Where have all the good times gone?

The price of gas.  The insincere client.  The tightness of money.  Doom and gloom at every turn.  Ugh!  When I first became serious about a transition to Florida, I began to fly from Philadelphia to Brevard every other weekend.  Everywhere I went I met the most gregarious, affluent people.  I was absolutely sold on Brevard County Florida each and every time I landed here. 

Here's the kick in the gut!  Most of the smiling faces and good times were attached to REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATES!!  I was introduced to dozens of great people.  I was invited to dinners and parties (do any do that anymore?)  I was sold on the people not the place.  At some later point in time, I fell in love with the beaches, the quaintness, the weather, the convenience, the family feel of Brevard. 

I moved my residence permanently to Brevard (Melbourne) in 2006.  I actually went to real estate "school" for reasons other than selling houses.  However, I rationalized that "at least I'll be with a good crowd".  From my view, Brevard real estate agents were Professionals.  They could hang with Dr's, lawyers, engineers, or mechanics and construction workers.  They were optimistic, driven, intellectual, and, DAMMIT, a boatload of fun!! (Ever shoot a game of pool with a couple of realtors?) 

I still think my realtor friends are awesome.  They just don't fit the adjectives used above anymore.  I was involved in the real estate market in the greater Philadelphia area in the mid to late 90's.  The market had drastically appreciated, then leveled off at break neck speed.  The big issue was not whether homes could be sold.  In my neck of the woods, there were 4 realtors for every buyer.  There were the big names and the newbies.  It was a competitive market.  Looking back, I can say that it was the agents that stepped up their game that pulled through the tough times.

I was telling someone just this afternoon, "I could spend 10hrs/day, 6 days/week working my contacts and networking opportunities and still not reach everyone on my list."

 We live in the Digital Age.  I have a website with the slogan "Global Partner".  Never before have agents had at their fingertips what exists today.  I was sold on Brevard County 2 years ago by several of really great people, a couple of which also happened to be realtors.  I'm excited about 2008. I am working with 8 buyers and have more listing appointments than I can get to.  I miss those fun people that introduced me to Brevard.  If you're not having fun in this market, get in touch.  I could use some help.