Sandy, I agree that having listings is at least as important in a down market as in a good market...

I would agree as well that listings are always important to have.......I also believe you can achieve this business with buyers, it just depends on what you are most comfortable with and how well you can do each of the tasks.

Good luck!!!

I too am a listing agent and have seen things slow down here in Houston.  Not as much as what you all have experienced because we have never had the huge price leaps other parts of the country have had the pleasure of having.  But, right now the buyers are few and far between and I have to make myself focus on getting those additional listings.  It's difficult, but you are absolutely right on about getting those listings in place so that when the turn around comes you are positioned to help your sellers move their property quickly. 

Good luck and let's keep in touch.  I'd love to hear when your market begins to shift.

Gayle--I will keep you updated.  I hope it won't be too long before I can report some good news!  We have had the longest down-turn any of the seasoned agents around here can remember. It seems to be affecting all areas of real estate here.  As transient as our area is it has been hard to figure out how and why this has gone on for so long.

Brian and Ryan--thanks for the comments!

Sandy, I started out in a strong buyers market and I've always preferred working with buyers.  But in a buyers' market, you can use your listings to prospect for buyers.  That's one reason to do Opens (if they're located somewhere that people are likely to come).  I'm working with a guy who I met almost a year ago at an open house, and now he's about to make an offer on a hugely expensive condo!  It's like you need to be bi-lingual, speaking both buyer and seller!

Howdy Sandy

Congrats on a very good post.

I have been talking with some folks that have been in this business for a long time now. They work with firms like Banks and Mortgage Co. all over the U.S., there talking like it my be some time off before it turns itself around. Just something for you to think about.

Have a good one

Sandy,  As much as I would like more buyers, sellers are ok too!!  By taking my laptop and using it to show the value of the Internet they start to understand.  I explain to them about print and what I do, but show the results from Internet, which can be quantified, is powerful.  With all the sites (free) that can be utilized, you may find you can spend less on listings but reach a better audience which will result in viewings.  So go for it!!

I think I will try that this week.
I have been refocusing myself period. But re-focusing on listings is probably a good idea. The more signs out there, the more buyers will see your name. And the more homes you have far advertising, the more opportunities you have to develop buyer clients from listings.

Of course, they have to be properly priced and staged properties :)

Your absolutely right!  I think it's important, no matter what market were in, to work with both sellers and buyers. Being able to do and manage both is hard, but will help ride the waves in any market condition.

IF YOU LIST, YOU LAST!  Have you heard that one before?  Well, it's the truth!  If you have the listings and signs in the ground, then you are bound to get some action from some new buyers from it!  I know it sucks putting the money out, but you HAVE TO!  I always try to get at least one new buyer or seller from each listing I take and then I don't feel so bad if it doesn't sell!