What is new in the Multiple Listing service in El Paso, TX

We had our monthly MLS meeting this morning and our stats for the end of the year looked pretty good.

In Dec 2009 approx 453 homes closed and in 2008 approx 403 homes closed and in 2007 it was only 388 so I feel that we are maybe on the rebound.

We still have alot of homes on the market but not much more than the same time period last year (approx. 3300 homes).

There was also discussion as to whether or not we should allow listings to be put in as an active status until there is a picture of the property. Duh!! Why would you want to list and property and not put a picture of it on the board as soon as possible. If it is not the final picture you can always change it. We all thought it should be simultaneous.

We all want our Association and Realtors in El Paso to be as professional as possible and we are hoping to have as many pictures as possible as a rule later in the year but for now we have to settle to just get one in alot of cases.

I see some changes coming soon!!!

Well the real estate market in El Paso, TX is really starting to pick up (for us anyway). This past week I wrote an offer and got 2 offers on my listings and even rented one of the properties that I manage. Over all I would say it was a good week.

Alot of the other agents that I talk to are reporting the same upsurge in business!! Thank goodness.

I am a positive thinker and do not dwell on the negative from anyone so we have chosen not to participate in the recession and that positive thinking is starting to pay off.

I was just elected MLS President

After serving our our MLS board for a few years, I was elected President this past week. I am very proud to serve that position and I hope this year to bring many new technology products to our board members.

The first convention that I will attend will be the NAR Convention in Washington D.C. this Spring and that is always a great convention for the MLS as that is where we see all the new products to enhance our business.

I lived in McLean, VA in the 60's while my Dad was stationed at the Pentagon so it is always fun to go back and try to fit in a little sightseeing also.

This will be a special trip for me too as my Dad passed away last year and while I was able to attend his Memorial Service I could not go to the burial at Arlington National Cemetery so I will get to visit his site this Spring. I know it will be an emotional time for me but something that I really want to do.

The real estate market in El Paso, TX started off with a bang and hopefully it will continue that way.

I understand that some of the FHA rules are going to be changed and I hope we can put a stop to that as Realtors as that will really hurt the FHA market in El Paso, TX. If they go to 5% as a down payment that will put many El Paso buyers right out of the market.

If you are a Realtor and reading this please send an email to your Congressman or woman and ask them to vote to not change the 3.5% down payment that is already in place. We need to keep the housing market strong and see it that can help to get this economy back on track.