The Metro Denver area REALTOR Rally was a huge success this year. It was a fun-filled day offering valuable educational classes, information on technology and various specialty niche ideas. If you missed it, you should attend next year in 2010!
For those of you that have had the pleasure of hearing Larry Kendall, a wonderful motivational speaker, give meaningful incite to Thriving in a Turbulent Time, then you can appreciate when I say we just can't seem to get enough. Every time I hear Larry speak, I learn something new and am reminded of "things" I used to do and should do again. No matter what, I always take away a helpful idea.
The secret is to actually implement the ideas and success in real estate will typically follow. The best tip I took away and am now utilizing is this: upon arriving to the office, the first thing I work on is my "to do" list BEFORE I open my email. After just a few days, I realized how much time is spent in front of the computer looking at email and recognized that my organizational and productivity skills were dissolving. Thanks Larry! Great pointer!Since doing this one simple step 2 weeks ago, I have listed 4 properties and have 5 new buyers.
A second reminder was using "FORD". Many brokers have forgotten to talk to their buyers and sellers. Where did that personal touch go? When calling a customer, client or friend, ask about the family, their occupation, what are they doing for recreation and then their dreams . Include the reason for your call somewhere in the conversation. I have been using this system for years. I learned this method in a CRS course years ago and it is very effective. Caring about our clients is what we do, isn't it?
Dr. Lawrence Yun from National Association of REALTORS spoke on the market and shared with those attending the REALTOR Rally valuable information and statistics. The good news is he is predicting an improved second half of this year (2009), we should get ready to "rally". One of the most interesting and positive statements was that Colorado is a job creation state rather than a job protection state. Dr. Yun was quite firm when he stated that home values cannot decline; when home prices fall, collateral assets fail.
There are 12 million people under water with their mortgages, 2.5 million are in foreclosure, leaving 9-10 million still making payments. Affordability index is at its highest. This is the best time to buy and Dr. Yun reminded us that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity with low interest rates and an $8,000 tax incentive for first time home buyers. What would happen to the housing market if there was an $8,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a property? Would all level of price point start selling? This could increase consumer confidence and begin to stabilize the housing market. As Dr. Yun pointed out, buying a home is like the old days; you have to have money, a job, good credit and look at a price point within your budget. What a concept!
Comments(1)