Every Thursday Sarasota Board of Realtors (4,000 agents) has a meeting where we promote our properties, discuss the market and local happenings and the sponsors supply a continental breakfast.  Last Thursday when I attended to promote my property I was shocked at the lack of realtors in attendance.  I think the sponsors out-numbered the realtors.  And, probably less than 75% of agents with properties on the tour were there to actually promote their property.  Just a while ago we had to move the meeting because it was getting so large and you could only put your house on tour once in order to keep the numbers down.  Now the room is empty.  I hope the sponsors don't withdraw their support. We need to get that momentum going again!

Ok, so I am guilty of not attending the meetings also.  I am committed to being at that meeting at least 2 times a month and I will tour properties afterwards.  The meeting is actually really good for networking with sponsors and agents; learning the inventory; and just keeping in touch and getting out of the office or home office.  If you want to conserve gas, carpool; or stay in one area when you tour homes.  We really need to show more support for each other as agents.  Let me tell you it was not a good feeling when I only had one agent show up -yes, this is what I had to tell my seller.  Another agent announced that she was giving a $20 gas card for every agent that came out to her broker tour:  two agents showed. 

It used to be fun looking at the new listings with your peers, having snacks and cocktails at some homes, and networking while supporting each other.  It is back to basics for me!