When I first began my career, some twenty-two years ago, I had an excellent broker train me.  To this day, when she speaks to me, my ears perk up!  One of the first things that she taught me was this; it is good to have lots of listings with your signs on them.  It is better, when those listing signs say SOLD! 

For those of you who may not remember, Jimmy Carter was our President.  Interest rates were 21%.  Inflation was at an all time high.  Jobs were scarce.  Layoffs were everywhere. Energy crisis. Sound familiar?  Except, we don't have the high interest rates, much of the market is the same.  Credit crunch?  You bet. The salaries were much lower then, than they are now, too!  

Listings are the key to have in order to continue your business.  New buyers or sellers will call you because they see your name on a sign on their way to or from work.  Someone may be interested in that listing, but, as it turns out, they buy something else.  From you, though.  So, that's a good by-product.  Just remember, when the listing doens't sell, you need to make a decision.  Get the clients to reduce or walk away from the listing.  If you have trouble, letting go, try this; give them thirty days.  If they don't listen to your advice, then advise them to find another Realtor. One tough listing can drag down all the good stuff that you have going on right now.  Do the smart thing and say goodbye.