I have long believed that the NAR's approach to advertising and supporting our industry is way off the mark. They kept running those ads advocating that buying a home was an investment and it was a great time to buy. Any fool could compare housing to a stock market that is on an apparent roller coaster ride to oblivion.
Just because interest rates are low and just because housing prices are low does not automatically mean that it is a great time for everyone to buy. Somewhere in the mad rush to make millions, it seems many agents forgot what they are supposed to be doing. People come to us for advice, not a quick ride around a few homes and a quick settlement. It seems when borrowing got real easy, our industry forgot we are dealing with people's lives. There are living, breathing people behind all the statistics you read.
We are supposed to sit with potential buyers, listen to their desires, evaluate their position and offer sage advice as how to proceed to reach their goals. Our job is not to show homes. Our job is not to sell houses. Our job has always been much more than that.
Well I am proud to say that Long and Foster Real Estate is stepping above the fray and offering to head in a new direction. There is so much confusion in the market now, isn't it time that someone stood up and said...
"Yes, they say it is a great time to buy a home...but is it a great time for you?"
Even as I type this, Dave Stevens has announced a new ad campaign is being launched. Agents are being given the tools to conduct meaningful discussions that will reveal whether it is the time to buy ... one client at a time. Our agents will be focused on the right result for the consumer. It is very comforting to see that once again Wes Foster has taken a long look at the market and developed a program that meets the needs of the consumer.
If you want to know if it is a great time for you to buy, feel free to call me at 301-537-4377.
My name is John MacArthur and I am proud to manage the Olney/Brookeville office for Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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John- I just received the email from Dave Stevens last night and I think this is an awesome program and opportunity. Real estate IS so much more than showing homes or selling homes, it is giving sound and sage advice to all our clients and/or customers. Leave it to L&F to lead the pack and to support us, their agents.