Is Real Estate a National Treasure or a National Disaster?

Success leaves clues, and real estate is no different.  What are the points on the secret map of real esate?  Can we follow the trail to find our way to the City of Sold? 

1.  Follow the path left by successful realtors in past down cycles.  Do the prospecting, the number-crunching, the study of your local market.  Granted, it's hard work; easy money is out.

2.  Be alert and ready to alter course when the situation arises. New marketing sources are available, new service techniques, and fresh real estate concepts present choices like a six-way intersection.  Stay abreast of the changes and implement the ones that fit you.

3.  Cultivate an adventurous spirit.  Fighting through the challenges will take persistence, and not everyone will stay in the race.  Perseverance and stamina will be required.

4.  Think and plan.  Market downswings can bring out our best creativity and draw from our past experience and study.  Deep thinking is our greatest asset in tough times. Sharpen your thinking and implement your plan.

2008 will be a year that draws out the best that we have within.  Active Rain gives us a forum to share our best thinking.  What are your "secret" clues to real estate success? Comment or leave a post with 'book of secrets' as a tag.

Marsha Cleaveland, Keller Williams Realty.  Search for a home online at www.HomeKey.org.