The Market is Changing but the Game is STILL the same.  After 31 years in this business and many different markets as my husband and I traveled around, it is still the same Game. 

The GAME! The word on the street is that the market is changing. I agree, the market is changing. The market is ALWAYS changing, however the GAME always remain the same.

The name of the game IS now, HAS been and will always be LISTINGS. Simply said, you don't have to reinvent the wheel with every changing market, just manage your listings.

In a seller's market Listing Agents have to deal with frantic buyers and an influx of multiple offers on their listings as soon as they put them on the market. Listings are in shorter supply because sellers 'think' they don't need an agent, they can plop a sign out and POOF their home is sold. Listing agents may have less listings but they sell quicker and a buyers market is banquet for selling agents. Working with multiple offers, frantic customers and sellers who feel they don't need you takes skill - get training. This is a time when all agents should work hard on building their sphere, because their sphere are the core that will insure their survival.

In a balanced market Listing Agents begin to market their properties more strongly, seeking a stronger web presence and advertising methods. Listing agents will now be able to keep a steady supply of inventory to advertise to draw in the fewer buyers that are seeking homes. The cycle is always the same - you MUST list to have something to advertise or put a sign in front of to draw a buyer or coop sale to go to closing. This is a time when a listing agent must prepare their seller for the market, explaining that it may take longer to sell than in the seller's market, and it is a time when the listing agent proves their worth with customer service and strong marketing skills. Advertising skills, web presence and systems that draw a buyer to your listing takes skill - get training. This is a time when all agents should work hard on building their sphere, because their sphere are the core that will insure their survival.

In a buyer's market Listing Agents thrive because sellers know it is taking a long time to sell homes, that buyer's are making lower and lower offers and they need the skills of a trained negotiator to get top dollar for their property. In a buyer's market listing agents have to be prepared to tell the seller that their home is worth less today than it was 3 months ago. This is a difficult time for sellers and it takes all of the skills and training that an agent can get to bring a seller through a declining market. Marketing a home for top dollar in a declining market takes great customer service skills, advertising systems and negotiating skill - get training. This is a time when all agents should work hard on building their sphere, because their sphere are the core that will insure their survival..

WAIT A MINUTE? Wasn't that the same sentence 3 times? Yes, you it was because the game is the same for every market.

1. In any market - Listings are the Name of the Game.
2. All Markets are a time when agents should work hard on building their sphere, because their sphere are the core that will insure their survival in any market.

GET Training - you can never know too much or be too skilled! 

To Your Greatness!
Toby Davis