I had a fine year in 2007, but I was excited when 2008 came, because I want a great year, not just a fine. I was very excited that this could be a fresh start. I told everyone I know that the market has got to turn around now. I put my money where my mouth was. I doubled my print ads. I doubled my internet presence. I doubled my mailing efforts. I added a second buyers agent to my team. I joined active rain. All in all, I have doubled my time investment and my expenses and now my frustration is doubling!
I am a true believer that if you are not in it, you can't win it. I am a true believer that if see it, you can achieve it. I am a true believer that if you do what you love, you will be successful, and I have been very successful in the past. I put 110% into what I do. I am full-time realtor, riding out the lul. I have fun with my clients and my team. I enjoy what I do. I am an optimist, but I am frustrated!
I am frustrated by my peers who keep say I am wasting my time and money, bringing me down when I want to be up. I am frustrated by the media continuing to broadcast gloom and doom, silencing the phone as soon as it starts to ring. I am frustrated by the negativity that abounds almost everywhere, paralyzing people with depression and fear. I am tired of hearing of hearing how long it will take to pick up when it is picking up NOW. If people would stop repeating the bad news they hear and take a look for themselves at reality, they'd see it's getting better out there everyday. If they'd stop saying the bad stuff, it would probably get even better a whole lot faster. Why can 't anyone see the glass half full any more? The truth is: homes ARE selling... and that's pretty good news, don't you think? Why don't we ever hear that?
Here are some statistics for my town: Boca Raton, Florida.
In the month of January, 158 residential properties closed.
Right now, it is February 7th, 39 have already closed and there are 390 pending contracts.
If only 71% of the 390 pending contracts close in the month of February (and we typically do 30 day closings here), the closings in February will be MORE THAN DOUBLE the closings for January.
How can anyone possibly say it's not picking up? Why doesn't the news say anything about that? Should "residential sales are doubling" make the front page?
I know people are struggling, but the more it picks up the less we will struggle. I know it is hard to sell now, but it can be done. I know people can't always get what they want for their properties, but they can get out if need to. Take the time to see that the glass is half full. The end is coming. The lul will pass. It will get better. And, if you believe it, it will happen faster.
Jenniffer Lee
RE/MAX Select Boca, Inc.
21301 Powerline Rd #106, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Office: (561) 807-5478 • Fax: (561) 368-0104
Website: www.best-real-estate-choice.com • Email: ReMaxJenLee@aol.com
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Jennifer, I think you should be positive and let everyone else drop out of the industry! Then it will be the determined, positive, strong, educated realtors who remain in the business. People are moving no matter what the negative people are saying, and it is realtors like us who will be glad to help them!
Ibi - Absolutely! Thanks!
Negativity is easy to be. If they are wrong then they can say "oh well" atleast the market is better. If they are positive they have to fight to show it. That is too much work for these people of mediocracy. These agents will be part of the 95% that fail in the first few years.
Keep smiling and keeping your nose to the grind stone. It will pay off if not today then soon.
J.
Jeff - You are correct that a positive attitude takes work. Thanks for the encouragement! It is much needed these days!
Hard work and a good attitude always pays off in the long run and often in short. ;)
Jenniffer- You will like this post below. Perceptins are everything...and they effect our neurochemistry of our brains--So be happy and let people know that people are still buying and selling Real Estate.
http://www.realestatezealot.com/blog/2008/02/cowards-never-s.html
Mark - Thanks for the link! I like his line "That which kill you makes you stronger."
More people are followers than leaders because it's easier to repeat than create.
Jenniffer
Your positive attitude could be contagious! Thanks for spreading the good attitdue.
Cheryl - Soooo true!
Michelle - I hope so! Thanks for the support!
I'm SO positive for 2008! I'm super busy and since Sunday, have taken buyers out everyday and am scheduled to take buyers out everyday until this Sunday! 7 different buyers in 7 days!
You just keep being you....everyone else will do what they do, and everything will work out the way it is supposed to be.
LaNita - Wow! That's AWESOME! Go go go!
Kathy - Great point! We all should be who we are and proud of it!
You've got to stay positive and keep positive people around you. I've found that reviewing my goals frequently helps me stay positive and focused.
Jenniffer,
What a great attitude, and I do believe it will pay off for you. How can it not when someone is so enthusiastic in what they do. I agree if more people focused on the good and not the bad we'd be much better off. Great Post!
Michael A. Caruso
Clint - You are right in that you need to surround yourself with positive people and I try very hard to do that. It is hard, but worth it because you reinforce each other in a good way.
