WE ARE STILL HERE!

This very same time last year I wrote the blog "We are Still Here" and guess what - we are Still here.  This certainly has been a whirlwind of a year with short sales, and REO's being more common than regular sales.  Whew! Have we been through the fire.  I thought it would be prudent to state the same thing I said last year, because it does still apply.  I say keep up the good work my fellow practictioners; Hats off to you.

I love this time of the year because most people will make an extra effort to offer a smile and a helping hand to those in need.  As we see the Christmas sales, jingles, and deep discounts start to roll in as early as pre-Thanksgiving, we start to reflect on giving gifts, sharing special time with friends and family, and of course missing those who are no longer with us.  

This is also the time when we as professionals should reflect on the blessings that we have received throughout the year.  Let us not forget those hopeful faces of our clients who finally received the keys to their dream homes.  We also can see the sigh of relief on the faces of those who sold their real estate they could no longer afford.  

These are difference times for all of America, even for the invincible real estate profession.  Often times I run into colleagues who would wipe their brow while declaring Whew! "WE ARE STILL HERE!  We are still here,  what a commentary since WE as real estate agents are weathering storms of constant change in our profession, how we are perceived, and how we practice real estate.  Now some of us have not missed a step in terms of sales and income, while other are limping along just holding on for their change to come; it's a mixed bag that runs long and deep.

Being here means we are still providing the same outstanding service to our clients and still being a good example of how real estate professionals exercise due diligence by putting the client's well being first, even when it results in no monetary rewards.  Sure there are some of us who will sell their souls to the devil (so to speak) just to get their commissions, however, I am proud to say there are more of us who do the right thing, and that is why WE ARE STILL HERE. 

I salute those real estate professionals who have the guts to stick it out and not put their personal interest ahead of the people who are managing a "smile" in light of losing their homes.   Let us reflect on being good humanitarians by offering a hand up to our fellow man.

Cynthia Smitherman

Emage` Fine Properties, LLC

Chandler, AZ 85249

602 697-4487