Lakewood Real Estate News

(10/8/08) We ‘ve been teaching brief buyers’ and sellers’ classes for the city of Lakewood for about 20 years now. I like to do a buyers’ class early in the fall each year in anticipation of the market bottom that usually occurs during the winter months (see “Real Estate 101: Our 2 market cycles.”)

Several months ago we scheduled this year’s class with Lakewood’s Community Services Department for this Saturday, October 11, from 9 - 11 a.m. at Lakewood’s Mayfair Park (details & registration link here). At the time, we were anticipating at least the annual market bottom and possibly a cyclical bottom as well, but we weren’t exactly anticipating the events of the last few weeks!

The current market presents that rare combination of low prices and low interest rates that usually mark a bottom. That bottom could be occurring right now, or it could still be years away. Regardless, smart buyers should prepare now for the bottom that eventually will come.

Our little class includes basics of buying, an overview of foreclosures, break-out sessions for first time buyers, move-up buyers, and investors, an overview of current lending options, and an up to the minute discussion of the current market and what may be anticipated. It’s open to all, whether Lakewood residents or not.

Blair and I were both teachers when we first went into real estate, and we enjoy getting back into a classroom setting from time to time. My decision to buy my first home way back in 1976 was largely based on information I received in a similar, but longer, Saturday class taught by Los Angeles realtor Scotty Herd for UCLA’s extension program. It gave Barb and I the information, tools, and confidence we needed to make that first purchase. The buyer and seller classes we do give us an opportunity to discuss real estate in a classroom, rather than selling, setting.

If you know of someone who may be thinking about buying in the next year or two, this course would be an excellent opportunity to get some useful information.

We’ll also be doing a similar class for sellers on January 24, same place, time & price (info & reg link here). You can also call us directly at 562.822-SOLD if you have questions or want additional information.