You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about when I say times are good. But I’m talking about what’s happening today, now, in the U.S. and in the Outer/Lower Cape Cod markets. I say that times are good because there are so many incredible opportunities out there.

When was the last time the federal government gave you money for buying a house? The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit for new home buyers. This credit is available for purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Better yet, this tax credit does not have to be repaid! It’s equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8000. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

When was the last time mortgage interest rates were this low? U.S. mortgage rates fell in the latest week, nudging closer to a record low - 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 4.80% for the week ending April 23, down from the previous week's 4.82%.

When was the last time you could enter the Provincetown or Truro, Cape Cod year round home market in the $300,000 price range? Currently there are 92 properties to choose from in Provincetown and Truro in this price point!

Hello? Am I missing something? Combine these 3 things and you’ve got the perfect time to buy a house.

The press has made the economic downturn and the credit-default swap debacle a top story. Just remember, bad news sells better than good news. Don’t pay attention to their negativity and let it stop you from living your life and making your dreams come true.

Look at the positive, the upside…find these once in a lifetime opportunities and take advantage of them….That’s why I’m saying times are good….TIMES ARE GOOD!!

The real estate market is not dead. Yes, there has been a major correction to many of our nations markets, but, everything in life is cyclical. We have experienced one of the most profitable real estate markets in history and now we're enduring an economic downturn....that is just the way that cycles work.

I know we've finally hit bottom in the Outer/Lower Cape real estate markets. So what's the next direction of this cycle.....UP. So the question becomes: Do you want to take advantage of the buying opportunities now or sit on the sideline and wait for prices to head back up?

Remember the 2 truths in real estate:

1: You make money in real estate when you buy it right.
2: Buy low - sell high and not the other way around.

That said, it's the right time to buy in the Outer/Lower Cape. Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet are the ideal places to buy now because of reduced prices. If you’re one of the fortunate few who is looking to buy, you could hardly be in a better position. If you have the money, now’s when you want to go for it. Especially in Provincetown and Truro…..there are incredible opportunities here. You can enter these markets well under 400k! Then there are the interest rates….can they get any lower? Not much…locally, you can get a 30 yr fixed under 5%!

Once you make that purchase, just hold on to it. The housing market is going to get better and it’s going to get better fairly quickly…we're already seeing signs of it here in Truro, Provincetown and Wellfleet. Now is the time to take advantage of some remarkable opportunities and acquire great properties that will become valuable income producers while appreciating over the coming years.

We find ourselves in the midst of economic conditions not seen in decades. Such times produce worry and uncertainty.......Most people have gone into survival mode. We all need help......most everyone......B UT we can't run away or sit back and wait for things to change......we have to be proactive and take charge of our own situations......

Let's start with one option......If you own a home and are having trouble with payments...take a look at modifying your loan.

A loan modification as defined by the US Department of HUD website is “a permanent change in one or more of the terms of a mortgagor's loan, allows the loan to be reinstated, and results in a payment the mortgagor can afford.” The loan modification process is a direct result of banks trying to stay out of the property management and real estate business.

If you are a borrower who is behind on your mortgage payments, you are not alone and the WORST thing you can do is “hide” from the bank. They want to work with you if you will just talk to them and let them know your situation. They can “modify”, defer payments to the end and offer other assistance so you can make good on your commitment without losing your home or building.

There is also an opportunity to be a good guy.......Good guy???......In this day and age?? What a novelty!! Step in as an investor during a time of financial crisis to a borrower, and possibly buy his/her property at below what’s even owed... aka “short-sale". Find properties in this state and possibly pick these up at 50-60 cents on the dollar and do a huge favor for a homeowner about to lose it. You can allow them to rent it back from you for a bit or even owner-finance it back to them at a later time.

Stay tuned....There are so many other ways to be proactive and take control of your own destiny....