I entered the real estate sales market in May 2008. I just came for the mortgage industry and my family and friends all ask the same question when I announced my new ambition: "Have you NOT turned on the news lately? Have you NOT seen a newspaper?"
I was undeterred. It made sense to me even if it didn't to very many others. No matter the circumstance, real estate will always change hands. It may be due to foreclosure, death, divorce, debt, moving up or downsizing but real estate will continually be moving. I wanted to be in on that side of the table.
My first year, I sold 11 homes. My 2nd 12 month period I tripled that amount. I have consistantly averaged a sale every 9 days since my 13th month in the business.
I learned from the mortgage industry to look for what is not yet obvious. If you wait for the news to announce who the next wave of buyers will be, it is already too late to model your business to attract them. You must always think ahead. When I jumped into the game in 2008, money was hard to come by. I mostly had small sales and investors. That was all that put food on the table that first year. In 2009 I had some military business and more investors as well as hard-to-finance first time buyers. We also saw the tax credit really take shape to motivate some fence sitters. I carried only a couple of listings at any given time because all the money was in the buyers.
In 2010, as the year winds down, I have 10 pending sales from first time buyers to first time investors in commercial property and a wide selection of listings from the 90's to 385k. I have diversified to make sure that I have a property that attracts a broad range and have them all over the area. I have teamed up with www.JoeHaydenRealtor.com and started working again with Paula Atteberry. This allows me to pursue new business and write contracts while she works largely with first time buyers. Our commitment to excellence keeps us constantly moving but also insures that our clients are receiving the best possible care and commitment to quality.
As we approach 2011, I have implemented even more high-tech devices and systems for communicating with both my lenders and service providers as well as my clients. Our clients are treated as individuals with specific needs and they have no doubt that we have the ability to provide outstanding service and productivity.
May you have a happy and prosperous new year!
Mark Atteberry
Search Louisville Area Homes
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