Coweta Fayette Real Estate & Newnan Homes for sale blog by Richard Weisser of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

Are we living in the land of the self-fulfilling prophecy? Why incentives may be sending the wrong message.

Consumer confidence is a perception of the state of the economy.Perception is everything! We often hear the words "consumer confidence" bandied about, but what does that really mean? Is there some impetus that could change the way a buyer thinks?

Because if the economic ship can be righted by just implementing the simple act of inspiring confidence, the powers that be may be taking the wrong approach.

The endless stream of bailouts and buyouts and incentives actually sends the message that times are so desperate and consumers should only consider a purchase that involves some sort of governmental rebate.

Conversely, what would happen if the following concept was conveyed to the good people of the United States:

"All bailouts and incentives are hereby terminated because the economy is moving forward in a positive direction."

Wouldn't that TRULY inspire consumer confidence?

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Comments

Perception is everything!  That would be amazing if the media would come out and start reporting good news - would people believe it.  Most likely not - they seem to gravitate toward what doesn't work. And to think that there would be no more bailouts etc - ahhhh - heaven

Posted by Anna 'Banana' Kruchten - Phoenix Real Estate Broker,CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe) over 2 years ago

Interesting thoughts Richard. I am not exactly sure, but unless the press starts talking up a better outlook, I am afraid that confidence will be low.

Posted by Andrea Swiedler - Swiedler & Adams - New Milford, Litchfield CT Real Estate (Prudential Connecticut Realty, Litchfield County Real Estate) over 2 years ago

Wow!  Wouldn't that turn everything around???  You are a 'forward' thinker my friend.

Posted by Melody Botting Real Estate Network over 2 years ago

Richard,

That's certainly a novel approach. I wouldn't be waiting by the mailbox for your invitation to join the administration though. You think too logically.

Rich

Posted by Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.) over 2 years ago

Anna...

I really think that it is a self-fulfilling prophecy ... after all, these incentives are unprecendents so it must be really bad ...right? THX

Andrea...

The bailouts are for political expediency only, so let's do away with them! Thanks, as always.

Mel...

I miss you a lot ... I hope that your busimess is booming! Thanks and try to visit more often!

Posted by Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate over 2 years ago

Yes, I have been very busy lately.  The girls just started school this week so it takes the pressure off me to entertain and supervise all day.  I miss them being around...a little.

Posted by Melody Botting Real Estate Network over 2 years ago

Just print some more money that will fix anything don't worry about paying it back. Lets run up the number so or grand kids can deal with it.

Posted by Terry+Bonnie Westbrook Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Real Estate (Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner) over 2 years ago

Perhaps if the government had taken a more hands off approach, the subject of bailouts would be non existent.

Posted by James Quarello - Connecticut Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC) over 2 years ago

Very interesting Richard!  What a concept!  since what we think about expamds ... this would be an excellent way to start!  Good Job!

Posted by Lisa Wetzel CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com (RE/MAX Realty Affiliates) over 2 years ago

Richard, I couldn't agree with you more. The "Cash for Clunkers" program sold a lot of cars, but did it inspire consumer confidence? It seemed it was just a way to get rid of some clunkers and people took advantage of the $4,500 incentive. We'll see if people continue to purchase cars now that the program has been terminated. I heard yesterday the government is going to have a similar program (no trade-in) with appliances. So get ready to get that $200 rebate on that new washer and dryer.

Posted by Michael Setunsky, Michael's Commercial Northern Virginia Commercial Real Estate (703.831.4028, http://michaelscommercial.com) over 2 years ago

Richard - I was not sure, before reading, which direction this would go, government incentives to consumes or agent bonuses. I think that your last statement would inspire some confidence, but, it would also depress the market slightly, at least for some time. I think the biggest incentive would be to actually fix the job market, and the current policies, including home buyer tax credits and other consumer incentives (more coming soon to an appliance dealer near you) will not do that.

Posted by Mike Saunders (Lanier Partners) over 2 years ago

Richard, I think what inspires confidence is simple. Job security and a good paying job. It is not fluff. It is real. Not words, but money in your pocket.

Posted by Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty) over 2 years ago

I like your idea but how can politicians use this to line the pockets of their friends? If it does not beneift them, it will not happen until average everyday Americans run America again.

Posted by Mark Brian (Silver Star Real Estate LLC) over 2 years ago

But then how would we spend billions and billions in tax payer money to put the country further in debt?

I think your statement would be a powerful one where confidence in the economy is concerned, I also strongly agree with Gary, a good job and steady money will help that confidence level tremendously.

Posted by JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat) over 2 years ago

Bgpic11142008103101_lFeatured in M.A.N.C.R.O.W. CONGRATS!

Posted by JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat) over 2 years ago

Richard:  I love where your head is on this one!  I think the government tax credit is actually going to backfire on us.  The more we give, the more people expect.  What's going to happen when the tax credit goes away?  People need to be reminded of the very basic reasons that homeownership is a great idea.  It's not about the money someone gives you to do it.  Just shows you were our society is headed. 

Posted by Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA) over 2 years ago

GIVE GIVE GIVE seams to be the motto lately.  I believe that it is going to make things lopsided in the economy.  We need a balanced recovery that is sustainable, not one that pushes on segment really hard only to see othes sit idle.

Posted by William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY) over 2 years ago

Richard,

I like your though process however, I think that we will always have those that want the "FREE" ride and the handout in lieu of the hand up.

Posted by Don Rogers REALTOR®, CDPE, GRI O'Fallon MO & St Charles County MO homes (RE/MAX Gold) over 2 years ago

Richard, Yes, Yes, Yes.  

"All bailouts and incentives are hereby terminated because the economy is moving forward in a positive direction."

That is the answer! 

 

Posted by Al & Peggy Cunningham Brokers Brampton Ontario 905-450-5500 Houses For Sale (We have a home for you! Call Us! RE/MAX Realty Services Inc.) over 2 years ago

Richard, very powerful. I agree, I do not think I want the credit extended. What does that say to the people of the US? That there IS NO rush? I have two buyers, one just went under contract, the other trying -- because they want to get in. Would they be rushing if the gov't says -- hold on, let's extend this? NO! The tax credit has DONE ITS JOB. Now let's move on!

Posted by Marney Kirk, Towson, Maryland Real Estate (Keller Williams Excellence Realty) over 2 years ago

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