Combining Emotion and Logic for Your Next Real Estate Transaction

It is a well-known fact that people often buy out of emotion more than logic. This is obvious when you see advertisers appealing to a customer’s emotions for a product. It is true even in purchasing or selling real estate. It is one reason that what people want to buy may be very different from what they need.

Is Emotion Wrong?

At the height of the home-buying process just before the housing industry fell apart, many people were relying on emotions to buy their homes. They found the places they wanted and made the purchase regardless of whether they could afford it or even if it was a sound investment.

While that didn’t prove to be a good way of buying or selling properties. The other extreme doesn’t work either. You can find a house that meets all of your needs and looks good on paper, but you won’t be happy with it if it doesn’t make you happy (appeal to your emotions).

The Importance of Balance

It is important for either buying or selling a home that you combine the two, especially for buyers. The best way to make this a reality is to begin with the logical side. That is why it is a good idea to list your must-haves before you ever go look at a property. Also, take the time to figure your budget and know what amount is the top of your price range. When you go look at properties, stick with these guidelines so that you never lose sight of the practical side of buying a home.

On the other hand, don’t ignore the emotional side. If you see a property that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel like the right place, keep looking. It is unlikely that the home will grow on you in the long-term. Instead, you will be making a monthly mortgage payment on a property that you don’t like.

It has often been said that you will know when you find the home meant to be yours. Just make sure you are looking at only the homes you can afford and it will make sense both emotionally and logically. Contact me to help you find the right home to buy.

Get to Know Abbott Woods

Abbott Woods is a neighborhood located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is a small subdivision located off of Abbott Road. It is bordered by Abbott Woods Terrace and Abbott Woods Drive. While this is a small area, it is nearby many conveniences and amenities. It is within walking distance of a bus stop and an ATM.

For those who enjoy taking a walk or being close to nature, Whitehills Park is just a short distance away. Other nearby parks include Tamarisk Park and Henry Fine Park. If you prefer urban life, you have plenty of options, too. Enjoy delicious foods any time of the day from Big Apple Bagels for breakfast to Reno’s for a drink. The East Lansing public library is just a short drive on Abbot Rd. with the East Lansing High School nearby and Glencairn Elementary school close. MacDonald Middle school is also assigned to this neighborhood and is only 1.7 miles away. All of the schools have a high rating, which is important to families looking for a new home.

Just follow Abbot Rd to Highway 69 for easy access to the rest of East Lansing or to get out of town.

Homes in this area sell for around the mid-200’s with some under the $200k price tag. They are mostly single-family homes with many 3-bedroom, 2-bath places. The area would be ideal for young families, busy professionals working in the area or even retirees who want to enjoy East Lansing. Many of the homes in the area were built in the mid-1990s.

If you are interested in looking at homes in this area, give me a call. I can introduce you to the neighborhood and answer any questions you might have about the location. Contact me and let an agent who knows this area help you find your new home.

Capital Prime: The Newest Taste of Lansing

When you are house-hunting, you consider the neighborhood first. Along with safety and good schools, you also think about the best stores and restaurants. If you are planning to move close to the Eastwood Heights area or anywhere in Lansing, you want to check out Capital Prime. It is the newest steakhouse and seafood place and offers delicious foods to tempt your palate.

Located right behind the NCG cinema, it has plenty of room to accommodate up to 250 people. Host a fabulous party in one of the two private dining rooms. Besides a variety of meats, the restaurant tries to use local produce to create their fabulous entrees. Vegetarians can also find a variety of meals to suit them. A fabulous selection of wines and beers is included with a full dessert menu to finish off your meal.

In addition to a delicious menu, Capital Prime also features The Lounge, which becomes a fun piano and jazz bar with live local and nationally-known entertainment that can be enjoyed Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Capital Prime is sure to be a hit with the experience of the ownership team leading the way. Joseph Goodsir is the primary owner and is involved with many other eateries, including Harrison Roadhouse and The Riviera Café. His operating partner and the general manager of Capital Prime is Leonard Jump. The executive chef is Bassam Sharkas who has 23 years of experience in creating delectable menus that are unique and sophisticated.

If you want to try out this new hit in Lansing, the restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 4-10 and 4-12 Thursday through Saturday. On Sunday, you can enjoy a meal from 3-9. Make a reservation to enjoy Capital Prime. It has already been receiving rave reviews from visitors on the food and the atmosphere.

Is the American Dream Still Alive?

It has been a long way back from the housing crisis of 2008. In fact, statistics show that the U.S. is still nowhere near where it was before the boom that led to the bust. Does this mean that home ownership is no longer the American Dream? Is real estate not a viable investment in today’s world?

A Slow Return

The good news in the housing industry is that numbers have improved from where they went when the market hit bottom. The bad news is that the recovery isn’t complete yet. That doesn’t mean that it won’t happen or that something is wrong with the economy. To understand where the housing industry is and where it is going, you have to understand where it was.

At the height of the housing boom, more homes were being built than what had been averaged for the years before. The number of new homes being built today is higher than at the lowest point but nowhere close to the numbers before the recession. The reason for this is that it takes some time for the excess inventory to be reduced to normal.

Lost Confidence

Another problem is that many people have decided that buying is no longer the best option for them. They have chosen to rent instead as a more affordable choice. It takes some time for people to overcome the fears of home ownership after a recession. Over time, people will develop more confidence and forget about their fears and take the plunge. It may take several years for this to occur, but the housing market will recover gradually.

Another possible reason for the slow growth in the housing market is because more people are looking to alternative solutions. For example. Baby Boomers are downsizing and moving into condos and apartments instead of single-family homes.

Many people in the younger generation is saddled with higher student loans and problems finding a good-salaried, stable income. They can’t afford or qualify for the homes they want. However, once they overcome these issues and are ready to settle down, home ownership will become more appealing.

While the housing market has not rebounded like many had hoped, it is moving in the right direction and should continue to do so going forward. If you are ready to become a homeowner and are looking to buy a house, contact me. I can help you find the right place to call home.