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Is it bad to be OPTIMISTIC?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Complete Solutions BK3048059

I had a fine year in 2007, but I was excited when 2008 came, because I want a great year, not just a fine. I was very excited that this could be a fresh start. I told everyone I know that the market has got to turn around now. I put my money where my mouth was. I doubled my print ads. I doubled my internet presence. I doubled my mailing efforts. I added a second buyers agent to my team. I joined active rain. All in all, I have doubled my time investment and my expenses and now my frustration is doubling!

I am a true believer that if you are not in it, you can't win it. I am a true believer that if see it, you can achieve it. I am a true believer that if you do what you love, you will be successful, and I have been very successful in the past. I put 110% into what I do. I am full-time realtor, riding out the lul. I have fun with my clients and my team. I enjoy what I do. I am an optimist, but I am frustrated!

I am frustrated by my peers who keep say I am wasting my time and money, bringing me down when I want to be up. I am frustrated by the media continuing to broadcast gloom and doom, silencing the phone as soon as it starts to ring. I am frustrated by the negativity that abounds almost everywhere, paralyzing people with depression and fear. I am tired of hearing of hearing how long it will take to pick up when it is picking up NOW. If people would stop repeating the bad news they hear and take a look for themselves at reality, they'd see it's getting better out there everyday. If they'd stop saying the bad stuff, it would probably get even better a whole lot faster. Why can 't anyone see the glass half full any more? The truth is: homes ARE selling... and that's pretty good news, don't you think? Why don't we ever hear that?

Here are some statistics for my town: Boca Raton, Florida.

In the month of January, 158 residential properties closed.

Right now, it is February 7th, 39 have already closed and there are 390 pending contracts.

If only 71% of the 390 pending contracts close in the month of February (and we typically do 30 day closings here), the closings in February will be MORE THAN DOUBLE the closings for January.

How can anyone possibly say it's not picking up? Why doesn't the news say anything about that? Should "residential sales are doubling" make the front page?

I know people are struggling, but the more it picks up the less we will struggle. I know it is hard to sell now, but it can be done. I know people can't always get what they want for their properties, but they can get out if need to. Take the time to see that the glass is half full. The end is coming. The lul will pass. It will get better. And, if you believe it, it will happen faster.

Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions
21301 Powerline Rd #106, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Office: (561) 807-5478 · Fax: (561) 322-3331
Website: http://www.best-real-estate-choice.com · Email: jlee@remax.net
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Comments(124)

James Angelo
Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage LLC - Jacksonville, FL
attitude is so important. Keep us on the right track. As they say, you never know when the market has turned up until after it has. It takes a lot of work, work, work to get the contacts and keep them. Life has never been easy. The survivors in this industry will be those that keep on tracking and do not listen to the negative media.
Feb 10, 2008 01:02 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions
Serena - Awesome! Keep up the good work!
Feb 10, 2008 01:19 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions
James - Very well put.  Reminds me of a saying that hangs on my wall... "If it is to be I is up to me."
Feb 10, 2008 01:20 AM
Kirk Williams
Private Venture Capital - Everett, WA

Regardless of the market there is always business and people with money who want to buy. In tight markets its just harder to find them but they are there. Optimism is a good thing not Pollyanna like some say since optimistic and realistic do not have to be conflicting.

Feb 10, 2008 10:36 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions
Kirk - You're right. Thanks.
Feb 10, 2008 12:32 PM
Al Maxwell
Keller Williams - Marietta, GA
Real Estate Agent
I think that you can make it what you want. I know it's tough, but that just means that you have to work things a little harder.
Feb 13, 2008 01:46 PM
Anonymous
Candice

Hi Jennifer!  As someone who has a lot of interest in Boca Raton real estate and follows the market fairly closely I can say that it's best to remain as positive as possible, even when the market looks like it does these days.  Reamining positive can make or break success and happiness though you should always remain realistic.  Having and maintaining hope is the key here.  Just don't be overly positive because pretending to be happy or positive usually leads to a lot of negativity.

