Today's Homebuyer

Yesterday afternoon, I headed out to the Board of Elections to cast my vote early. Considering the fact that we are in the midst of an historic election, I did not want to be faced with long lines and overworked computer systems on Election Day. I brought a magazine with me to keep my mind occupied and help me pass the time while waiting for my turn to vote.

As I found the back of the line, I took a moment to look around and take in my surroundings. The line wasn't too long - maybe a 1/2 hr wait. Voters were soothing their little ones, conducting business on cell phones, filling out change-of-address forms, reading through candidate literature shoved in their hands on the way in. All felt calm and as I opened up my magazine, I started to wonder about the personal stories of the people surrounding me. Was anyone drowning in medical bills? Losing sleep worrying about the well-being of an enlisted loved one? Wondering how they would be able to afford to send their kid to college or begin retirement on schedule? Struggling to make ends meet? Was anyone in fear of losing their home to foreclosure?

Like this election, this last real estate boom is one for the history books. The rise in home appreciation far surpassed all other booms thanks in part to low interest rates, high confidence in the market, and a host of creative financing terms. It didn't take long for greed, corruption, and irrational exuberance to find its way into the mix. Many buyers relied on the "advice" of questionable industry experts and now have found themselves in terrible circumstances. Interestingly enough, a few big-named players in the real estate industry have found themselves in terrible circumstances as well!

Approximately 40 mins after I first arrived at the Board of Elections office, I was finally standing in front of my ballot box reviewing the selections I had made. Finding no mistakes, I held my breath and pressed the green button. I smiled to myself as I wondered about where this country will be in two weeks...in two years. Will my candidate win? Will campaign promises be kept? Will we be better off then than we are today? Will the housing market and economy be in recovery? I believe today's homebuyer should be inspired, empowered, and knowledgeable regarding their homebuying experience, not overwhelmed, stressed or intimidated by it. This would go a long way to avoiding the kind of economic disaster we currently find ourselves in! As I made my way to the exit, I took one last look around at the others in line waiting for their turn to cast a vote in this historic election. And then, I smiled again.