Life In Beaufort, SC

After reading through many of this week's blogs I was left with two choices. I could walk out to the dock tie an anchor around my neck and go for a bit of a one way swim, or I could share my side of the real estate story. The water is still a bit cold, so for now I will settle for sharing my side. 

Many of this weeks posts were beyond depressing. I even read one that encouraged people to "walk away from their mortgage".

What!?!? Seriously!?!? They must not be from Mississippi.

I am fairly certain that my grandmother would drive (not going over 30 the entire way, bless her heart) over 14 hours to pinch the fire out of my upper arm if I even so much thought of advising someone to walk away from anything.

Is that what we have come too? Big companies did it, big banks did it, debt is the American way, right??

Anybody else got the hibby jibbies?? I hate to break it to all the doom and gloomers but I am doing alright. Many of my clients are doing alright.

Are people facing short sales in my market? Of course. I have several foreclosures listed. But good gravy y'all, there are people working two jobs to keep their homes. I have many clients who have decided to let go of cable and Starbucks. Yes, I know it sounds criminal to forego a $5 latte, but some people are just crazy enough to do it. I even have some clients who cook at home instead of eating out every night...I know, I know, CRAZY!!!

Currently I have over 30 listings. Only 5 are REO/Short Sales. Last year I sold over 20 new construction homes. As of today, I have 17 pending contracts, only one is a short sale.

I bust my rump each and every day and like most of the world some days my bills are a bit more than I would like. I have a home and a rental property. I would take on a second and maybe even a third job, if it was necessary. I am a firm believer in responsibility. I am not saying that every person has a choice, but come on y'all some definitely have a choice. A choice to change spending habits, a choice to change their lifestyle, a choice to find a way.

I meet with sellers on a weekly basis. Many are scared, some are changing their lives in order to maintain their homes, and some are doing the same thing they have always done...manage their money. I have come into contact with a few who are throwing in the towel because they would prefer name brand purses over home ownership, but that isn't the norm.

Breathe...me, not you. I can't help it, this is a sore subject.

Sorry, some of the posts were just a bit too cloaked in defeatism for me.