Two years may not seem like long, but in real estate they can make a huge difference! Two years is the length of time that you must live in your house before you can sell it without capital gains tax (up to a limit). Two years is enough time to renovate and enjoy. Two years can see your new landscaping flourish into beauty.

And two years can mean a different market.

Here is an article I wrote in June 2003.

The market has changed so dramatically just since the first of the year, and it is causing aches to both the heads and hearts of many people.

We are constantly hearing stories about people who are qualified and want to buy a house but have written 2, 5, 7 offers and been “beaten out” every time by someone who was faster, richer, more confident, more foolhardy.  We are seeing sellers get up to 10% above asking price in a matter of days after listing.  We are seeing buyers become frustrated and angry because sellers are refusing to negotiate and buyers have to make decisions NOW – there is no time to think.  We are also seeing frustrated sellers whose property is still sitting on the market far beyond the average market time for a year ago because their pricing is simply too high for their particular part of the market.  So… yes, the market is hot, but the stress level is higher and it isn’t quite as much fun as it used to be for many of the participants.

Is our market still good? Absolutely!!! But thankfully for everyone involved, it’s not AS rushed as it was. Buyers actually have a moment to look at a house and think about it now which is good.