It depends on who you talk to.....

No matter who asks, especially clients I tell them things are going great for me. It makes them more curious and willing to do a transaction with me. It gains thier confidence and puts them at ease that they are dealing with a successful professional. Even though it may not really be wonderful, it always appears to be with me.

i would say its glass half empty/half full scnario........its just how you see it...

Nance, The media is definitely a culprit in the negative attitude!  I agree that we need to stay positive!

If I have a Seller, then I tell them that the market is plain terrible, and though they can sell, if they can hold for a couple of years at least, they may be better off. Now, if they still decide to sell, here I am, ready to work with them.

So, they see that I honestly tell them that they may be better off waiting, even though in this scenario I am not getting my money, at least for quite some time.

If I have a buyer, I say that this si a terrible market for the Seller, which makes it a terrific market for the buyer.

How can you keep saying to different people or people on different side of the fence that it is great?

The truth is that for some it is great and for some it is terrible

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." By Joshua J. Marine.   I keep that motto in mind.  I stay focused on positive!  Don't get yourself burnt down!  Hang in!

Thanks

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

I've been doing really good, but I know how hard I am working to make a paycheck also. I think that the people that are doing good are the agressive ones in this market. They are also the ones who dont do the same things over and over again if the results are failing. They are the ones who keep trying until they make something happen, and the ones who mimic and idolize the succesful agents in their market place/office. They ask lots of questions and stay as organized as possible. Just try to stay focused, time block, and learn to embrace failure when it happens since that the only way we know success.

Although I am doing well in my market area, I can honestly say that I have never worked so hard in my life!  This is the only market we have, so we must make it work for us!

Nance, you are correct, we need to remain positive in the storm of negativity.  I keep telling people that is a great, opportunistic market.  Whether you are buying or selling, there are great opportunities to buy and sell real estate!

YES I believe they are the real culprit.  Many in the media don't even own real estate of their own and it's obvious in their reporting practices.  They don't look for balance, they look for the story.  I am with you, our collective consciousness and what we spend time dwelling on becomes the self fulfilling prophecy.  Give it up, we have more going for us than ever before and have the tools to fix this within the lending industry.  They need to take responsibility and fix their mess.  They can one home at a time.  The loans that haven't reset should be extended, those that have should be reset where they were when the owner was making the payments, that was good enough when they gave the loan, it's good enough now and for a few more years.  People staying in their homes is a better solution.  These are motivated folks and interest only payments or minimum payments keeping them there is a positive thing.  The payoff would come when they sell the home in a healthier economy.  Then lender doesn't lose, the homeowner doesn't lose or ruin their credit and their pride.  OH gosh, I got off on a tangent didn't I?

I think there are a lot of positives in the market today.  Sure, prices are down, but affordability is way up.  A few years ago less the affordability rate was less than 20% here in California; now the numbers are up tremendously and more people can afford to buy a median priced home.