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By the numbers

By
Real Estate Agent with YourStories Realty Group MA# 9517963

tas_eileansiar-a_la_rentree_flickrIn business there is real value in statistics and systems.  They allow you to assess how you are doing along that set of criteria you establish.  But if you think following a single system and looking at statistics in one particular way will always show you the right way, you are wrong.  Real Estate is a fluid business that is constantly altered by the people who are transacting business together.  While you can make a case for statistics in determining what the outcome will be, you can’t bank on that.  I have heard all kinds of statistics and tales that are supposed to determine an outcome.  The first person to speak after a money question is asked, looses is one such tale.  When showing houses to people in your own car, the person who sits in the front seat with you will make the decision, is another such story.  In both these cases I have anecdotal experience which is opposite these beliefs.

So what is my point?  My point is that being consistent and doing things by the numbers is absolutely essential for success in any profession.  But, not paying attention to what you are measuring and how that measurement fits in with other systems to get a perspective on what you are doing can trip you up as well.  Wheever I read a set of statistics on the housing industry in my areas, or in the country at large I will take into consideration who is reporting, how they are reporting and if these statistics can be confirmed independently by other statistics.  When it comes down to a decsion I will also include my instincts and my personal sense of what is likely to happen.  Make it a great day.

Posted by

Larry Lawfer, Realtor®YourStories Realty, It's all about you,

Larry Lawfer

Partner

Realtor®, Director of Marketing

YourStories Realty Group powered by Castles Unlimited®

837 Beacon St

Newton, MA 02459

larry@yourstoriesrealty.com, 617-774-8292

Jeana Cowie
RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Paramus, NJ
Broker Associate, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES

Larry, don't they refer to these stats as "fuzzy numbers".  Somtimes when stats show prices going up in a region, it is just a fluke because a few expensive homes recently sold.

Sep 28, 2010 01:22 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Numbers...ahh, the data people never check and seem to accept at face value!

Sep 28, 2010 01:26 AM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

Jeana you are so right, the way in which a statistical analysis is set up can determine it's outcome.  What I find personally worse is some news or media outlet using statistics that are "fuzzy" to create histeria. 

Gary, is there reall a face value when you can't look behind the face to see the data?  I am not sure this metaphor works?  What I am suggesting is that you can use statistics to prove or disprove any point.

Sep 28, 2010 01:31 AM
Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Numbers and statistics can also become a cause for unecessary fear too Larry.  I dont give a rat's behind what the market is doing if I'm going to achieve my goals, but some agents use slow numbers as a justification as to why their numbers are off.

Sep 28, 2010 02:49 AM