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Stop with the pity party already and get to work!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Escrowcoord.com

Come on People!

After being in the real estate business for nearly 23 years with my husband, I've been through crappy markets, gloom and doom forecasts, etc. Let me share the advise I give agents and officers in my office. When the market is down, get educated and look for opportunities to use your real estate skills! Get your business organized with good systems and products so that you'll be ready when the market turns! Of course you should continue to stay in touch with clients and keep your name out there. But for heavens sake, stop beating the dead horse! Most people are going to stay put for a while or they are foreclosing. Your frustration levels only hurt your "Karma" and people are less likely to seek you out for help. The problems we are having today shall pass. Another important lesson I learned early on was to always base future budget forecasts on making 40% less than the current year. Real Estate is a hard business with extreme income changes. Always be prepared for the worst. When you are making the big bucks, try to pay cash for everything-especially cars! If you still have money left over, invest in real estate. Find income producing properties that CASH FLOW. Welcome to my World! Diana

Comments (8)

Amy Dawson, Vancouver, WA Realtor
Vancouver, WA
I agree with you Diana. Great post!
Oct 30, 2007 11:36 AM
Amber Bourland
Ozarks' Independent Realty - West Plains, MO

I would think those things are obvious, but to hear any group of Realtors talking, it's all "gloom and doom."  Unless, of course, they are talking to prospects, then they brighten up and sound positive...

Yeah, my market has slowed some- but it tends to do that this time of year. these are the times i get busy and research the recent sales, memorize comps and available properties, catch-up on filing, and try to re-organize things. This is also the time I look for ways to give back to the community or try to help others in need. It may not help my business, but it sure helps me!

Oct 30, 2007 11:58 AM
Tracy Santrock
Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC
Raleigh - Cary Broker
Everyday you hear more and more Realtors talking about the market and having their own "Pity Parties".  Only the agents willing to get up and get going during this time will be nibble enough to survive.  Thanks for sharing.
Oct 30, 2007 12:11 PM
Scott Carson
WeCloseNotes.com Inc - Austin, TX
The Note Guy
Amen!  Can I get a Damn Right!  I'm avoiding all the Crap Magnets that I can.  Truly positive people and professionals iwth succeed in this market.  Great blog!
Oct 30, 2007 12:44 PM
Keith Perry
Coldwell Banker - Hiram, GA
REALTOR - West Metro Atlanta
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Thank you!! Right now thats the key. Can we slide here? I wish my playground was as positive as this post.
Oct 30, 2007 12:48 PM
Diana Turnbloom
Escrowcoord.com - Martinez, CA
The Leading Expert in TC Services & Education
Thanks to all for your swell comments. Amber, I love the idea of community service...Now that's great "Karma"! Scott, "Crap Magnets" is now part of my NORCAL vocab! Tracy, many agents got lazy with the crazy market. We have to go back to our roots and hustle like we did in the old days. I remember many years ago when my husband Steve was walking door to door to solicit listings, an old woman chased him off her property with a broom! There's nothing like a dose of "humble pie" to keeping all of us real!
Oct 31, 2007 03:53 AM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Diana...

I so just have to share this with you. I found it on Flickr

Property of a Librarian on Flickr. Forgot his name. So sue me :)

It sums up my thoughts quite well :)

TLW...ROAR! 

Nov 09, 2007 06:52 AM
Diana Turnbloom
Escrowcoord.com - Martinez, CA
The Leading Expert in TC Services & Education
TLW, HAR HAR! If you ask my sons what their mom is like, they would say "She's a disturber!" Danka for the feedback!
Nov 09, 2007 07:19 AM