The Fall Season of Change: Getting to the Top, A Fall Season Contest

As any mountain hiker knows, the path to the top is not always a journey upward. Not all mountains are made with Mt Fuji as a pattern. I moved west twenty five years ago and in that first year was drawn to the Cascades in a way similar to the way the  flat "Lakes" area of Minnesota had held my attention for most of my life. The change brought about by moving west held challenges as well as pleasures. Each year's journey has provided me with many ups and downs.

The real estate market for the past 4 years has challenged everyone. Home values have decreased, the number of sales has fallen, and many people employed by the industry have left, hopefully to find employment in other lines of work.

One of the best mountain hikes I have ever enjoyed was a day hike with four friends to Three Fingers Lookout in the north Cascades. The trail had plenty of ups and downs. We'd planned our route, balanced our packs, and adjusted to the varying terrain as we came to it. And we were rewarded with a perfect day and fabulous views.

THREE FINGERS LOOKOUT HIKE PROFILE
15.8 MILES  5000 FEET OF ELEVATION GAIN  12 HOURS ROUND TRIP

With the rapid and continuing development of electronic media, with the incredible collapse of the economy and the housing market the challenge for Realtors® is to learn, to adjust, to adapt, and to persist. While keeping up with technology is relatively easy for those under thirty, it is possible for the older generations to grasp what is need to be current in this market.  Being aware and accepting the new conditions in the market is paramount to the Realtors® success.

After 25 years in the business I was starting to think that I knew it all. So, for me, change means to make a conscious effort to learn something new everyday, and apply it for the benefit of my clients. And to enjoy the ever changing journey one step at a time.