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8 MONTHS OF BLOGGING...THE WORLD HAS CHANGED...WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

I have been blogging since February 15th of this year. I joined Active Rain in January of 2007, but like a lot of us, I was slow on the uptake. With this post, I will move into the top spot in my hometown of Naperville Illinois.

So here I sit, reflective after almost 8 months of blogging. So many posts...

Some good, some bad, some ugly.

What has it all meant? Has it meant anything?

The world has changed over those 8 months.

The government has grown. And grown some more.

Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Fannie and Freddie, Merrill Lynch, Washington Mutual, AIG, Wachovia are all gone or altered forever.

The banking industry has consolidated to only a few big players.

Credit has tightened. Banks aren't lending to each other.

Things will loosen. Banks are in the lending business.

Oil has gone from $90 per barrel to $147 and back again.

I have switched real estate companies.

My family has moved. My wife has gone back to work.

I have cut costs. I have implemented a business plan. I have been featured in the Naperville Sun.

I have shown many homes, met with sellers, hung newsletters, held open houses, social networked.

I have gone hungry. I have feasted.

I have survived...

Fun times in real estate, indeed.

What does the future hold? I don't know.

But I am excited to find out.

Ken

To buy or sell a home, call me anytime at 630-697-0536.

Posted by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate on 10/03/2008 09:31 AM

Comments (20)

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20 Comments on 8 MONTHS OF BLOGGING...THE WORLD HAS CHANGED...WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Congratulations on making it to number 1. Keep posting if you want to keep it.

10/03/2008 09:42 AM

by Mary Bowen, The Woodlands Texas Real Estate & Relocation Specialist (Coldwell Banker United, Realtor)

Wow Ken, Nice blog! The World will continue to change, hopefully we can still keep food on our tables and not turn into the soviet union.

10/03/2008 09:42 AM

by Robert Worthington (Worthington Realty)

real estate agent = roller coaster

10/03/2008 09:55 AM

by Brad & Angela Lawrence - Realtors/Owners - Greensboro - Winston Salem -High Point (North Carolina Homes Realty, Inc.)

Ken, been there done that. Times will change and get better. After 24 years of this business you have to roll with the punch. If not change careers. The Calvary is coming hang on.. No Broken Arrows here.

10/03/2008 09:59 AM

by Frank Rubi -Louisiana Real Estate- (7824 Real Estate of Louisiana, llc.)

Hi Frank, B+A, Robert, and Mary. Thanks for reading.

It sure is a roller coaster. Most enjoyment I have ever had in a job. Most disappointment too.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Ken

10/03/2008 10:04 AM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)

Congratulations on the top spot! Your blogs are always so informative and entertaining. I don't think you will have any problem staying number 1:)

10/03/2008 10:16 AM

by Cherimie Crane, Beaufort SC Real Estate (Advanced Real Estate Company)

Great job Ken, congrats on being #1 you deserve it and as always we have enjoyed your blogs.

10/03/2008 10:27 AM

by Patty Carroll, ASP®, SRES® & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX, Vancouver WA (RE/MAX Equity Group)

Hi Cheimie and Patty. Thanks for the kind words.

These are crazy and fun times. Hard. But good and learning.

What is better then that.

Ken

10/03/2008 10:35 AM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)

Hi Ken,

Congratulations on your advance to the number one spot. Great feeling of accomplishment, isn't it!

Change is the only constant in our business. Survival comes to those that have the capacity to flow with the times. You appear to be doing it well.

10/03/2008 12:43 PM

by Harold (Hal) Place (A1 Connection Realty, Inc.)

Hi Hal. I don't have a feeling of accomplishment. I feel funny with my face at #1 in a city the size of Naperville. Don't really know what it means. Time will tell.

Thanks for reading,

Ken

10/03/2008 01:35 PM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)

I always liked the phrase

"Someday we'll look back on this and laugh, ......So why wait?"

10/03/2008 02:52 PM

by Carl Ostenson (Ostenson Group)

I am with you. We are at an incredible time in history. What a perfect time to get started.

Thanks for reading,

Ken

10/03/2008 05:08 PM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)

Ken sounds like you have become very acclimated to real estate! I am use to the twists & turns & ups & downs. It seems "normal" now.

10/04/2008 06:01 AM

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

Congrats Ken on reaching #1! I enjoy reading your blogs. I hope your excitement for the future brings you continued success.

10/04/2008 06:44 AM

by Michele Hess, Simply Staged Inc. (Simply Staged Inc.)

Hi Nannette and Michele. Thanks for reading.

I am excited. Things are tough, but this too shall pass.

Thanks again,

Ken

10/04/2008 01:31 PM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)

Whahooooo! Numero uno in Naperville!! Congratulations! As always great attitude my friend!!!

10/04/2008 08:03 PM

by Barbara Carter Ulster County Real Estate Professional (Associate Broker Exit Realty Services)

Ken,
Hang in there. Life is a series of hills and valleys and we never know what we'll find when we arrive.

10/05/2008 08:07 PM

by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)

Congratulation on the #1 spot for Active Rain Naperville and congrats on the Naperville Sun article- it's great that you have been recognized as an expert.

10/05/2008 10:11 PM

by Debbie DiFonzo-United Country VIP Realty-Missouri

Great recap and fits most of us perfectly! Congrats on the feature, and for being featured in the newspaper. These are indeed challenging times, good or bad we must persevere those who weather out the storm will and keep a positive attitude, will make it!

Good Luck and Sell Well!

10/06/2008 06:11 AM

by Allison Stewart REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida (Florida Pines Realty, Inc)

Hi Allison, Debbie, Cynthia, and Barbara. Thanks for reading.

I am slightly embarrassed by the #1 Ranking in Naperville. It's a good size city. Have I done anything to contribute??

It was nice PR in the paper.

Have a wonderful day,

Ken

10/06/2008 08:35 AM

by Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville)