for trying to "steal" their house, and everyone is mad at Realtors.  And no one is making money.

I wish I had solutions for any of these problems or could offer suggestions that would ease the pain we all feel right now.  I don't.  All I would ask is that we all step back and try to be nice to each other.  Maybe we could even help each other.  We Ohioans are known for being neighborly.  I know because I moved here from California 22 years ago and couldn't believe how nice everyone was.  I would hate to see us lose that!

As for the real estate situation, all I can say is this:  Yes, it's a tough market.  It will take longer to sell your home and there's a good chance you may not get as much as you would like for your house when it does sell.  But houses are selling every day and if yours is priced right, staged well and in excellent condition, you should be one of the lucky ones.  Of course, if you're a buyer, you've got a lot to feel great about.  You have a lot of great homes to choose from and many are at bargain prices. 

Finally, a word about your Realtor.  If she is doing what he promised when she listed your home, is marketing your home effectively and is communicating with you regularly, the chances are she is trying her best to sell your home.  You have every right to ask questions, discuss strategy and double check that things are being done properly.  But it might be good to remember that you are not adversaries; you are on the same team.  And with the right combination of hard work, patience, cooperation and luck, you will get your house sold -- together.