We have a wonderful family gathering to celebrate Christmas at my Aunt and Uncle's home in Southeast Atlanta. This section of Atlanta is just outside of downtown, and there are historic neighborhoods such as Turner Field (home of the Atlanta Braves Baseball Team), Grant Park, Peoplestown, and Summer Hill in the area. Notable attractions include the Grant Park (the actual park), Atlanta Zoo and the Cyclorama.
I'm amazed at how well my aunt and uncle get around in their 80's. My aunt cooked a wonderful ham, deviled eggs and potato salad. Other family members contributed various dishes to round out the meal. The cake picture above was accented with a delicious cream cheese marshmallow whip and fresh strawberries that my cousin put together. It was good to see and her husband especially since they are relocating to Australia in a couple of weeks. Maybe I will get over there for a visit.
We each shared where we are with our lives, and when the baton came to me it was, 'oh how is real estate? Kinda tough these days?'
Since I get this question often with the strained facial expression, I have gotten better prepared to answer it. I alway accentuate the positive because the mass media makes up for any negative that I would to report. Everyone has the negative story. So I talked about the fact that 2009 was a good year, 2010 was not as good and 2011 has been a much better year overall. I talked having two contracts pending, three buyer clients ready to purchase, and various clients lined up for the first half of 2012. I also commented that while the business is not easy, I have to be consistent and innovative in my marketing approach. Plus it helps to always give great customer service.
I refuse to get on the negative band wagon and talk about the real estate market from a national perspective. When I am asked about the market, I always bring the subject back to the local perspective. "What's happening where you are living or want to live?" That is the reality for that client.
And if you are not positive about your business, it will be hard to grow.
Back to baking candied yams for the Christmas dinner after church tomorrow.
Merry Christmas AR!
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