Hello and happy new year.  I have been busy with so many things except blogging.  Business is slow, but I am pushing on with marketing and prospecting.  I did finally close that one transaction that has provided several opportunities for cathartic blogging.  I have never worked with a seller that was just not getting it.  In the end my buyer is very happy in her home.  I went over and helped her and her family paint; it was a good time.

Now I am working with a few buyers who, for one reason or another, pulled out of the market last year.  Two of them rented, but only for six month.  We are starting up the search again to get under the wire for the $7500 tax credit (loan) from the federal government. 

I went to a meeting at the board regarding the new year and adjusting your attitude.  It was a refreshing message.  They started the meeting with hard numbers about what is really going on in our market compared to the nation as a whole; that was enlightening.  Any Realtor will tell you that real estate is local.  You can't rely on the national news to direct what you do in your market.  Even in Louisville, there was a huge difference between areas of the city.  The balance of the meeting was uplifting and team building.  Now that things are the way they are, we need to work together more than ever. 

Personally I have my hands full.  I have joined two committees at the Board; MLS Improvement and I have been selected to join The Professional Standards Committee.  The Board has offered several classes and I am taking everything I can fit into my schedule; the more qualified I am for my clients the better.  That with my slowly expanding duties at the brokerage level has my calendar filling up. 

We hear so much on a daily basis about the economy both good and bad.  I am realistic, but optimistic and will keep doing the things that will drive my business and build my brand.

If you are looking for Realtor with a realistic view on the market; call me.  I would love to list your home and sell you another one, but we have to be realistic about your home's value and the competition.

Statistics

LISTINGS     Residential (Single Family & Condo)    

December 15 -21, 2008      416    
Last Year                          376  

December 22 - 28, 2008     166  
Last Year                          233

December 29, 2008 - January 4, 2009     349    
Last Year                                             548

SOLDS        

 
December 7 - 13, 2008     169    
Last Year                         235

December 14 - 20, 2008     142    
Last Year                          258

December 21 - 27, 2008     99    
Last Year                         126