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What a shocking statement!!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Success Real Estate

I am sitting here working on my daily agenda.  Thinking about my 20% that MUST be done and how much of the 80% I can't fit in.

Well, I have the t.v. on as background noise on CNN - maybe I can subliminally digest some pertinent information.  I am sure this is a repeat BUT I know it is from a recent show, as the economy is being discussed.

Suze Orman is the guest speaker giving out her financial advice to people calling in.  She made 2 statements that both amazed and shocked me at the same time.

1.)  In her usual style she talked about the reserves every family or person should have - she recommends 8 months by the way. Well, she went on to say that if you have reserves in place and are looking for a place to invest your money, she gave a recommendation for Real Estate.  YEAH!!  She did caution that this may not be the wise move for everybody.  If you will be needing the money in the next 5 years than this probably isn't the type of investment for you, but to hold it for 7 or more years you can make some money.  She also indicated that a first time buyer is in a great place right now!  Interest rates are at a historic low and home prices are at an affordable level. 

2.) A real estate agent called in to go over her finances and her recommendation was to leave the business and get a "real" job.  Now I agree that real estate isn't for everyone and for purely selfish reasons I am happy that agents are fleeing the business for a job with a weekly paycheck.  BUT, if you put in the right kind of time, doing the right types of activities, focusing on your daily lead generation and having clearly defined goals you CAN make it!!

Bobbie Files
Your Bristol and Plymouth County Realtor

Visit my website at www.BerkleyMass.com

Search for Berkley Ma Homes at: http://BerkleyHomes.BerkleyMass.com

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Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

You can do more than Make it. With the right efforts and luck you can make a great living doing something you enjoy!

Jan 11, 2009 09:21 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Suze just is always right on target.  The agent should get a "real job".  One cannot be successful in business if only waiting for it to come instead of constantly working at it.

Jan 11, 2009 09:25 PM
Tony Grego, 317-663-4173 #1 Trade Association for Alternative Inv
REISA - 317-663-4173 - Indianapolis, IN

The problem I have with Suzie is that she has no tolerence for folks that are in a bind. She it is easy to tell folks to save XX percent, pay off XXX bills, etc. but she has no help when the guy is at the front door to turn off the water

Tony

Jan 11, 2009 09:29 PM
Randall Sandin
Carolina One Real Estate - Charleston, SC
843-209-9667 - Search for Charleston SC Real Estate

nice post - glad to hear someone in the media actually speaking the truth

Jan 11, 2009 09:52 PM
Norma J. Elkins
Elite Realty Group - Morristown, TN
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team

I usually do not listen much to Suzy simple because she is just so critical --- maybe at least once we got a positive from her!!!

Jan 11, 2009 09:57 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

That advice is timeless... "get a real job".  Actually, that's good advice for a lot of people because not everyone has the discipline and self-confidence to master real estate.  Maybe she sensed that in the caller'ss voice or maybe she was just being flippant... who knows!

Jan 11, 2009 10:03 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I can't stand to listen to Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey, et al.

In fact I don't.  Once is enought to send me away from them forever.  They are selling books and getting sponsors, not giving real financial advice which would take a complete financial profile of the consumer. 

Personality TV is hardly where folks need to get financial advice.

 

 

Jan 11, 2009 10:10 PM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

We can only hope that the "financial gurus" of the world will get a clue and start telling people how affordable so many real estate markets are now! Of course they cannot be the end all be all of finance, how can anyone in a few minutes on TV give really comprehensive advice.

Jan 11, 2009 10:24 PM
Nickolas Underwood
KW Commercial Atlanta Partners - Lawrenceville, GA

That's pretty cool. I like that real job thing. I have had some "real" jobs before and it seems like I work the hardest as a "Real"tor

Jan 11, 2009 10:53 PM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Suzy does give some sound advice at times. She is still an "entertainer" and will go over the top to make a point or get a reaction. I take everything she says with a grain of salt.

Jan 11, 2009 10:54 PM
Diane Daley
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

Thanks for sharing I missed that one.Glad to hear someone is telling people now is a good time to invest...  I will re-blog this   Thanks

Jan 11, 2009 10:59 PM
Janice Roosevelt
Keller Williams Brandywine Valley - West Chester, PA
OICP ABR, ePRO,Ecobroker

Be present in each and every moment - its about quality not quantity

Jan 11, 2009 11:12 PM
Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

It saddens me that people are still saying that . Maybe Susan should get a real job. After all how hard is it to read a teleprompter

Jan 11, 2009 11:24 PM
Mark Watterson
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Real Estate

I'm a big Suze Orman fan.  I have watched her over the years and she has sound advice. 

My mother in law doesn't like her because she heard one thing (didn't even watch entire program only a couple of minutes) out of context and made a snap judgment.  Just like she does with her entire financial life.  She makes snap, out of context judgments and has nothing because of her faulty choices.  Most people want a quick fix to an issue (that require a long term fix) and they have no long term vision (to avoid the need for quick fixes).

Want to stay in real estate.  Work hard and make the right choices.  Otherwise maybe a J.O.B. is the best solution.  Everyone is in different place in their life and they have different needs. 

Jan 12, 2009 12:02 AM
Pat Argo
Keller Williams Realty of Brevard - Titusville, FL
CRS

     Bobbie, I also watched that show. I too believe that most of the time Suze is right on track.  And she does give back! Last 2 weeks on Oprah Best Life series (Bob Greene was also fantastic!) and a special webinar at 9 PM EST!  A FREE download of her latest book! Free FICO! Workbook and forms. I have several of her books as well as her Portfolio.

     When things were so easy a few years ago, a lot of people got into real estate expecting to get rich, quick, and with no real plans to build a business. Many "bought" the business and never developed skills. Some may have "bought" designations even, but did not earn them like I did initially as a charter CRS with over 50 closings required and all courses completed. Those are the ones who most likely will leave the profession and get a J.O.B, IMHO deservedly. I started in bad times and have gone through many. There are always those that grow and prosper as a result of bad times, even if it is developing better skills and more knowledge to be better prepared with the next market swing. I still love my career!

Jan 18, 2009 02:07 AM