Because somebody's gotta do it. Im trying to sell a home for a family 2,000 miles away and working my tail off - someone has to do it.

Chris:  We're needed.   Can you imagine that family 2000 miles away trying to sell the home themselves?  Good luck Chris!

The majority of my deals are done electronically and closings are  mail away.  I live in the land of second homes and abscentee owners. 

Kris, you said that very well. Your clients are lucky to have you!

Chris - This is a funny market and as the pendulum swings out along go the weaker people in the industry. I know several people - Realtors, Morgtage Brokers and Home Inspectors that are being taken out. I Thank God that the business that He has provided for me continues to be profitable. Thanks for the post! I do not plan to go anywhere either.  

Kris,

27 (or is it 28) year later......what else would I do????? And why would I want to????? I love what I do.........

Chris:  I have a dear friend that moved last March to Cape Coral and she's said much the same thing.  It must have felt like a whole new world to her and a new way of conducting business.

Linda:  Thank you.  You stick it out too lady!  You're needed.

Hi Kris,

I like how you put it this market is "different" and we have to learn to adjust so we can take care of our clients, your clients are in good hands! :)

Michael:  I'm seeing so much of it and it saddens me Michael.  I've also heard from people that they are receiving letters from real estate agents they worked with in the past giving them the "new" contact for their real estate needs.  Thank you Michael.

Julie:  Exactly!  Why would you want to?  I would imagine after 27 years that you've seen so many market changes.   Thanks for reading and commenting Julie.

Kris-that was nicely put.  I, too plan on staying for the long haul after 12 years in the business.  I think we need to focus on the positives in our career at this very moment, whether it be having a new listing, getting a property sold, working for a great company or all the great people we have met a long the way.  Hang in there!!

As a relative newcomer I get told "well, you certainly picked the wrong time to get into real estate."  I smile and know that even through the trials, I am loving what I do.  I'll have some stories to tell in 5 years or so. =)

Laura:   The positives still outweigh the negatives.  Especially now.  Our expertise is needed even more.  Thank you Laura.

Maggie:  When I meet a "newcomer" to the industry I congratulate them.  They have guts don't you think?  You're getting a Masters Degree in real estate in this market climate!  As always, good luck to you Maggie!

Suzanne:  It's "different" everywhere.  Isn't that what makes life so interesting and challenging?  I'm glad to hear that you're sticking it out also and will be a part of the helping process!  Thank you Suzanne :-)

Kris, I'm not going anywhere either.... I'd like to go South but not yet. I get those questions too. I just smile and say "Actually I've had my best year". You should see their faces. Goes against the grain and the media. The market is what it is, those that work are are surviving and thriving.

Sometimes a new atmosphere is good but it also has to be realistic and a long term goal. No reason just to move somewhere else if it is just a band-aid to pass the time. In the end you could be back where you started. I have done this in my past careers and looking back I'm glad in RE I haven't moved around too much...in 12.5 years I've only been with 4 different places. In NY I started in RE in Manhattan..that lasted 2 weeks...hated the place...went onto work for a brokerage on Long Island and did well...but then we moved to Florida so naturally I had to start over and change to another company. The only reason I left there was because after 5.5 yrs they fired my manager and the new one and I didn't have the same philosophies. I love Remax...best thing I did.

Missy:  I think we shock people don't we when we give them positive news?  I'm so sick of the media spin on things, and I know the consumer is sick of it also.  We'll be heading south also, but not until we're ready.  We won't leave because of negative media or the economy in the state.   Keep telling 'em the truth Missy!

Neal:  I think agents and other real estate professionals here in my area are leaving the industry entirely, not so much moving to other companies.  I agree with you - a band aid solution never works out.  It eventually falls off.  Ditto on the RE/MAX :-) 

KRIS - you are so good! I know that you are an excellent agent who cares! This is an important trait. Stay positive and keep at it, I need to send you a couple referral! Let me check my list :-)

Merry Christmas!

Santa Charles:  Thank you!   I do care Charles, as I know you do also about your consumers/clients.  I think you also know that if I hear of anyone heading your way that your name and # will be given to them.  Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Kris, It's wonderful to see your passion and commitment towards your career. Anyone in your area who ends up being lucky enough to have you working with them, is fortunate indeed.

((-:

Jo 

Kris, I'm SO GLAD you're in this business.  You are exactly the kind of agent any client should be looking for and I'm happy to hear you're not going anywhere!  When the market gets challenging, this is when we get our best ideas.  It's not an entirely bad thing.

Kris-many of us are here for the long haul.  This isn't the first downturn in the real estate market we've seen.  Heck I was working in AZ during the savings and loan fiasco.  Talk about a downturn in the real estate market :-)

If we stay the course, provide professional service and help both buyers and sellers realize "it is what it is" then everything will be fine for us. 

Jo-Anne:  Thank you so much.  That is high praise indeed coming from you, whom I admire.

