Michelle Flaherty

By Michelle Flaherty

Does anyone else miss working with people who want to buy AND sell?

In a market marked by bank sales, short sales, and first-time home buyers, it’s easy to lose sight of what lies beyond this year’s surplus of single-sided clients.

The year 2009 was without a doubt the year of the first-time home buyer. Already, an estimated 400,000 fence-sitters have been drawn into the market by low rates, the $8,000 tax credit, and lots of affordable options. We’re still in the throes of this massive movement; but I’ve been wondering lately: When the able first-timers of 2009 have settled into their nests, what will be the next big thing?

My prediction is that 2010 will be the year of the move-up seller. I truly think that those first-time home buyers of 2005-2007, who may not have any market-based home equity, will still make moves in 2010.  Why? Two and a half big reasons: Continue reading »