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Holiday Time, To Work or Not To Work?

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Real Estate Agent with Treasure Coast | Sotheby's International Realty

Real estate and family, what a slippery slope we are on when it comes to the holidays!!  Compounding the conundrum is working in a "resort" or "destination" market, like me.  Here in Vero Beach, FL it's much different than when I sold homes up on Long Island, NY......  you see, this is one of those balmy, beautiful beachfront areas of Florida where people come TO when the weather in other parts of the country gets unbearable. 

So yes, over the past week, the phones have been ringing and people are coming to town for their Thanksgiving festivities, to visit Grandma, to get out of the cold, and to "look around".  Yes, they want to look around.  Figuring out the motivation of these people is the hard part!  You see, the decision must be made, do I want to be a tour guide, or could this person actually be ready to buy something?  I mean after all, with prices as low as they are, interest rates at all time lows, and a huge supply of homes, doesn't it make sense to buy now?

Good question. So why do so many people come here, fall in love with Vero, and leave EMPTY HANDED??? 

And how much time do I spend away from my own family to spend with a stranger who may or not actually be interested in owning a home in Vero Beach?

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and may you not gain any weight over the next four days :)   Blessings.......

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Chuck Carstensen
RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN
Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

That is a tough call. I would imagine for you that most people are just looking and not really buying now.

Nov 23, 2011 12:51 AM
Ellen Dittman
Watson Realty Corp. - Middleburg, FL
#1 Stop for NE FLA-JAX/OP 904.535.1199 (TEXT OK) r

Well, if they go back up north empty handed, they may regret it when the temperatures start to dip below zero soon. Have a nice Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2011 12:52 AM
Denise J. Storm
Re/Max Pinnacle - Durango, CO
Broker Associate - Durango Colorado Mountain Homes

Kelly, I too work in a "resort" market and truly feel your pain but I have decided that I have done enough good this year and I am going to enjoy this time with my family and refer any business I may receive over the next 4 days and just sit back relax and take the referral fee and let someone else do the hard work while I enjoy my family.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

Nov 23, 2011 12:52 AM
Lisa Dunham
Alexandria, VA
Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

Kelly, I agree with Chuck.  This can be a tough call.  Just set your availability, plan your family time, and stick to it. Hopefully, this will leave a little time for both.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2011 12:56 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

No work on Thanksgiving only family time and taking the time to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Nov 23, 2011 01:02 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Kelly. What a good question. It is always tough to make these decisions anywhere you work. I like to think that as time goes on, I am a better judge of people and their motivation, but I don't always get it right and it is frustrating. Have a good holiday.

Nov 23, 2011 02:41 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

Yes. It is a work very busy time.

I believe it is the busiest for last few years,

so, yes, 2012 into 2013 is quite different for agents:)

Dec 21, 2012 04:22 PM