Interesting Times...Challenging Times...I Love Albuquerque Real Estate!

It sure has been a few interesting years in Albuquerque real estate.

First there was the mortgage industry imploding and business went from boom to bust. Then there was the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit that stimulated things a bit. Then the wave of short sales and foreclosures began in earnest.

I remember when I first got into business in 2004. I used my TopProducer program to create transaction checklists because I was new and I didn't want to miss any deadlines during the escrow period. It made sense because all the deals were exactly the same.

Right now it seems like no two transactions are the same. In fact, so far this year I've closed buyers and sellers doing private party sales, short sales and foreclosure sales. Oh yeah, and a HUD home too. And of course every bank has it's own procedures for everything from making an offer to who pays closing costs!

I think it's fair to say that real estate in Albuquerque has been challenging the last 4 years. I've seen many agents and lenders (some of them good friends) leave the business because it became overwhelming for them.

Granted, it's been stressful. We haven't earned the livings we dreamed of when we started our careers, and there for awhile it seemed like closing escrow was similar to hiking Mount Everest.

As I look forward to better times ahead, and as I take a quick (very quick) look in the rear view mirror, I thank God that I have been able to persevere. I thank my wife and family for sticking by me through the lean times.

Selling Albuquerque real estate is not for anyone looking to make a quick buck. Being successful in this market takes incredible dedication and focus plus a willingness to change and learn every day. That being said, when you've done a good job for a client and their family, when you can look in the mirror and feel proud about the job you're doing, there's no better job in the world.