2009 is a reality check time for many of us. The easy sales, the big incomes, the fast pace of the market - those have disappeared down the trail and are no longer visible in our rearview mirror.

Still, many consumers have not caught up with the times. They still expect to recoup a sales price on their home reflective of a more robust time. However, they also expect that the seller of the property they are interested in - be it a private individual or a builder - to heap on the concessions.

I think most of us are in step with the times and are looking forward to a more sane, predictable 2009 that can lead to a re-establishment of our businesses. It's up to us, along the way, to help consumers get the picture - by mail, in-person, on the phone, and in our posts.

This is a check we can cash this year if we are realistic about our expectations and convey that to our buyers and sellers.

By mid-year let's hope that people no longer postulate about how much they could have sold their house for or what it was "really" worth and accept the market correction that has occurred. May all of us - buyers, sellers, and agents - jump right into the new reality.

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, sales tips, insights, or strategies, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my other blog homesalesinsights.com. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.