January Newsletter

Better late than never, right?  Here is my newsletter for January 2008:

Happy New Year!

I've been trying to guess what this New Year will bring.  On the one hand, I hear all of the negative news around me.  But on the other hand, I am generally an upbeat person.  I like to listen to motivational tapes to get me pumped up in a positive way, and I try to maintain an optimistic outlook.

The most important theory I have come across is that you accomplish the things that you think about most.  One book which has had a tremendous effect on my life is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.  I highly recommend this book to help you get your mind right. 

I am a huge proponent of goal setting.  In order for the process to work, you must write your goals down in detail.  As a New Year plan, I suggest you get a notepad out and start writing down your goals and life plan for 2008.  Read it often and visualize the prize.  The more you think about it the better.  I promise you'll have success on the items you think about the most.  As I look forward to the next year, I wish you well, but I will not wish you good luck.  You make your own luck.

By consistently focusing on my goals, many of my own dreams have come true.  Quite a few years ago, one of my dreams was to own a yellow 450SL Mercedes convertible.  I wrote this down as one my goals, and I looked at it and thought about it for many years until finally my dream came true.  A customer of mine was moving from California to a small ranch and needed to get rid of her yellow 450SL.  This was the solution to my midlife crisis and is now my pride and joy.

Let's move on to real estate news.  2007 was the year the real estate bubble popped in many parts of the country.  The collapse of the subprime mortgage industry was the major catalyst.  The average consumer lost wealth this year.  Consumer confidence is the lowest in years.  The media have exacerbated the situation.  It is important to remember that our national economy is very resilient.  It has emerged from crisis before and it will do so again.  The Fed is trying hard to solve the credit crunch.  The election year may pay dividends.  Most Americans remain nervous but hopeful. 

I have resolved to look for the positive out of the negative.  Home prices are becoming more affordable in many parts of the country.  Interest rates are falling.  Home buyers are enjoying good selection, and great values are available.  These are all positive outcomes in a negative situation. 

To wrap things up, I'm going to include my personal goals for 2008.  These are the things I will be thinking about and focusing on during the next year.

1.  I will work more closely with my fellow Realtors.  I consider them my primary customers. 

2.  I will increase my number of sales by 50% this year.

3.  I will keep in closer contact with my past clients.  They are my greatest resource, and I would not be where I am today without them.

4.  I will become more organized so I can work smarter.

5.  I will think positive and have more fun!

I wish you a happy and healthy 2008, and a special "Thank You" goes out to all our troops overseas.