You tip to review your goals frequently is great too. Unfortunately I don't do that as I am one of those freaky type A people who can stop obsessing about them, so they never leave my mind. Perhaps that's what keeps me going when the negative people come around.
Michael - Thanks for the compliments! Let's all spread the good... like the Pay It Forward movie! Anything can be contagious... why not make it a virus of good! Thanks again!
Mentally it helps to be positive in everything you undertake or encounter. If you are down, you encourage those who are down too, be up and positive and you will encourage people like you. Good things will come to you.
Patricia Aulson/ Lic. NH ME & MA Hampton NH Real Estate
Patricia - You are so right. Your attitude spills over into everything you do and onto those around you. If you keep it "up" you help to keep everything else and everyone around you "up" too. Thanks!
Hi Jenniffer, Girl you better continue to be positive. There will always be people who are negative. It is in their nature. Although they can control their thoughts they just choose to be negative. So as a man thinketh so is he. Continue to be optimistic. I am going to be that way until the day I am with the Lord. You mindset is what determines your success. As Darlene Bishop's book says, "Your Life Follows Your Words". So don't worry about the ones who have the Israelite Syndrome. Continue to do what you are doing, always thinking the positive. God Bless your business abundantly.
Jennifer- I feel the same way. We all have to look at our markets individually. Some things like DOM are longer in my area BUT the sale price is up- so no complaining.....
Sonya - Thank you so much! You keep being positive too! I'll check out that book.
Kim - Great point! Anything can be an indicator of improvement. It depends on what you look for. Glad your prices are up! I've found that sellers are much happier waiting to sell when their prices stay up. Thanks!
Jenniffer, Many people find it easier to be negative in general because its an easy excuse as to why things may not be good for them. Keep on working hard, and things will happen.
its NEVER bad to be optimistic, as long as you balance it with also being realistic. Your numbers speak for themselves. It sounds like you have made a committment to success, and you are to be commended for that. Keep up the great work!
Marlene - Thanks for the support! Spread the word!
My business is better because I am positive. The negative people don't have any business and keep asking what I'm doing..just staying positive about the profession I choose to be in.
Steve - So what you're saying is that people use the negatives as an excuse for failing. Wow, guess that's true. Sad, but true. Thanks for the insight. I never thought about that.
As long as you are happy, you can pay your bills continue doing what you are doing. Don't get caught up on what "everyone else is doing."
Team Carol - Thanks for the support!
Josh - You're right, it's totally up to us!
Chelle - You go girl! Keep it up!
Daniel - Great words of advice, but it is so hard to keep tuning it out.
What a great attitud you have! I wish you were on my Team. We'd be unstoppable!
It's all attitude Jennifer. it's what you bring to the table will provide the best outcome.
Jennifer - we would not have put anything into print ads here. let those go some time ago. the blog rules, but it takes real time to build it. for us, it's two of them. one outside that's the focus, and here to support it, and make friends and learn from others at the same time. we've got biz from them already. direct mail now directs folks to us online, and we do seminars for the public as well. All in all, it's an increae in time, but very few dollars. hope this is helpful, and yes, it's good to be optimistic.
cheers
Hi Jenniffer,
Your economy is between your ears. I wrote a post about it back in Oct (click here). Yes, market sales are down in many parts of the country, but properties are still selling. Focused agents, like you, will continue to do well and the others will slowly drop out of the business.
You need to focus on your goals daily...keep your team pumped up on doing the daily actions needed to achieve your goals...stop watching and listening to the news...stay away from naysayers in the office...be around a small group of people who are positive and keep in touch with them...make sure that the prospecting and marketing activities you're using today are still effective for today's market...listen to motivational and real estate training CDs...really pre-qualify your sellers and buyers before spending your time and money on them.
Keep your blinders on and have a great '08!!!
Jenniffer, nice going. You're getting a lot of well-deserved comments. Let me add something -- you're not wasting your time, they are wasting theirs! We can measure activity like lead-generation but we can't measure results. What's to be is to be. The market will always be there, some people will want to buy, some want to sell, some trade up or down and others will wait for the perfect time to do any of these things -- and the world will pass them by! There won't be a bell going off signaling the bottom and you certainly won't read about it in the media (remember they sell newspapers or whatever) but there you'll be helping your clients and being there for them.
Stay positive and best of luck!
Jeniffer...
Why I do believe this post has inspired me to write a post :)
Thank you :)
TLW...ROAR!
AmState - Thanks for the compliment!
Robet- You are so right and a lot of people miss that opportunity!
Deb - Keep up the good work! May you sell many too!
Gary - i still don't quite get the blogging thing. I just started this year. I hope you're right. I've had a lot of fun with it whether it brings me business or not. i am enjoying posting but I am enjoying reading other posts even more. Do you blog on other sites too? If so, can you reccommend some? Thanks for the tip. I will keep at it.