Sarah:  You're right, challenging isn't a bad idea.  It's a time to better educate ourselves and become more creative.  Stagnant is never fun.  Thanks Sarah :-)

Cindy:  "Stay the course" is a mantra we should keep repeating to ourselves.  I can't imagine working in AZ during that time.  Kudos to you for sticking with it!

Kris:  I'm with you, my friend! I'm in this for the long haul. Think of me like your postman. Rain...sleet...snow (wishing for some of that!)...slow market....I'm gonna keep doing what I do...helping people. We are needed...probably more now than ever. With so many people out there confused and facing difficult times...we can bring the voice of truth to the situation. I love my JOB!!

P.S. Thanks for your email!!

Elizabeth:  LOL!  I also think of myself that way (as a postman)  Tonight and tomorrow we're expecting some serious snowfall and of course, I am showing homes tomorrow :-)  We're in the thick of things no matter the weather, the economy, or any changes that affect our clients.  Thank YOU Elizabeth for helping out.  I know that will mean alot to her.

Kris--Same here...I did not go into real estate due to the lure of $$ I chose to help people with their real estate needs. A professional Realtor will be in the business for the long haul...You, Kris are a professional!

Teri:  It's funny, I chose this career because of the experience I had buying my first home.  (Not a good one...that's another post entirely!)  I stay because I know I can make a difference and I truly love what I do.  It's also obvious to me after getting to know you a bit here that you have the same dedication and passion.  Thank you Teri. 

I hope you weren't upset with my tongue in cheek comment I made the other day about jobs :) 

Kris--That is so very ironic as the reason I am in real estate is the very terrible experience we had when buying our home. People do not deserve to be treated that way...My goal is to provide a pleasant buying/selling experience from start to finish.

Kris, not only do I get asked if I'm leaving real estate, there's always the question about leaving my city as well, as so many others have.  I'm not doing either.  I love my job and I love my hometown.  Why would I abandon either of them?

Clients need you more than ever.  They need your caring, professionalism and honesty.  Michigan is darn lucky to have you!

What, you mean now that real estate is horrible, you don't want to go get a real job? 

Can you smell the sarcasm?

Hi Kris, your post is why people choose you.  They know they can count on you just like the agents that you interact with they know they dealing with honesty and sincerity.  Nice post Kris.

No one said it would be easy but we are lucky to be with like minded people who want to make this work!  But if I were to retire to another state where would it be????,,,, that is a topic for another blog  ;-)  Yours might be south but I'm thinking west..."go west" they say.

I will be here for a while  as well.

Kris, It's your love of this business and determination that sets you apart from the others and will truly carry you through any rough times.  You have a real commitment to your clients and to your profession and it shines through.

Kris, 

Glad you're here! Anyone who has a sense of this business, and you certainly do, is very well capable of riding out the downturn. We're in it for the long haul because we care about our relationships and we love what we do. :) 

™ 

Kris - You have the right attitude!  I actually think now is the best time to buy, so I am focusing on buyers about 80% of the time.  It's also forced me to be more creative with listings which mean I have added some new tools to my Realtor box!

You are a fresh breathe of air.  I love this industry and I have invested too much in my career to walk away, which bring to mind an old adage. " If you enjoy what you do you will never work a day of your life"  Best wishes in your endeavors.

Renee:  Of course not!  Renee, you do what's best for you and your family.   I have a feeling though that you're going to be in the Las Vegas real estate market for a long long time!

Teri:  I think quite a few of us had that same first time experience and never forget...and its a catalyst for our choice of career.

Lisa:  I hadn't even thought of that.  I bet you are asked that quite a bit.   My hubby and I love New Orleans. Simply visiting there tugs at us, I can't imagine how strong the emotional pull is for you and others who choose to stay and help with the rebuilding.  Good for you and good luck to you and everyone in that fabulous city!

Diane: I don't know if Michigan is lucky to have me, but I do know I'm staying!  Thanks so much :-)

Marlene:  I smelled the sarcasm before I opened this up :-))   It's almost laughable isn't it when people say that?  A real job?  Walk one month in our shoes..just one month!

Gary:  Coming from someone like you who returned to Michigan and is thriving this means alot.  Thank you.

Karen:   Hubby and I will be heading south, but in a sailboat :-)  We won't call "home" one place but rather jaunt around from warm spot to warm spot.  West is something we considered also.  I'm so glad to hear you are sticking around also.  It's what we do. It's too big of a part of our lives to change now. We're needed.

Carole:  Thank you so much.  This means alot coming from you, as you are one of the gals I admire for your dedication and commitment.

Ricardo:  You hit it right on the head.  It is about the relationships and being of service.  My clients aren't data. They're people, as yours are.

Kathy:  Getting more creative is part of the enjoyment, isn't it?  I love it - it's challenging and every changing!

Dionne:  That "old adage" sticks with me.  I get up in the mornings excited about my work.  How blessed are we?  Very!  Thanks Dionne.