Feb 15, 2008 03:20 PM
#111
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions
Al & Candice - You are both right.
Feb 16, 2008 03:22 AM
Owen Zweiback
Realty World Florida - Bonita Springs, FL

Couldn't agree more, Jennifer!  Doom & gloom pounded by the local and national news set's that perception is reality thing into place.

You're so completely right and I also look at the cup half full.

It's easier on our life and more comforting to the soul. 

 I believe Florida has weathered the worst of the storm now and we will bottom and flat line for a short time of 12-24 months but inventories will begin to shrink and when the are cut in half; the market will see a more historical average upswing.

Us positive Realtors will be left while the others have moved on and thinning the industry a bit isn't a bad idea either.

Florida is a paradise and regardless of the ebbs and flows of the ecomomy; this is where the millions of babyboomers, tourists and international investors are going to continue to live, invest, work & play.

Bonita Springs, Florida and my Southwest Florida market has been hit as hard as anyone but prices have been nearly cut in half and the buy's are out there. This is paradise and we need to continue to spread the word.

 

Feb 29, 2008 11:23 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions
Owen - You are right on all aspects of your comments.  You area is lovely too.  I'll be over there towards the end of the month. 
Mar 03, 2008 04:12 AM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate
Jennifer, You have a great attitude!
Mar 04, 2008 09:12 AM
James Angelo
Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage LLC - Jacksonville, FL

In order to succeed in any business - we have to work every lead, every prospect, and stay focused on what is possible.  If we get negative, we might as well go into some other line of work.  People have to move, homes have to be sold - new properties are built - keep plugging away - Hard work breeds success.

Loved your piece.

Mar 07, 2008 11:38 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains
Jennifer:  Keep the faith and don't lose heart!  It is picking up no matter whay the naysayers say.  February in my market is usually slow anyway but not this year!  You've heard the saying misery loves company so those who are trying to bring you down just want some company.  Don't go there - stay positive, good things are coming.
Mar 09, 2008 04:21 PM
Matthew Heavener
ERA Heavener Realty Co. - Jacksonville, FL
Great article, Stay positive.  It is amazing how many people want you to be negative.  Disappoint them all.
Mar 10, 2008 01:48 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions

Shirley & Matthew - Thanks!

James - Nicely put! 

Donna - Great to hear Feb was good in your area! 

Mar 10, 2008 03:06 AM
Anonymous
Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches

Absolutely Jenniffer!  Working at the desk at the association I hear the negativity ALL DAY!!   I hear all the sob stories and it's very sad for some people who just dont have the money or the drive to make it out of this tough market but it doesn't mean it can't be done.  Congratulations to you for working hard and trying to keep up that positive attitude, hopefully it will rub off on some of your fellow Realtors!

Good Luck to you, I'm sure I will see you at the Boca Realtors Association soon!

Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions. 561-997-8266.

Danielle Boutin

www.RAPB.com

Jun 23, 2008 04:32 AM
#120
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions

Danielle - It is so nice to see you on AR!  I always love seeing you at the Association!  I just picked up a lockbox from you about a week ago and I want you to know that you are always a pleasure to see!  You are truly an asset to the Association, as you are always smiling, cheerful, and very helpful.  I hope they see your value as much as I do.  I look forward to seeing you again soon.  Thanks for you kind comment above too.  You are a doll!

Jun 23, 2008 09:37 AM
Todd Wakefield
KW Commercial Lake Cities - Firewheel - Plano, TX

You go Jennifer! Keep your head up...money is made when blood is flowing in the streets...or at least there is "news" about the blood flowing.

Jul 09, 2008 03:03 AM
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Complete Solutions - Boca Raton, FL
Broker/Owner/Realtor at RE/MAX Complete Solutions

Todd - Thanks!

Jul 09, 2008 11:36 PM
Sasha Miletic - Windsor Real Estate
RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. - Windsor, ON

Hi Jenniffer,

LOL... Excellent question. Stay positive... Keep going... All the best.

 

Best - Sash

Dec 17, 2009 12:41 PM