Realtors: Serious Buyers Intersperse With Lookie-Lou's

by DAVE FACINOLI and KRISTEN ARMSTRONG, Staff Writers

(Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:03 PM EDT)

With a majority of Realtors agreeing that there is much more activity in the local market, at least inside the Beltway, they are seeing a variety of types of buyers.

“You have a combination of both serious buyers and some just out there kicking tires,” said John Eric of Long & Foster, Arlington.

Jane Jansen of Weichert, Realtors in Arlington said that the serious buyers are still looking for a bargain.

“People have been on the fence for a while; I think they are definitely looking to make a move,” she said.

Mark Middendorf of Weichert, Realtors in Arlington said the serious buyers are “sick” of hearing about the “doom and gloom” of the market.

“They realize the interest rates are good, the market is good and they realize the stability of the market,” he said.

Carol McEwen of Weichert, Realtors in Arlington agreed there are different buyers on the market now. “People are giving more thought to the purchase than before,” she said.

Rob Ferguson of Re/Max Arlington said he is seeing more buyers coming prepared to buy.

Tracy Walczak of Keller Williams said the property and loan packages determine whether buyers are willing to “pull the trigger.” She added that the move-up buyers who don't have a strong incentive are still waiting to buy.

Brian Madden of Brock Realty is seeing a mix of buyers, especially those wanting to upgrade.

JD Callander of Weichert, Realtors-Old Dominion is seeing all types of buyers.

“There are retirees, move-up buyers, divorcees, first-time buyers, investment buyers, all traditional types,” she said. “There is a good range because interest rates are still low and there are opportunities.”

Bret Brock of Brock Realty said he is seeing “very casual” buyers. “If you get 30 people at an open house, only about 15 percent of those people consider themselves serious about buying,” he said.

Kelly Tierney of Re/Max in Arlington is seeing buyers at all stages. “There are casual lookers and some transitioning up and down,” she said.

John McNamara of Prudential Carruthers said the rules have changed for prospective purchasers, from the boom market of 2000-05. “There are trade-up people testing the water, to see if they can get their house sold,” he said. “Before, you'd look for a home, then put your home on the market. Now, you have to get your house sold before looking.”

McNamara said his firm is “seeing a lot of activity in first-home buying, and a lot of single-family trade up,” a theme echoed by Claudette Schwartz of Weichert. “The people who are buying and selling are moving up,” she said. “A lot of people who are moving are relocating.”
 

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