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Chris Doe of Fine and Country, Cranbrook, tells us why he is a 'glass half full' man.
I often wonder why us Brits lean towards pessimism rather than optimism. This certainly seems true when we consider the strength of the housing market.
In the post war era the housing market has been seen as perhaps one of the major barometers of the UK economy.
Understandably, the majority of homeowners keenly take heed of the monthly house price data.
We are often influenced by the mood of the market and this can affect our spend on the high street which can have a direct impact on the economy.
We are also bombarded by financial reports from a myriad of experts, seemingly on the hour and every hour.
No wonder there is uncertainty.
Have you ever considered what you would do if this data wasn't released.
Well, let me tell you.
You would probably look at your bank balance, think about your future earnings and then make a sensible decision on whether to spend or not.
Stronger we already use this method on virtually every other product. We do not rely on a supermarket to tell us that a loaf of bread has gone up 10% over the last year.
We simply think: 'Do we want it? Do we need it? Can we afford it?
If we adopted this method when considering when or perhaps, should, we move, I believe that the housing market would move forward.
More people would buy and sell, based on their confidence in their own circumstances. After all prices are relatively stable, interest rates remain historically low, and in the South East, employment levels are much stronger than the national average. These facts alone should give us succour.
However the incessant release of property and financial data does no more that fuel uncertainty. Be optimistic and if your dream home is available now, then buy it.