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Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Diamond Partners Inc

It has been more than half a century since I was an undergraduate in Opal Cole's Speech Class in which she required everyone in her class to prepare and present a speech on the same topic: Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude! I don't remember what I said but I will never forget the topic. There is no doubt in my mind that our attitudes are a major determinant of our success.

Of course skill and knowledge are essential if we are to perform well but competence alone is insufficient as a springboard for successful sustained performance. And the more challenging the business environment becomes, the greater the importance of attitude becomes. Listening to some agents talk, you would think that there is no alternative but for all of us to throw in the towel and close up shop. 

Why would anyone want to do business with a REALTOR® who exudes pessimism and defeatism?  How's the Real Estate Business? Terrible! Sound familiar? If that is our attitude we have already lost the battle. Are some niches and markets for real estate in shambles. Of course they are. But that does not mean that all niches and markets are in shambles.

With record low interest rates and real estate prices the lowest in recent memory, this may be the best opportunity first-time home buyers will  every see. Add to the mix, an $8,000 tax credit and what is a surprise to me is that there is not a stampede among eligible buyers to take advantage of these highly favorable conditions. How's the real estate market? It has never been better! There are some incredible opportunities in the market! Those are the messages we should be sending in these troubled times.

Yes, our attitude may well determine our altitude! 

 

Comments (4)

Jenny Hellman
RE/Max Results - Floyds Knobs, IN

John - I total agree. We have to stay positive! When people ask me "How's the Business"? I always reply, "It's not as bad as the media makes it out to be! Things are moving, but I can always use a referral or more business....Do you know anyone in need of a realtor?"

Apr 15, 2009 02:58 PM
Kim Darling
Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA
CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

Yes, I tell people it is crazy, and very busy.  Low inventory, low prices, low rates, incentives, a great time to buy!!!  Get off the sidelines and jump in, you'll be sorry if you don't.  Hindsight is 20.20 and people will look back wishing they got in on the opportunities that are out there.  Our attitude and knowledge will help get this market back on track, no one else is going to be our advocates, we are it. 

Apr 15, 2009 03:23 PM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate

John - I couldn't agree more.  It's so important for us to exude a sense of confidence.  One thing is for certain, things never stay the same and for those who wait too long may miss the greatest opportunity of this century.  Affordability is finally making a positive swing, interest rates are at the lowest I can remember in my lifetime and we have some incredible properties with people who want to sell. 

Apr 15, 2009 03:28 PM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Johm,

I could not agree more. I remind people of the recession of the 80's and 90's. Don't be looking in the rear-view mirror at opportunities lost.

Apr 17, 2009 01:45 AM