Are Buyers and Sellers getting on the same page?

About a year ago, we saw buyers test the market with "low-ball" purchase offers in hopes that a Seller might be in a distressed financial position and would sell their home below market value. Today, these same offers that were considered a "low ball" have become fair market value. For several months, Realtors have worked hard to convince Sellers that if they want to sell their home they must "shrink the gap" between Buyers and Sellers. If both parties are realistic about price, DEALS ARE BEING MADE!
We are seeing a behavioral shift in Buyers - they are exhibiting a renewed confidence and interest in real estate. The uptick in activity that started in the late Spring/Summer has carried over into Fall, and a new batch of closed sales are providing more accurate information so both Buyers and Sellers can gain a clearer understanding of their property's value.
Make no mistake: these transactions are trading at lower prices than last year but if all parties get on the same page, we will see more accepted offers come within 2-5% of the list price instead of 15-20%. If Sellers continue to align with the market, properties that have languished for months will begin to move and the inventory levels will SHRINK, thus helping us all get back to a more stable market!