ReInventing Myself

Most everything I thought I knew about doing business as a Real Estate Broker, I am re examining. The lens through which I look forward is the lens of a new demographic, and a new and brave world.

Everyone has their opinion as to why the real estate market slowed, skidded and came to an abrupt and downhill race to a bottom that no one knows the location of. Not one real estate broker I speak to is willing to get off his (this is what we mostly have in ownership) "It's a beautiful day and business is great!" horse to muck around in what really seems to be happening.

People (homeowners, investors, buyers, sellers and our agents) need us to be guides through this new terrain. If we are to be guides that earn our living, we must educate ourselves on our local market, while being broader in reach with our understanding of the Global economy. We tend to give weather reports to people, "well, my business is doing just fine" or "The Berkeley Market is thriving" without understanding the way in which the larger US economy is slowly collapsing around us. True, some micro markets are still healthy with good sales and decent prices, but is it only a matter of time before the layoffs at GM and IndyMac filter up to the more affluent neighborhoods and the housing market slows and prices move downward. Time is on the side of those who have lived frugally and not overextended. How much time do I need before I can refinance out of this adjustable loan, or sell my house so I can pay off my debts, or get another job? That is the unknown piece in this scenario.

So what can we do to help people with these fears and realities? We can do alot, and we should do alot.

First of all, "It is not about us, it is about them" By that I mean that it is not a great time to buy or sell for many people. Let's drop that line. Let's help them analyze their local market and their personal financial situation. Let's give them resources - for goodness sakes, LET'S DEVELOP GOOD RESOURCES!

Next, Anyone who comes to us with interest in buying or selling deserves a careful consideration of what they want to achieve, what they can do financially, and how that might play out for them over the next two to five years. Think of them as your sweet younger brother or sister, and treat them with that level of care and caution.

Finally, RETOOL! Do things that scare and intimidate you. Communicate with new people - not for a sales pitch, but for ways in which you and your skills and talents can contribute to their well being. "When everything looks bleak, GIVE BACK!"

It works every time.