Graig Ponthier

As we approach the end of the year, this one will be different than the rest. The end of 2009 will mark the end of another decade. Although a lot has changed in the past 10 years, or even the past 100 years, one thing remains the same: The importance of using a REALTOR.

What is known today as the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) was founded 100 years ago. At that time there were 120 founding members, 19 boards, and one state association. In the early 1970's, NAR became the largest trade association in the United States with over 400,000 members. Today, the NAR has over 1.2 million members, 54 State Associations (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) and more than 1,400 local Associations.

Additionally, the term REALTOR was registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 10, 1950. And in 1973, the Association adopted the "block R" logo which is still used today and considered on of the most identifiable logos nationwide.

Just like any industry, the real estate business has been through many differnt changes, looks and cycles. However during these 100 years, one thing that has not changed is the importance of using a REALTOR. The REALTOR has always played a vital role in the real estate transaction. And as we enter a new decade, their role will only become more important. These professionals understand the market, real estate contracts and paperwork, and they can navigate through all the new tax laws and tax law changes.

Most importantly, Homes & Land REALTORS know how to properly market your home. Homes & Land is for professionals who understand the importance of quality marketing for themselves and the properties they represent.

Every year end at Homes & Land we pre-sell the front covers of our magazine for the following year, usually in early December. Last year, my first year to offer our front cover, we asked any interested customers to let us know which month's cover they would be interested in. Needless to say, everyone wanted June, July and August. However one REALTOR, one of the areas top producers, first choices were November and December.

This was the top choice from a top agent because so many agents take time off for the holidays. Assuming there is less opportunity during the holiday months, many agents look for this time of year to take a break. You can't blame them but it creates an opportunity for the aggressive. Increasing your marketing during these "slower" months increases your visibility in a less competitive environment and can help you win more listings going into the new year. This is critical because it helps your inventory as we get closer to Spring

The numbers below show the commission opportunity over the last two holiday seasons based on the transactions reported from the San Antonio real estates statistics of those seasons. As you can see there is plenty of commission opportunities "up for grabs". What will be your share this year?

In the stock market, "The January Effect" is the theory that small cap stocks tend to go up the most during the month of January. Except when I buy of course. Well in the real estate market, we also have a January Effect.

Over the past three years at least 50% more listings hit the market in January compared to the previous December. In fact, 2 years ago 60% more listings hit the market. This is an important statistic becasue many Realtors take time off for the Holidays during November and December. However, it is the active realtors during these 2 months that stand to benefit and capture these new listings when the new year begins.

The charts below show the new listings that hit the San Antonio market in Janaury vs. the previous December over the last 3 years.

So make sure you are visable and active if you want to take part in the January Effect. Promote your brand and services in print and online.

Below is a picture of the Stalone family.

What is it that Mrs. Stalone is carrying?

It's a Homes & Land Magazine!!!

Homes & Land - Everywhere you need to be. Inprint, Online and In Hollywood!!

In the November issue of Homes & Land of Greater San Antonio, we have provided some interesting statistics (Market Pulse p.41) about for sale by owner properties (FSBO). In 1997, FSBO properties made up approximately 18% of all home sales. At that time, it was predicted that over the next 10 years the number of FSBO sales would grow to about 40% of all properties sold. Knowing what I know about the real estate transaction, it does not surprise me that the number of FSBO sales has actually decreased during this 10 year period. Pure FSBO sales, in which the seller did not know the buyer, represent a historically low 7% of all home sales.

This statistic underscores the success of using a REALTOR. These professionals understand the market and have the knowledge to properly position a home for sale. Even with all today's new technology, FSBO properties still have to face difficult home selling tasks such as properly pricing the home, handling of necessary contracts, negotiating with buyers and most importantly, marketing the home for sale. As you might expect, all of these tasks take time and money, and this is why the use of a REALTOR continues to increase every year. If fact, it is not home sellers that have benefited from all of today's new technology, it is home buyers. Today's home buyers, and their agents, are smarter and better prepared than ever. This is why more and more sellers leave it to a professional.

If your home is currently on the market or if you are thinking of selling your home, don't be discouraged by the upcoming Holiday season. Homes still sell during the Holidays. In San Antonio's summer months, anywhere from 13 - 16% of current inventory is sold each month. Looking back at December 2007 and December 2008, the percentage of inventory sold in each month was 13.2 % and 10.5%, respectively. In terms of inventory sold, this is only a few percentage points off from what is considered the more active time of the year. It's also worth mentioning that if someone is looking at homes during the Holidays, they are serious about buying!

Homes & Land extends our wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all.