Is it really that bad?

The latest "bad news" article in the local Tucson news made me wonder, if it is really that bad out there why do we still have so many Realtors® in Tucson? 

Having been a real estate junkie since 1989, I know how addicting real estate can be.  When you win, you win big.  You have to have a certain risk taking spirit to start your own real estate business but it takes having won to really keep you hooked.  Maybe there will be a tax deduction for real estate 'gamblers'. 

The truth is, it isn't so much of a gamble, it's a lot of hard work which pays off over time.  It's treating your clients like you would treat your best friend or family member and earning their respect and loyalty. It's loving what you do and being really good at it!

Agents making it now are working their butts off, there is so much inventory to know, comps are tricky, marketing is so much more important...the days of sticking it in MLS and watching the offers roll in are gone. People might think I am crazy to hold 3 open houses this weekend but I need to know that I am doing everything I can. I am either with a client, following up on leads, doing research or networking and yes, I do work more than 8 hours many days.  Let's not forget that you don't "sit" an open house, I get more work done during a slow open house than you can imagine! Of course I am happy to be interrupted by a visitor :-)

Oh, one other thing, I was asked if I prefer working with sellers or buyers this week.  The answer seemed obvious to me, I love working with both because I know how buyers are thinking and I know how sellers are thinking.  It makes you more well rounded.  I think some agents are stuck in the mentality of "I'm only a listing agent".  This might be a good time to reevaluate that as the belts tighten. Plus it's great to work with buyers in a buyers market, again obvious, but overlooked. 

I thank my lucky stars (did you see the night sky tonight-spectacular, brilliant!) that I work for a company with a strong Internet presence and great leadership. When "the faucet gets turned on" as my sales manager says, I will have everything in place and be ready to run with it. That faucet will get turned back on because we all know Tucson is a gorgeous place to live and that has not changed.

BTW, if you see me working at Macy's during the holiday rush, it's just for the discount on clothes ;-) 

Here is a link to the article. What is your experience?

http://www.azstarnet.com/business/216394"