I posted this as a comment on C-Tann Starr's post yesterday but feel it has some value so.......here it is:
Folks, these are difficult times that we are in. But keep this is mind....there has never been a time when the consumer needed good ethical REALTORS(R) more than they do now. Many homeowners are struggling to keep their homes or salvage their credit. They need us to help them. Buyers also need us to help them get into a home while prices are down and they have many to choose from. Now is the time to excel!!!
BUT...I do know it's hard. The most difficult thing is changing the way we think and then learning new skills i.e. short sales, REOs, owner financing, lease purchases etc..
I disagree with the "this will pass" mindset. It has already passed. It's passed from what used to be to what is now. The old market and the old way of doing things will NEVER return.
I am so excited about the new challenges we are facing that I can hardly stand it!!! Are you?
Bryant - Tell ya what, I like a good challenge. I don't know, maybe this will step up everyone's game... if it already has not. This isn't a time to let them find you, you have to find them.
Hi BB! In our profession, we MUST be flexible and change with the times. The good thing about our current market, is that there ARE good REALTORS out there to represent them and they do need representation now more than EVER before. Some major issues are arising with part-timers (wanna-be agents) right now along the lines of due diligence. This would be avoided with an experienced full-time agent. I feel that this major change in the market is going to get rid of those bottom-feeding agents and those of us who are ethical will be left standing in the end!
Thanks Broker Bryant - And I agree! I have gone back to basics and am working harder than ever!! I am determined to come out on the other side a smarter - wiser - better REALTOR!! I'm studying, learning and exploring everywhere I can so that I will be able to serve my clients better than ever!
Of course Good Realtors excel. Markets like this one creates good Realtors/Sales People. A challenging market helps clean out our Industry. Those who got into this business for the fast buck are getting jobs and using those diplomas they spent $300,000 on :)
I agree with you. The fact of the matter is that you better change with the times or be left behind. Like you said, what was...was. It's here and now and the past of over with. Some say we will see that kind of market again. I doubt it and anyway it doesn't mean a hill of beans! That market is what it is and some may think we are the larger players in it, I don't think so - we're just facilitators.
Bryant - It's either "sit idly by" or "dig in"! If real estate agent wants to continue in their careers, they must adjust now or they are just about out of time.
I'm very excited for the new challenges and experiences ahead of me...whatever they may be! The public does need experienced agents more than ever, and it's good to know that there are so many out there ready, willing, and able to help them.
So True, Bryant. In the hot times, sellers felt they didn't need us, and buyers often felt they couldn't wait for us. Now both sides realize they do need help.
BB, keep excelling...for both your clients and for us. I'm actually using the information you posted about Countrywide short sales to keep on top of a listing agent who doesn't have the package together yet. "Have you received xxx and xxx from the seller yet?" I'm pretty sure he's trying to figure out how I know these things even though I've never done a short sale before. Thank you so much for being so open.
I totally agree. It is crucial that Buyers get the help and advice from Realtors since we have a plethora of short-sales and Foreclosures. To be honest every market is a Great Market for a Realtors.
BB, This challenging market wants and needs our expert guidance "....there has never been a time when the consumer needed good ethical REALTORS(R) more than they do now."
The way I see it, the competition is starting to drop like flies. I guess that means they're either unwilling or unable to change. If I can implement one positive change per week in the way I do business, I figure I'll be ahead of the curve in no time...with ethics intact.
I can't agree more, with lawsuits happening left and right, if you hire the right agent, there is a lot less chance of that happening. But, I do have to ask, wasn't it bad enough that we had to look and read your stuff, now we have to listen to you to?
Maragret is right- it is about implementing one positive change at a time within a time frame. The difference between dreams and goals is goals have time lines!
I have reinvented the wheel so much this past year and a half it is now in the shape of a box that I am outside of. I love what I do and I have to adapt and adapt and adapt (the song that never ends, it goes on and on my friends) to stay in business. I take the ball of opportunity and roll with it.
It's exhausting but I will be around for quite some time!
(awaiting the jack slap from teh Lovely Wife... ;-)
No, really, all things move onward, and as one ancient philosopher (Parmenides I think, no, wait... ) once said, you can not step into the same river twice... so all is change, and this market, like the others, like yesterday and the day before, will also move on into the past...
So, with ethics and professionalism I move forward, taking each day as it comes, revising my plan, working my plan, and then revising it again...
Now is the time to excel? Oh really, BB? I just got news from my backbone that NOW is NOT the time to flourish. I'm upset, crying and kicking. How could you say this? (I'm being sarcastic).
Hey there. These comments are all pretty darn good. I'm really curious to see how many REALTORS(R) fall off next month when our fees are due. I'm guessing close to 50%!!! Maybe we should start a pool:) OK that was mean. I always want folks to succeed.
Stay motivated, learn new skills and make 2009 the best year ever!!!
Broker Bryant - It's already happen here in Montana, REALTOR(R) are not renewing their license here. The job market here is bad! Plus with the Mine laying off 526 men and women! I'm keeping my license renewal! Why? I know it will get better, it will take time for the economy to work itself out. I work too hard to be where I am at in the real estate. There still hope!
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I posted this as a comment on 
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;)
Reserved Parking For "The Lovely Wife"...TLW...ROAR!
Blog Boy...
Can I Jack Slap the next person that says "This too shall pass"? I promise not to hurt them :)
TLW...ROAR!