2011 was a great year in real estate. We saw an incredible stabilization in the market, as buyer demand exceeded seller supply for the first time since the beginning of the housing recession. For most of the second half of the year, many of my buyers were unable to easily access properties to buy. We also saw the introduction of new lending programs that allowed buyers to get construction loans, lower down payment condo loans, and more variation in payment options with traditional loans. The increasing availability of loan products will help repair the housing market.

In 2012, I believe that we will see continuing buyer demand coupled with continuing weak seller supply, as regular sellers continue to avoid the market, and banks foreclose on a dwindling supply of distressed homes. The lending market will continue to open up, and we’ll see more availability for jumbo financing. Even though I remain optimistic about the future of the market, I believe that it will be a few years at least, before we see sustained price increases.

If you would like more information about buying, selling, or investing, or if you need information about lending or distress sales, feel free to contact me at 310-482-0173, or by email at schulmanrd@yahoo.com. And take a look around the website – we have made many additions and improvements.

On a personal note, I would like to thank my friends, family and clients for sending me their referrals and business this year. My team and I closed 94 transactions this year, from $100,000 to $4,400,000, making me one of the top 80 Keller Williams agents in the country out of more than 80,000. I look forward to having another great year working with you.

Best,

Richard Schulman