Hi Jennifer, It certainly sounds like things have picked up in your area. I am very optimistic about my business but not so much for my market. It's rough out there in Poinciana Fl. But it's early. And I certainly don't waste time listening to the naysayers. Being negative will achieve nothing.
Dan - Great suggestions!
Tom - Great reminders!
TLW - Write write write... I look foward to reading it!
Jeff - Great advise!
Bryant - Hang in there! and, you're right... negativity gets us nothing!
Hello Jenniffer, If I have learned anything after 20 years in the business this is it,Rule#1,ignore the doomsday crowd.Keep up your great attitude and work hard and the results will be good because you will find ways to succeed even if the market shifts or remains status quo for a while.Sometimes other peoples attitudes are like stepping in poo,it stinks,but you only need to wipe off the bottom of your shoe to keep walking.
Cameron - Very well put! Thanks!
Jenniffer
I would be so excited to hear everyone be so negative. Let them. You stay focused and full of energy. You do you think the Buyer or seller would want to deal with? Bruce
Bruce - I agree that people run from the negative towards the positive and that's great for me. However, the negativity is scarring away many would-be buyers.
Jennifer, I'm hearing the same negativity in my market, but looking at similar stats for pending sales. I've been blogging all week about market reports trying to get buyers off of the fence - the glut of inventory will not last forever and appears to be working its way down in many neighborhoods. Stay positive!
Lisa - Good to know I am not alone! Any ideas on how to get the word out? I would think the buyer's would want to know that time is running out, but all they seem to hear is that it will get even worse. It's like the end of the boom when they were mislead to think it would keep going up. Why is the "news" so far behind? Keep blogging! Glad to hear your area is getting back on track too!
Jennifer. There is no upside to being a pessimist. I hope things are improving out there.
Wayne - You're right. They are getting better slowly here. Hope they are getting better in Portland too!
There is nothing wrong with being Optimistic. I like to think that I am a very Optimistic person. I can't stand to be around negative people. Negative people affect everyone around them in a negative way and I prefer to keep my distance from them.
Sean Allen
Jenniffer - keep up the great attitude! It can be frustrating with all the negative news, but we must keep our chins up :). There will always be buyers and sellers no matter what market we're in. If you think you'll have a great 2008, you will!
Sean - Good for you! Keep your distance from them, or better even yet, maybe we can convert them to positive people!
Lisa - Thank for encouragement! You are right! Hope your 2008 is great too!
yeah, kinda like having TOO MUUCH money. (wink)
Be glad lots of folks in Florida..broker wise, think the end of the world is here. you do not, you make the market work because you are working the market you have! There is a market all the time...the rules on who controls it change but at no time does nothing sell and come to a stand still. Estate sales where money is running out..they sell...at good prices that make buyers purchase...the price is too good to resist. Keep up the effort and ignore what other people that whine and grumble say. Be glad they are negative and let them thing there is not while you do the little red hen deal and clean up!
Jim - ;) back at ya!
Andrew - Nicely put! Thanks for the support!
Jennifer, I am just getting back into the career world after being a stay-at-home mom for the past 8 years! Guess what I am faced with daily?..."you are picking what career??? Real Estate???" Yes, I agree it can be very frustrating, but I have always been the type to do what be people tell me can't be done. It seems you are the same way! Prove them wrong! My mother is a Realtor as well and just sold 9 homes last week. It can be done and things are selling! Let all the others jump ship while you are sipping on their Mai Tais!!!
Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit! Go get 'em!
Sarah - Go for it girl! You can do it! Prove them wrong! And tell you mom "wow" for me. 9's amazing in 1 week!
Cheryl - Thank you so much for the compliments! I love it here! The people are awesome and the posts are great. I'm only sorry I didn't hear about AR sooner!
Jennifer - You have a great attitude. Keep up the good work!
Great set of comments guys. I agree that attitude is everything and it seems to me the market is picking up as well.
Kevin - Thanks!
Just think if you had not doubled your efforts where you might be now. I think your positive outlook is wonderful and hope you turn the corner and double last years activities. You go girl I am in your corner!
Sharon - We definately have gotten some GREAT comments here! Glad it's picking up in Lexington too!
Dick - Thanks for being in my corner! I hope to triple last year... I'll keep you posted in my blog.
Yes, it must be a secret that this year will be better. When you have your best year ever, you can tell everyone, "I did great in 2008." Don't listen to the doom and gloom.
Stacey - Don't know why it must be a secret. Hope you have a great year too! Thanks for the good wishes!
