Happy February! Even though my team lost, I have to admit the Super Bowl was an exciting way to kick off (no pun intended) February 2009!

2008 Real Estate Update: Enclosed is "2008 Homes Sold vs. Homes for Sale." This is the chart I send you every February breaking down the past year's market activity by price range. The blue line represents number of "Homes Sold," the red line -- number of "Active Listings" still on the market at year end; and the yellow line -- "Months of Inventory."

The overall trends are: (1) Inventory for our real estate market is up to 16 months (that's a lot of inventory); (2) The fastest-moving price ranges are properties under $300,000; and (3) Nothing has sold in the $900,000 to $1 Million price range. (Note: the reference to 240 months of inventory is a default -- I do not have the capacity to show infinity.)

With that being said, there are glimmers of hope. January's dip in interest rates to 4.625% got buyers off the fence and out purchasing! Another ray of hope is that the spring market is just weeks away.

Looking Forward in 2009: As I mentioned last month, I am now the Broker-In-Charge for over 50 Keller Williams brokers. I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity this new position has given me to teach, lead, and train the next generation of Real Estate professionals. Because there are only so many hours in a day, I have decided to limit the number of new listings I take in 2009. This will allow me focus my attention on aggressively marketing and selling my existing listings, as well as keeping 50-plus brokers trained and focused on their business plans and goals. Please know I still want to be your "point man" when it comes to putting your home on the market. I will always be available to make sure you get the right agent marketing your home -- specifically, one that is Internet-savvy, business-minded, and willing to stay in touch with you on a regular basis. I'll go into greater detail next month. I just wanted to give you a "heads up" that although I will be extremely active in real estate, my focus will be shifting in 2009.

Sincerely,