No more Doom and Gloom... PLEASE!

I don't even like to use the words Doom and Gloom these days. We all know that the real estate market has been overwhelming lately, but I would like to be a positive voice in the REALTOR community. There are many reasons to be gratful about being in the real estate profession and I want to remind everyone of just a few so that when you start looking through the "Help Wanted" ads you'll reconsider!

1. There were plenty of people who didn't have any business when the market was red hot:I don't say this to be discouraging- at all. I just want to shed some light on the fact that even when homes were flying like hot cakes there were still many of those nay sayers that hung around the coffee pot complaining that nothing was selling... if you've been around for a few years you know exactly who I'm talking about! With that being said, there will be good times and not so good times in our industry, but the creme will rise to the top and if you are willing to stick it out you WILL find success- even in this market.

2. Have you looked at what you'd have to do at other jobs??Well, I have and let me tell you it ain't pretty. I went through a mini-crisis last year when my pipeline dried up and started doing quite a bit of research and I have yet to find any jobs in which you can make your own ours, have unlimited earning potential, prospect to nearly anyone, work part time while making a full time income, continually meet new people and learn new things, be considered a professional without having a bachelors degree, and the list just goes on. Look, you could go wait tables, but you'd STILL have someone telling you where to be and when! So, how bad is it REALLY?

3. The competition is fading fast:Thank you to all of the REALTORS out there that chose to do something else! Do NOT get me wrong- I truly wish everyone success in our business that wants to be in it, but let's face it, this is not for everyone. I think that those who have moved on after the market peeked were never really in it to win it in the first place. If they considered that their cue to pack it in then great- I completely understand, but I am thrilled that the competition keeps falling away as the rest of us dig our heels in and prepare to reap the benefits!

4. Okay I don't remember the days when...the MLS was printed out on carbon paper. However, I have heard about them from every REALTOR that has been in the business for over twenty years and guess what- I think we have it GOOD! We are so fortunate to have all the technology you could ever want, or not want, at our fingertips. How hard is it really to e-mail clients with listings or to create impressive flyers with a few clicks of the mouse. With texting, blogging, web-sites, and all the other jazzy means of getting the word out that YOU ARE IN BUSINESS... it could be worse!!

I know these are just a few reasons to keep that cardboard box you've been saving for the move... under your desk as a foot rest, but let me hear from you! I think it's more important that EVER to keep it positive and refuse to buy in to the moans and groans of the day. I'm not saying that things couldn't be better out there, but they could absolutely be WORSE! SO, let's help each-other keep our chins up and above water. ENCOURAGE a fellow associate TODAY!