Neal, I was wondering where you were, just a few minutes before this popped up. Neal, we HAVE to do what we HAVE to do to make it in this market. Unfortunately your sellers are not being realistic about when the market is going to come back. Who the heck knows? I wish I had a crystal ball. I spent yesterday getting price reductions AGAIN from my sellers that have moved and need to sell. 

I am negotiating an offer and the buyer and seller are 6000.00 off in an area of 360-550K homes. Both are being stubborn. Very frutstrating, but I'm not throwing commission at it. It was listed in March 2007 by another Realtor, they have had carrying costs for  11 months. I don't get it, do you?

I love your saying Real Estate is not as volatile as the stock market. No, it is not. 

Neal-
Very good post. I agree w/ you re: transactions are out there if you choose to just take a look. 3-4 years ago, I would NEVER have considered showing anyone a rental property; I would've just referred them to our Property Mgmt. Division. However, I received another check from a rental fee in January. Rental commissions are small here in Orlando but it'll pay to fill up my tank of gas once. :) I would've also referred a couple of small deals last year but chose to keep working with them and they bought, too. Who knows about this market? I spent about 3 months last year trying to figure it out; now that I'm focused on continuing to help people who really want to buy or sell, I'm just doing my thing and actually helping them, regardless of what the market is doing. :0)

Neal....  I honestly think that many of us are busy and very busy. And yes, busier than I was this time last year. I am not hearing as much negative info about today's market. Especially since many of us here on the 'Rain' have been writing positive pieces. 

In regards to the sellers negotiating and being stubborn, especially in Florida, where prices in some areas are still going down, they will just price themselves right out of the market. Sure, things could change around, but why take that chance in today's market. Having an experienced professional as yourself should help, but that doesn't always make a difference. As you know, some people just have a mind of their own. Good luck and enjoy your day.

Missy,

I'm here lurking:)

I would rather tell people to take it off the market if they aren't will to see what's happening.

Lisa,

I'm never too big to take a rental.  Unless it's just too far to travel to.

Jeff,

Something must be going on because there are actually people buying homes.

Neal:  I have had clients that weren't paid attention to or ignored because the agent wanted instant gratification. I have been working with people relocating for a year or more at a time and they do pay off...so all those that I worked with in 2006 came in 2007 and one from 2007 is coming in two weeks. Our office picked up in January and still going. Congratulations with your being busy...it only comes from good ole hard work and effort......with plenty of motivation!

Neal,
We're all having to work harder and smarter these days.  I have a seller that needs to come off their price but they are refusing to budge, while still paying mortgage payments on a home they are not living in.  What sense does that make?  We're going to have a "Come to Jesus meeting this week".  

Great post!  We are taking listing with realistic seller at realistic prices.  Our listings are getting showings.  Buyers are also venturing out a little to test the water, and hey that is all part of real estate.  It is all up, and it is not all down.  Reality is what counts for the buyers and sellers.  If they perceive they are making the right move...the market will start to move again!  It starts with their real state professionals like yourself that are not afraid to tell your clients the truth!

The market certainly is changing.  There are opportunities for buyers -- It is all about doing the right thing for each individual situation.  One size does not fit all.  I have been very busy in January and it is great.  I am optimistic.  I think with information, both buyers and sellers can win in his changed market.

Neal, I'm always busy. I may not always be doing deals but there is always something I can do to move my business forward. I get up and go to work everyday without exception. I also do the little deals. In fact, for me, the thrill is in the deal so I really don't care what size it is. I just like to keep busy

My numbers for 2007 were down quite a bit but I still probably made more than my doctor so I can't complain. I do hope 2008 is better thought. But if not......well it will give me more time to blog and work on my tan:)

Neal, I am waiting for the lull!!! There is always something going on even in a down market. People are still buying and selling and there are still many other avenues in Real Estate. I have heard some reports from friends in Florida though, maybe exagerated about being ten 4 sale signs on every street!  I know numerous people who eventually want to get a place in Fl so I don't expect it to last too long. If a seller can wait it out then they should. It's the sellers who are trying to get 2004 prices that are wasting time. Glad you are busy:)

Sally,

Thats it...you can't be expecting to always close a deal very quick...you have to establish trust and it takes time even if you lose them in the end you can sleep at night knowing you did what you were supposed to do.

Cynthia,

They are probably wasting both your time and theirs...I'm really starting to walk away.

Jim,

Just like Dave Lininger said..when they ask you to take it for 3 months just tell them you would rather turn them down now instead of letting them down in 3 months.

Joan,

I was a bit concerned in the back of my mind at first....but I always seem to hope it will work out and we were able to finish 2007 with a few deals and start 2008 with a few in the hopper.

BB,

I'm usually always busy too even if it isn't making deals..my marketing and other things keep me from glooming about the problems..that why we survive. We take what we can get under the circumstances. Hey we survived and we can still continue to blog too!

Karen,

Think of it this way...if we stay in the game and the competition doesn't then we have the better chance of converting

Nice to see you Neal! I have seen a bit mor on the buyers side recently and little more reasonability from all. Still not quite where I would want, but getting better. Take all deals if they can be worked!

Neal- This is the market that will position you for the next good market.  You help your clients with everything and anything that makes them know you are the expert in your field. Even terrible markets have little spots of sunshine..

Neal: How right you are.  This is indeed a buyers market and the sellers are finally realizing they have to price their home right from the beginning

Neal - you just gotta figure out what they want and how they want it - find it and write it

Vanessa,

I'm working a few tough ones this week but hoping a few will pan out so just keep going!

Kaye,

That's right because when it gets good again ..they will call us for standing by them now instead of some agents abandoning the consumers because they just can't take their lumps.

Diane,

I just got rid of another...I'm glad they didn't renew sorry to say...I don't want it until they get where they are supposed to..they know but can't admit it.

Thesa,

Thats all I ask from them...give me something to go in with!

It is a buyers market.Jessica Cordell

You have to build your business, the market doesn't matter. The best will always be OK

Jessica,

I would think so:)

Rick,

I'm not worrying onr bit. I'm busy.

Neal-Roger that.  The agents that sit around complaining about how bad the market is should look for new employment.  If you have the desire, motivation and dedication to be successful and go out to find business, real estate continues to be a very lucrative profession.  Hats off to all those die hards that don't complain and go out each day and make stuff happen.  Aloha.

David,

I'm used to it...but since I'm busy with little stuff...I guess you can say....I'll be weathering the storm.

I agree with David. Real estate is still a lucrative profession, full of opportunities. During the good years, realtors simply waited  for customers to call. Now, you have to go out and look for those customers and that is what some realtors don't want to do.  

Joesph,

There are always ways to keep you in business.