The Spin Doctors Are Running Wild

I don't know if you're watching the news feeds about Super Tuesday. Although I'm certainly no political zealot, I find myself drawn to CNN about the primaries and how the votes are going. I think what amazes me most is where these guys get their info.

The other night I was watching Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. Now I certainly don't always agree with Bill Maher, nor do I always agree with any political comic. I also sometimes like the things Dennis Miller says, yet he and Bill Maher couldn't be more at opposite ends of the politcal spectrum. Anyway, on Bill Maher's show on Friday night, he had on Matt Taibbi, a reporter for Rolling Stone, who pointed out how although he along with hundreds of other reporters attend the debates, they are never in the same room as the actual debate. All of the reporters are shuffled into a separate holding room where they watch the debate and wait for it to be over. The reporters are then herded into the "Spin" room (it's actual name) where the political pundits come out and literally spit out sound bites that are regurgitated on various national television shows, websites and print media.

This leads me to point out how the media is also greatly responsible for the condition of the real estate market. Imagine if the news reported the positive side of the market and how its a great time to get a great deal instead of focusing how much money you may be losing on your property. How different would our attitudes be if we weren't all focused on doom and gloom, but instead on how to take advantage of a real estate market that hasn't been like this for many years.

I'm not trying to only wear rose-colored glasses and tell you everything is wonderful. I understand that times are very bad for many people who are losing their homes due to bad loans, unable to sell, or will be unable to buy because of the current credit market. My heart goes out to those in that situation. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for some to get an outstanding deal on a property that may have previously been out of reach.

So remember to take everything the media says with a grain of salt. They often regurgitate what they are fed by the so-called "experts" or whomever they are interviewing at the time (or whomever their station manager says they must listen to). Me, I'd rather determine for myself what is actually going on real estate and politics.

After all, I'm the one who has to be satisfied with my decisions at the end of the day, don't I?

Heather Peck
www.HeatherSellsVegas.com