Keep up the great attitude Jenniffer...Good things come to those that make things happen.
Jenniffer, you are right on with your attitude. In fact every time you hear on of those negative comments from other people you should be delighted. Those are the ones that will be spending their time complaining and moaning about how bad things are instead of working hard like you. Hence, less competition for you. So the next time you hear that simply smile and say "you are probably right" then walk away and think to yourself "one more agent that I will not have to worry about".
I believe the market is showing signs of picking up. Certainly the smart buyers are out there.
Interesting that the critic commenting on spelling chooses to remain nameless...
Jennifer, I couldn't agree with you more! I'm with you on focusing on the positives. So many agents are believing the doom and gloom, and it's got them so paralized that they're leaving the business. I've been slammed with buyers, working with short sales, and shifting with the market. If nothing falls out this month, I'm looking at 11 transactions for Jan and Feb. Life is good! And 2008 is shaping up to be a GREAT year!
You have to ignore the negativity. I loved our local paper that ran articles with headlines saying we will not be going into recession. But when you got into the second paragraph, recession was inevitable and the doom and gloom over flowed. It's just crazy right now. You just have to hold your head high and keep working through.
A positive attitude means a lot and can make a lot of difference in a situation. All the best.
you go girl. good news goes along way in this market, like water to a dry mouth! ktm
GREAT BLOG... you only get what you're willing to settle for!
1000% Kudo's to you. That's what I have been saying around here. That market for 08 is looking great. Sales are picking up, buyers are starting to climb off that fence. My mother recently told me a story about agents have to go out and get 'jobs' because they weren't making anything. I told her you get what you put into it. While I'm sure many have worked very very hard this past year, there are a very large number out there poo-pooing the market and having the whoa is me mentality and then they wonder why their numbers are down so much. If you take buyers out and focus on how bad the market is why would they want to buy anyway.
Keep being positive! It will come.
In every down market millionairs are still being made. I think that the news is essential... there's useful information there... but statistics sometimes hide facts, my math teacher told me. I think positivity is great. People want to work with positive people.
Optomistic is great, but you have to have a dose of reality. You are doing all the right things. Doubling up on advertising and working harder. You will survive thru this. But you have to realize that things are bad. That you may not make as much money as you used to, or in proportion that you put into the business. You have to invest rationally right now. You want to build your business through the downturn. But on the ugly side. It may be 5 - 7 years for a good turnaround!!!
Jennifer, Thanks for the optimistic post. Your glass is definitely more than half full. Good job.
George, Bob, Kirk & Dan - Thanks for the kind words!
Richard - Glad you see it too!
Russ - Aren't you seeing any pick up in your area?
"Voice of reason" & all - Sorry about the spelling error! Should I fix it or leave it alone?
Christopher - Wow! That is awesome! I hope they all close smoothly!
Ryan - I like that one. Thanks!
Chuck, Christy, Bob & Carolyn - So true!
April - That's exactly what I'm saying. And, thanks!
Great post- continue remaining positive- you will be far better off
Debra - Thanks!
Nobody wants to hear the good news. It doesn't sell, so the media won't talk about it. Misery sells. You have the perfect outlook. I would try to work from home as much as possible so the office folks do not dampen your super attitude. With that attitude, you will suceed and have a great year. I loved your post.
You are so right Jennifer. I am sick of hearing the gloom and doom as well. People will always be buying and selling real estate. Those of us are good at what we do will be around when "johnny come lately's" are finally gone.
Its hard to remain positive when everyone around you is putting a negative spin on things. But thats them. Let them create their own experiences. You are 100% right, business is better. People are buying and rates are LOW!! So, keep up the faith and use your positivity as an advantage, you know those around you don't have that advantage!
Karl - I guess you are right. The media does not care what the effects of their gloom & doom are. They only want to sell papers, which is sad. I wonder how many the'd sell if word got out that they were making up the news.
Don - You're right. It has cleared out a lot of the hobbyists.
Jennifer - Glad business is better for you too!
No, Jennifer, it is not bad to be OPTOMISTIC as long as you're not opting for mystical levels of positivism. It is however preferable to be OPTIMISTIC. Spell-check before you post.
Darlene - I want mystical and I will certainly spell check next time. I hadn't notice that feature yet. I've only been here a short time. Thanks!
Have a great attitude, and good things will happen. Keep it up, and you will have a great year.
those who tell you that you are wasting your time are not your peers. they are not even close to you.
keep them at arms length.
the national media are trying to generate profits, it is not necessarily about the truth and accurate reporting it's about sales and profits and the negative sells.
are you crazy to be optimistic?
