Fantastic turn out at this month's SPOTLIGHT AUSTIN by Patten Law Firm of Austin.  Thank you sooooo much Patten for allowing me to be a part of the panel to help point a few in the right direction.

A few pointers I passed on to others for a few questions presented:

1. How are your adapting to the shifting market: I said that I actually love markets like this as it allows one to truly find out what is working for them in building their business and what is not.  Sure we cut costs, but only on items that we were not positive were not working.  We actually increased our budget on marketing items that were working.  Sure it hurts, but we are learning from it.  Having been through several down turns we actually planned on this downturn market 5 years ago in developing our business model.  Thus we were able to adapt better than many.
2. Where do you think this market is going in the next 6-18 months based on the number of projected foreclosures and increasing number of 3 year arms hitting our market in the next 2 years (Ouch, powerful questions): I said all depends on job creation.  The more job creation that we see in the coming years, the better the market will be able to absorb any future foreclosures.  I said I don't want to be negative, but without job creation, the market can not absorb the upcoming foreclosures and projected foreclosures.  But, I am optimistic.
3. Do you see a major impact of commercial buildings and retail centers failing having an impact on your market? No!  I told the audience that in any down market commercial activity is going to be hit very hard.  It is up to the agents to educate the public that location, location, location will, in time, bring the commercial back. Our group does an excellent job of educating the public and all realize that with the location that we farm, our area is safe.  Another agent (Tosca) jumped in and added the impact of the premium schools will outweigh the failing of a new retail or office building.