Are You Hindering or Helping..???

When people ask you about the market, do you instantly dive into the negative?  Perhaps go on about how this is the worst Real Estate market you've seen since you've been in the business?  Let me ask you this, do you want to continue in this business??  Don't you think the typical consumer has seen enough negative on the TV and heard it on the radio!??  I'm saying this because I think we as Real Estate agents, without even realizing it, can hurt more than we can help in these times.  What I mean is, when someone asks you about the Real Estate market, have you ever stopped to think that what they are really looking for is a small glimpse of hope that you, as a professional in the Real Estate industry, see the market turning around because they themselves may be thinking of buying or selling.  I'm not saying lie to them, I'm just saying watch what you say and talk more about the positive as oppose to the negative. 

Talking about the negative can hinder people from buying and selling.  It makes them think this is the worst time to buy or sell and, the more people who think this way, the slower the recovery will be.

Instead, first ask why they are asking you about the market.  The answer may very well be that they are considering buying or selling.  Second, be honest with them but do it in a positive manner and make them realize what a great time it is to buy right now.  Even those looking to sell, you can put a spin on it by saying it may be worth taking the loss on their current home when you think about the incredible deal you're getting on your new home.  And third, as an agent, I think it's important to remember that while your business may be down, there are several agents' whose business is up.  Maybe it's not the market, maybe it's just you.  As harsh as that may sound...  It's about taking the market for what it is and learning to shift your way of thinking and how you handle your business so that you don't feel the roller coaster ride a lot of (if not most..) agents feel.

Bottom line, I think we all need to be careful about what we say to the consumer ear.  They hear the negative enough, I think we, as Real Estate professionals, need to do our part to spread the positive news.  And, honestly, I think if you start telling positive news it will affect the way you think and, in return, act as an agent.  Making you more motivated and productive to the point you finally crawl out of the negative cave a lot of us have sunk into.  If we all thought that way I think it would aid in a quicker recovery.