Local real estate business doing fine
Negativity has to stop! Everywhere I go, everyone I see, the conversation is the same. People are telling me, a licensed real estate professional, that our local real-estate market is dead _ that no one is buying _ no homes are selling, that business must be bad.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Our local real estate market is alive. Homes are selling. Local reputable lenders are lending.
There's a misconception that a consumer needs 20-percent down payment or more to obtain a loan. There are many programs available that only require a 3 or 5 percent down payment. Quite the contrary to what people believe, buyers cannot "steal" a home. "Low ball" offers aren't working!
Although prices are down from what they were a few years ago, sellers are realizing this, becoming realistic, and pricing their properties according to market conditions. One example: Just recently we listed a home. On the first day of showings, we had multiple offers. This is now a solid contract waiting to close. This is not uncommon in the least if prices are correct for the market.
It was stated on the NBC Today Show, Oct. 27, that Binghamton and the Southern Tier are considered the most solid real estate markets in the nation. Oneonta is considered part of that market. This is actually a great time to invest in our local real estate market that doesn't experience extreme "highs and lows" the rest of our country has experienced and is currently experiencing.
I would never attempt to practice law, medicine, education, etc. Please don't attempt to know the real estate market better than the professionals. And, if you happen to be a licensed Realtor making these comments, try something new for a change _ work! The business certainly won't fall in your lap!
Dick Cavanagh
Oneonta
Cavanagh is broker/owner of ERA Cavanagh-Wright Real Estate, Oneonta.
MSG a win-win for Springfield
You are more likely to be attacked or robbed by someone you know. It has already happened in Springfield. Springfield has had in the past residents who produce drugs on their property and in their homes and may have sold it to our kids. Were they told to leave? No!
The Glimmerglass Opera was allowed in our town. It pays zero taxes, it uses the services of the fire department and removes properties from our tax roll. Who pays for it? We do. It ties up traffic on routes 80 and 20 and accidents have occurred. It sells alcohol to its patrons and lets them drive and put our lives in danger. Some of these patrons may use drugs. Who knows? Was this best for our town? No!
MSG will be paying commercial taxes and reducing our taxes by up to 25 percent. Do the math. In these economic times, that makes a difference. I say to the supporters of MSG, next year's tax bills should be reduced by 25 percent and a note sent to collect the difference from the opposers. Perhaps Springfield would prefer an organic composter.
I have the number, if you want. MSG will be required to apply for a mass-gathering permit yearly and has to state the number of days, and it can be denied. It's a moot point that it won't sign anything stating three days. MSG is a win-win situation!
Judy Craft
Richfield Springs
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