Have you ever noticed that some people just have a negative approach to everything in life? REALTORS® really see the best and worst in people. It is sometimes brought on by the news and messages that one chooses to listen to. Take the real estate market, for example.

Most of the news is negative about the housing industry. Foreclosures are on the rise. People loosing homes in every state, city and county in the nation. The economic news adds to the fear and concern that is looming at this time.

When a buyer gets ready to make an offer on a house, they are usually trying to get the best deal in town, but at the expense of the seller. If one stops to think how much the seller pays for the house, how much they have invested in the upkeep or redoing many things to make the house sellable, and factor in the seller’s closing cost that will be about 10-12% of the sales price, they are really suffering.

When a buyer makes a ridiculously low offer on a home, they are just trying to save money, make money or just get a bargain. Who could blame them? Many “specialists” are telling the world to get homes for “pennies on the dollars,” or at tax sales. What about the seller’s perspective? Most sellers are suffering miserably right now.

When you are ready to buy a home, it is in your best interest as a buyer, to get the most you can for the least amount of money. However, think for a moment that “you” are the seller and the tables are reversed. Be reasonable in making offers. Remember there is probably a family on the other side that is seeing their investments at a low price right now.

Our perspective is important in helping the housing market make a recovery. We all need to keep balance in the picture. If one can afford the house, go for it. Get the best deal you can. But think carefully before you make that offer and remember there is another perspective for the one selling. If they don’t jump at your low offer, it could possibly be that they do not have the cash to close on the house at that price.

The Indian proverb about walking a mile in another’s moccasin before jumping to conclusions about others can really make a difference in a sale. As a REALTOR® who tries to keep a perspective for both parties in a transaction, it is often sad to tell sellers what has been offered on their homes. It is a great time to buy a house with the low interest rates, with the stimulus package, and with all the incentives out there. Just remember for all involved, keep a good perspective on the situation, and if necessary, try a new perspective of the others involved.