Positive Real Estate Professionals

Though the title may seem to frame the question in a negative manner, it becomes readily apparent that this is not a negative article. In fact the article is encouraging. It encourages real estate industry professionals to practice their chosen profession in a professional and ethical manner.

I appreciate that the article points out the role of the main stream media in ratcheting up the hyperbole. I also think it is to the credit of the general public that they take the time to educate themselves on the current market situation. To educate oneself that there are many bright spots to be had in a buyer’s market is empowering. Contrary to news reports, many lenders are continuing to write loans. What has changed is the guidelines. These changes are meant to ensure that when you have been qualified to buy your home, you really are qualified. The stricter guidelines will ultimately help home buyers to avoid foreclosure and maintain their home. There are Realtors who want to help you find that perfect home. There are loans available to help you finance it. This crisis has provided a buyer’s market, are you a buyer?

Via Danny Thornton:

It seems that every where that I turn people are asking the same question. “How bad will the current crisis get?” Well, I thought that everyone would like to hear the answer to that very important question. The answer is quite simple when you really think about it. But, I have to say, the answer came to me today when I was watching the 6 o’clock news. Yes, can you imagine that, I actually sat down and watched the news to listen to the doom and gloom. Well, not really. I wanted to see if there was one glimpse of some positive news. And boy, did I get a surprise.

I know, I know, get to the answer. All good things come to those that wait. So, patience my friends, I will give you the answer in just a second. Over the last few months, you have listened to me preach about fear factor and how to help the market strengthen. Well, actually, there is something else that we as business owners can do that will strengthen the market today.

The first and foremost thing that we have to accept is that not every potential client is a customer. Some you will lose and there is nothing that you can do about this. Some are going to be “tire kickers” and some are going to go “window shopping”. But, in the end, they are all truly “potential” clients. The next thing is, we can be on top of our game. If we are fresh and readily available, then that is half the battle. We have to know our market better than any other person that we compete against.

Now, to the answer. The current issues that are at hand will start to subside when consumer confidence starts to grow. When people begin to feel that their job stability is safe, they will again go back to spending. They WILL get there. It will not be tomorrow, it will not be next week, it will not be next month, and it might not even be next year. But, consumers will start to come around and get back into spending. The question is will you be ready for them when they are ready for you.

In the meantime, there is something that you can do. And this was the revelation that I learned tonight watching the news. You can have better CUSTOMER SERVICE than anyone around you. If you do this, you will gain more of the market share that your competitors. The biggest thing that you have to remember is that you are in control of your destiny in this crisis. You might not be able to control all that is around you, but be in control of what you can and you too will survive.