It’s no secret that there’s a lot of noise out there disguised as information. We’re bombarded each day from every angle with opinions, notions, subjective “news” & pitches, ad nauseam! Like plaque build-up in arteries, all of this noise can contaminate the gears between our ears and severely halter any forward progress.

I’d like to see 2012 be the year we resolve to shift from the paralysis resulting from consuming the empty calories of chatter, noise and junk data… to a time in which we become focused on our future fitness by slimming it down, watching what we consume and exercising our faculties a bit better. (Yes, I’m still talking about information. I couldn’t resist using the most common New Year resolution as a metaphor, though. OK, back to my point…)

As a real estate broker, it’s not only of the utmost importance for me to scrape away the fluff, hype, fear-peddling and BS and understand what’s happening… I need to be able to communicate this information in a simple, educational, (sometimes entertaining) and empowering way. That’s a BIG part of getting my clients the results they seek. (which is the only way I get paid!)

To that end, here are a few quotes I found of particular interest during 2011, especially given their sources. Depending upon when in 2011 they were quoted, their content may pack even more of a punch today & moving into 2012. I hope they’ll resonate with you as well.

John Paulson – Investment genius & multi-billionaire hedge fund operator who saw what was coming in the bubble days and made an obscene amount of money betting against the housing market a few years back, and who is now very pro-residential housing investment had this to say:

“If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own a home, buy another one. If you own two homes, buy a third. And, lend your relatives the money to buy a home.”

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The iconic financial news source, Wall Street Journal stated:

“With home sales starting to improve, and with prices now possibly forming a bottom, real estate could well be the asset class that represents the best low-risk buying opportunity out there today.”

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A Gallup Poll showed that 67% (2/3) of Americans think that now is a good time to buy a home…

“Overall, there is good reason for most Americans to think that now is a good time to buy a house. Interest rates remain near historic lows and home prices are down sharply, providing many incredible buys.”

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Donald Trump (Real estate magnate, regardless of other opinions)

“I’m pretty sure this is a great time to go out and buy a house. And, if you do, in ten years you’re going to look back and say, ‘Ya’ know, I’m glad I listened to Donald Trump!’.” (as only he could say it!)

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Jeffrey G. Otteau – A lesser-known figure, but very well respected and trusted voice in New Jersey real estate valuations and coming housing trends, was quoted in late December ’11:

“…Several years from now, when both home prices and mortgage rates are higher, we’ll look back at 2012 as having been one of those rare home-buying opportunities that come along once or twice in a lifetime.” (I’ll have more details of this interview in an upcoming post.)

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Brian Morgenweck - Broker/Owner Power Realty Group – Bergen County NJ (That would be me!)

“It all depends upon whether you’re focusing on confusion or opportunity… whether you choose to seek out quality information and act upon it to ensure a better future for you and your family… or be satisfied with NOISE!”

Let’s connect in 2012. I’d love to meet you

and help you get to where you want to be.

All the best to you and yours in 2012!