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What Year Is This? 2002-2003?

I have not had time to blog lately. I have had plenty of inspiration. But by the time I have a moment I just want to relax and turn my brain off. I've been putting together transactions one right after another. I have two more new listings to enter today.

I had another agent ask me what the secret was. I think that one of the reasons I've been successful is because I really want to be flexible. Meaning the market is what it is so work with it. Go with the flow. Where are homes selling? Are you working that market? Are you flexible enough market strategically based on where the money is?

Now most know I am not all about the money, but my creditors are. I don't want to sound like I'm another money hungry REALTOR. But at the risk of sounding like I am I would like to consider myself a savvy business woman instead.

I've been self employed since 1988. I've been in several different industries and learned so much about business. I operate my real estate like a business. This is not a job, I have to make a profit. I have to follow the trends. As a small business owner I must be flexible enough to be able to move with the market and adjust my actions accordingly.

Homes in my market area have been selling under 200k. Not that I would not take a listing over 200k I currently am searching out listings in this price point and buyers in this price point. As a result I have seen nearly every home in this market in this price point and I know that market well. I have several buyers in this price point and sometimes I am showing a property to one set of buyers and think, "Wow, this property is perfect for so-and-so." (A different buyer I am working with.) Later I call the other buyer and show the property to them and guess what...SOLD! Another house sold another happy buyer and seller.

I just don't believe this market is a bad market or a slow market in my area. I know many agents here are really struggling. I'm sorry to hear it. But I can't help but wonder if they are moving with the market or living in 2003.

Posted by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER on 05/01/2008 06:34 AM

Comments (16)

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16 Comments on What Year Is This? 2002-2003?

I think it's 2003. But who's counting?

05/01/2008 06:38 AM

by Kenneth Cole (Appleseed GMAC Real Estate)

Kenneth - to be honest I wrote a check the other day & wrote 2006! I did that more than once! Actually 1989 was a good year for me! LOL!

05/01/2008 06:39 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

Nanette, I find that the good real estate agents that are good at marketing themselves are staying busy. Yes, it is 2008, but at times, it does seem like 2002. I marketed my ass off and I made it through the lean times. I am marketing my ass off now and staying busy while others are dropping like flies.

05/01/2008 06:44 AM

by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.)

Nannette- I always enjoy your posts! They always put me in positive mood. I watch the market very closely too so that I am able to make changes and "go with the flow".

05/01/2008 06:44 AM

by Laura Karambelas-Chicagoland Real Estate (Baird & Warner)

Mike I'm with you here. Marketing my tushy off too. (Still have plenty of it though :-) I have not be sitting idle waiting for this to plop in my lap. I think that those with not as much business sense or as flexible are learning to either get that way or get a job. I'm liking 2008! It is a good year!

05/01/2008 06:49 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

Laura - I did not know you were a roadie! Thanks always good to know I have a fan! I'm going to make it a point to check you out more closely! Obviously you have good taste! LOL!

05/01/2008 06:51 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

I was thinking the same thing. All I hear is agents crying how slow it is. I have been as busy as ever

05/01/2008 06:59 AM

by Gary McAdams (GMAC Schwartz Property Sales)

Gary great minds think alike!

05/01/2008 07:02 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

I am checking email and commenting on blogs prior to going to work on my scheduled day off today, so being flexible and commited to doing the deal will make us succesful, If you don't return calls or refuse to go in for appointments on days off you are doomed to fail. There is no secret to this work hard and you'll be fine thats my opinion for what its worth.

05/01/2008 07:08 AM

by Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.

Steve it seems that it does not matter what industry you are in the secret to success is hard work. There is no getting around it.

05/01/2008 07:13 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

Nannette, awesome that you are so busy! You have found the answer. Keep on selling!

Have a great day.

05/01/2008 07:15 AM

by * Rate A Home (Rate A Home)

Duane thanks! Continuing to search for the answer is the answer.

05/01/2008 07:20 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

You go girl!

We are always re-inventing ourselves aren't we? So much has changed, yet the core of our business is the same: Helping people.

05/01/2008 07:30 AM

by Kris Wales-Macomb County MI Real estate (RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.)

Kris re-inventing my market target but I'm not re-inventing myself. I'm still the same ol' me. The passion I have for this industry is the same.

05/01/2008 07:33 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

Nannette, so true. We have to live for today and make the most of it. The markets may change, but we have to change as well. Great post.

05/04/2008 09:40 PM

by Ray Nellum, Fort Smith Real Estate (Warnock Real Estate, LLC.)

Ray - The only thing constant is change. Even mountains change into valleys as time passes. Thanks for the comment.

05/05/2008 03:48 AM

by Lynchburg, Roanoke & Danville Area Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER (Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates)

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