Gilcrest Park is just an example of the soothing scenery that this waterfront paradise has to offer.

I was enjoying a relaxing walk along the harbor in Gilchrist Park recently with a friend of mine.  Gilchrist Park is a great escape in Punta Gorda.  It has it all: harbor view, tennis, walking path, picnic areas, just alike a mini vacation from the daily routine.

Work was the farthest thing from my mind when my friend asked me if this was the worst real estate market I had ever experienced.  Without hesitation I answered with an emphatic no.  My worst experience in the real estate market occurred when I tried to purchase my first home.  It was at the end of the Carter Administration and interest rates were at 18%.  I was a teacher at that time and I had a fifty percent down payment when I applied for my loan.  I was denied the mortgage because they said as a teacher I did not make enough money.  This one of the reasons I am now in real estate.  At that moment I was convinced that I would never own a home and I was also certain that interest rates would never get out of double digits.  I was wrong on both counts.

When markets are up we tend to believe that they will never come down and when they are down we think they will never go up.  This is exactly what markets do.  The media would like you believe that it is all doom and gloom but there are plenty of opportunities in our real estate market.  Home prices are lower than they have been in several years and there is a large inventory from which to choose.  Interest rates are attractive and there are affordable packages for first time buyers.  Ok, that is great for buyers but what about those poor sellers?  It is true that the seller will not make the big profits they enjoyed when the market was up but then again anything they purchase will cost less as well.

Moving to Punta Gorda should be your New Year's Resolution!

The point is you can choose to be negative or you can look for opportunities.   I am looking forward to a positive and prosperous market in 2009.  How about you?  Happy New Year.