A Microcosm Real Estate Market

I can attest to the change in the market in my area. We've had House #1 on the market now for a little over three months. I've dropped the price down twice and even offered some incentives, but still no offers. School will be in session very soon, so my wife and I decided to also put the house up for rent. I first asked the broker with whom we have the house for sale if it would be okay, and when they said there was no problem, I placed an ad in CraigsList. The first day came and went with no calls, and I thought maybe I overpriced the lease amount (although, it was the same as I had it before). When I first bought the place two summers ago, I put it both for sale and lease. It took several months then - in the summer - before I got a couple to lease the house. I was thinking this time, I may had been too late in posting the ad. Then the second day, I get a call from a man who saw my ad and wants to lease the place. The only problem is he has a 100lb dog. Still, he says he can keep him outside in one of those cages. Hmmmmmm. I tell him we can meet later this week at the property to discuss it more. Then a little bit later, I get another call (and email) from a lady looking to lease the house. Not 20 mins later another person calls. Shortly after that, I get another email from a woman asking questions about the property.

Yes, it's only been two days, but it seems the climate has changed significantly. Two years ago I went through the whole summer with the house for sale AND lease and it still took about 3 months before I got someone to lease the house. This time, I have it for sale for 3 months with no takers, yet the day after I put an ad out for lease, I'm getting inundated with calls/emails.

Wish now I hadn't sold House #2 ... Well, maybe not.