Optimism is Our Greatest Defense

Dear Active Rain Community, As of recent times, many of us, including myself, have been swept around by the serious and deep changes in the real estate market. Lenders, buyers, all areas of the industry have found themselves in a crisis of confidence as much as a crisis of credit, as the eyes of the federal and local markets look about, hoping to see a way out. All sectors are apprehensive about reform, readjustment, and regulations to come in these changing times, and with real reason. The way to normal business seems unclear, as the wave of effects converge in unpredictable ways, as the global economies cause rises and falls in our own. So much uncertainty causes the real estate professional in all areas of the industry to take pause and assess a highly crucial time, not only in their careers, but in their lives and families lives. With these words of concern, I would like to add this; that just as great as the changes have been, so will be the new opportunities. Just as testing gives validity to the matter, so will this testing bring out your proofs. The change is here and now and there is no turning back, and all the wishing for the past and lamenting for what is lost will not improve our current lot, and certainly will not improve the prospects of the future. Let us face this, and face it with the resolve necessary for the time. Let us put forth the effort wholeheartedly to improve on what we have now, not retreat in inactivity, but with energy and a clear purpose of remembering what has brought us to the profession, and what has always been the true nature of all our services. The help of the client is what makes us. The service to the client is why we are here. The money in your pocket is a love letter from your customer, and the best business card is a used one from a trusted friend.... The times are hard, and this will not be denied, but neither will the ability of the collective market of dedicated professionals that strive every day of the year to make lives better, to make real wealth in average people's pockets, and help to expand America's stability and worth. We shall see through this time of doubt, and ultimately remember just how good we really are, and how much better we have become.