Lets be realistic in 2009

As I move into this New Year my experience seems, so far, more and more one where I'm helping customers NOT sell their homes rather the sell them. Out of 3 listing appointments in 2 weeks and plenty of research, 2 of my prospects re-evaluated their need to move per my urging and one simply didn't want to hear the truth and has re-listed their home at $50,000 over my recommendation. So we know how well that will work. Ill be talking with them in another 300 days. It was an example of ‘That Dog Wont Hunt!' And we all see this. I'm just the messenger but I have to question what the new listing agent is thinking?

As a trusted advisor for my customers, my advice is not helping to bring the pay check home but it is cementing long term relationships which are critical to the survival of any business. Many of the people in my customer database have been with me for years. - As a Realtor and an L.O. I've been able to truly assist many people make a difference in their lives and that has always left me with a sense of satisfaction

This year has me tightening up all of the tried and proven ‘constant contact' techniques with past and present customers. It's back to basics with touch systems and handing cards out. I almost forgot how to approach people and talk about real estate...sadly though; most of my conversations end on a down beat rather then an upbeat.

I am pleased that my wife and I have stumbled onto a new At Home business that is both sexy and cool. It's also lucrative and it is virtually unknown in the Northwest.

All the Real Estate professionals that I know like to travel. Mexico, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Las Vegas....Now we can. And we can share it with others. I have new friends that recently took a 4 night and 5 day, 5 Star Bahamas cruise and spent only $235 including all port fee's and taxes! Unbelievable! My family has scheduled a similar cruise in March and I have some friends right now spending $600 each, before fee's and taxes, on a cruise.

I urge professionals to do the research - My real estate colleagues like to quote Kiyosaki and Trump and I love these guys! They co-authored a book and they dedicate an entire chapter to the wisdom of Network marketing. In it they suggest that every family in America should have an At Home business to compete and survive in our economy. In fact direct marketing will create more Millionaires then any other industry or business and these business thrive in a recession environment. Guess what - we're there! I would suggest that it's not in any field where you dont wake up in the morning and say to yourself 'Yes! Im grateful to be doing this!' If you feel passionate then look at the vitamin industry - If law is your thing then there's a business for that. If you want to have fun, make money, and enhance your life style...I found that one.

To learn more about what we are doing - and it's perfect for the Real Estate and Lending professional, then please get a hold of me. I want to talk to you. Good luck to us all as we trudge the arduous road or Real Estate.