Stumped about the ever-shifting market?

Get proactive about providing perspective

If it seems that your clients and prospects are getting more and more confused - if not frightened - with a new round of negative economic analyses and headlines every day, the key is to step up as your local market economist and remind them that we have been this way before.

Donna Harmatuk, agent and operating principal with the New Bern, N.C., market center did just that recently, with a letter that she forwarded to her entire farm. Her message may be welcomed by your clients as well.


Hello Neighbors!

Wow, when they called today’s real estate market a "shifting market," they were right on target. It keeps shifting, and shifting, and shifting ... Every time we turn on the news there’s a new development that affects our economy and therefore the ability of buyers to "buy" and the sellers to "sell."

SHIFT, the most recent book by Gary Keller, co-founder and Chairman of Keller Williams Realty Inc., begins with the following paragraph: "The Real Estate Market has shifted drastically and dramatically. Sales volume and the number of transactions have dropped significantly. Inventory has reached an all-time high. Buyers have never been more reluctant. Fear is rampant, anxiety is high, and people are getting out of the business left and right. Sounds familiar? Sure it does. The year was 1979!"

Does it make us feel better to know that this has happened before? What did we learn from it in 1979? Fast forward to 1987 and it happened again. Changing tax laws this time had a disastrous affect again. Well guess what? History repeats itself. Now we are faced with this again, in 2008 but this time there are real differences.

In 1979 mortgage interest rates topped 18 percent. Last week buyers were still getting approved at under 6 percent through local lenders. That is a huge difference! Today’s sellers, with the help of their real estate agents, are becoming realistic with today’s pricing, bringing our market back on track.

The real estate business is "cyclical." An experienced real estate agent and a mortgage broker will understand this and be prepared to give counsel that is in tune with the current market. Remember though, the news you heard last week is "old news," so stay in touch with your local, trusted real estate agent for updates on this ever changing market.

We are participating in seminars, conference calls, webinars, and many other training events to stay on top of the game to better assist you.

Real estate remains your single most valuable asset if handled correctly.

Your real estate consultant,

[Your Name]

Be one of the proactive agents that goes after the business. Don't wait for it to come to you. We have a lot of training on how to have a thriving business in a shifting market. We would love to have you attend any of our classes this month. Click on the calendar button on the side menu or give me a call today at 972-772-7000.

Amber

Selling Strategies of Top Female Agents

During a recent study, the Keller Center for Research Report took a close look at top-producing women in real estate to determine the selling strategies that they shared. Among the key recommendations that emerged from the report are:

Stretch your mind

Go to industry seminars and conferences.

Read leadership books and industry newsletters. Make use of your drive and exercise time by listening to CDs and audio downloads.

Power network

Network everywhere you go and create opportunities to network at business events, charity functions, church, children’s sporting events and meetings with allied resources.

Listen for common points of interest.

Stay in touch via the phone, email, coffee or lunch.

Prove yourself

Build your credibility with expertise and results.

Build your self-confidence with a strong support system and positive self-talk.

Actively listen and focus your comments on solutions.
Put on your game face

Exude confidence and expertise through your demeanor and body language.

I would agree with this list. It is an ongoing process and using these strategies doesn't make you successful overnight. It's all about consistency and follow up.

Is there anything missing from this list that you do that seems to be working for you that you would like to share? Go tot the comment button below, I would love to hear from you.

Amber