Times are Changing, are You?

How is the real estate market? Is it going to get worse before it gets better? That is up to the agent! No matter the market there are always buyers and sellers. Looking back in the 80's when interest rates reviled 16 to 18 percent, there were still real estate agents making money! In today’s housing "bust" how can agents succeed?

Focus, Drive, Knowledge

Focus: Agents, more than ever, need to stay focused on their business. Many agents are going out and getting part-time or full-time jobs to supplement lost income and no longer focusing on real estate. Those agents who hone on their business WILL succeed more often than those who get another job. More than ever, home buyers and sellers are seeking agents that can give full attention to them. Think about it, why would a home seller pay a full commission to a part-time agent?

Drive: Current market conditions are the real estate equivalent to “Natural Selection” or “Survival of the Fittest”. The agents who look deep inside themselves for the inspiration to continue their journey as a real estate agent will be rewarded with an abundance of business as the market turns around. Perseverance must be the lifestyle one is willing to endure during these challenging times.

Knowledge: During a strong or stable market real estate agents tend to have just enough time to provide their clients with good customer service, leaving very little opportunity to continue their own education. NOW is the time for agents to fine tune their skills through continued education. Better yet, agents can learn new skills that can broaden their specialties. Agents that have focused on residential can find new opportunities in property management or commercial real estate.

During a thriving market, real estate can be very time consuming. Now that the market has slowed down its time for the agents take a deep breathe and focus on their business, Find their inner drive to make it happen, and fine tune/broaden their knowledge base. There is no time to panic, only time to succeed.