NO! you are not.
to quote that great philosopher Rocky
"go for it!"
Jennifer,
Stay positive. You are right, your intentions are right, your actions are right. Don't let other people's negativity sway you away from you purpose. That would be a waste.
Jennifer - you are absolutely right. And, as far as dealing with the "naysayers," just stay relentlessly positive and they'll go away...or they'll be speechless as they see your investments pay off. You go girl!
persistance always outweights resistance, just keep moving forward and eventually everything will fall into its place, and you'll be glad you didnt give up
Generally speaking I ignore what others around me are saying and do what my gut tells me to do. So far it has worked.
i always stay positive , and do my own thing!! congrats on you..
Larry & Coco - Thanks!
Jay - "the national media are trying to generate profits, it is not necessarily about the truth and accurate reporting it's about sales and profits and the negative sells" - that couldn't be truer or sadder. It drives me crazy how many people don't get that.
Brian & Gail - Great!
David - "persistance always outweights resistance" - I love that! Thanks!!!
Continue doing what you are doing. Do not allow those bad attitude and media to turn you around. I am to encouraged. I had three closing in the space of 3 days. I had one on Friday, Monday, and Wednesday. Just wish the commission on it was more, but the deals I am working on now is, so that is cool. Just have to keep plugging away at it.
attitude is so important. Keep us on the right track. As they say, you never know when the market has turned up until after it has. It takes a lot of work, work, work to get the contacts and keep them. Life has never been easy. The survivors in this industry will be those that keep on tracking and do not listen to the negative media.
Serena - Awesome! Keep up the good work!
James - Very well put. Reminds me of a saying that hangs on my wall... "If it is to be I is up to me."
Regardless of the market there is always business and people with money who want to buy. In tight markets its just harder to find them but they are there. Optimism is a good thing not Pollyanna like some say since optimistic and realistic do not have to be conflicting.
Kirk - You're right. Thanks.
I think that you can make it what you want. I know it's tough, but that just means that you have to work things a little harder.
Al & Candice - You are both right.
Couldn't agree more, Jennifer! Doom & gloom pounded by the local and national news set's that perception is reality thing into place.
You're so completely right and I also look at the cup half full.
It's easier on our life and more comforting to the soul.
I believe Florida has weathered the worst of the storm now and we will bottom and flat line for a short time of 12-24 months but inventories will begin to shrink and when the are cut in half; the market will see a more historical average upswing.
Us positive Realtors will be left while the others have moved on and thinning the industry a bit isn't a bad idea either.
Florida is a paradise and regardless of the ebbs and flows of the ecomomy; this is where the millions of babyboomers, tourists and international investors are going to continue to live, invest, work & play.
Bonita Springs, Florida and my Southwest Florida market has been hit as hard as anyone but prices have been nearly cut in half and the buy's are out there. This is paradise and we need to continue to spread the word.
Owen - You are right on all aspects of your comments. You area is lovely too. I'll be over there towards the end of the month.
Jennifer, You have a great attitude!
In order to succeed in any business - we have to work every lead, every prospect, and stay focused on what is possible. If we get negative, we might as well go into some other line of work. People have to move, homes have to be sold - new properties are built - keep plugging away - Hard work breeds success.
Loved your piece.
Jennifer: Keep the faith and don't lose heart! It is picking up no matter whay the naysayers say. February in my market is usually slow anyway but not this year! You've heard the saying misery loves company so those who are trying to bring you down just want some company. Don't go there - stay positive, good things are coming.
Great article, Stay positive. It is amazing how many people want you to be negative. Disappoint them all.
Shirley & Matthew - Thanks!
James - Nicely put!
Donna - Great to hear Feb was good in your area!
Absolutely Jenniffer! Working at the desk at the association I hear the negativity ALL DAY!! I hear all the sob stories and it's very sad for some people who just dont have the money or the drive to make it out of this tough market but it doesn't mean it can't be done. Congratulations to you for working hard and trying to keep up that positive attitude, hopefully it will rub off on some of your fellow Realtors!
Good Luck to you, I'm sure I will see you at the Boca Realtors Association soon!
Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions. 561-997-8266.
Danielle Boutin
www.RAPB.com
Danielle - It is so nice to see you on AR! I always love seeing you at the Association! I just picked up a lockbox from you about a week ago and I want you to know that you are always a pleasure to see! You are truly an asset to the Association, as you are always smiling, cheerful, and very helpful. I hope they see your value as much as I do. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks for you kind comment above too. You are a doll!
You go Jennifer! Keep your head up...money is made when blood is flowing in the streets...or at least there is "news" about the blood flowing.
Todd - Thanks!