CAN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET REALLY CHANGE OVERNIGHT?

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgwrfmf_188c2987hg
Can Our Business Really Change Overnight??
YES it can and it has!
WOW! Just came from a morning sessions with Lawrence Yun and Stefan Swanepoel. So basically there is good news, bad news and we all got a “kick in the pants” as to what we should be doing!
Briefly…The U.S. is for sale! Internationally, when asked if given a choice, foreigners would rather live and/or own property in the U.S. than any other country so we need to get involved in the International Market. Also, houses are selling – go to http://www.realtor.org/ for the stats.
Now here is what I thought was really great from Stefan-
He gave an awesome analogy of changing times referring to technology. His dad looks up the movies in the newspaper, he boots up his laptop to google and before either of them can do what they do, his son has already checked the schedule and bought the movie tickets from his iPod so if you don’t think we need to keep up with the Gen X and Y’s – you are really missing it.
How we communicate, our image, productivity and business plans all need to change. (seems to be today’s mantra). Your web design doesn’t need your photo all over with auto responders, etc and you need to incorporate video, live links and the like. Web 2.0 is the wave and you need to be on that bus to grow your business. His message, as I interpreted it was pretty much this – you may have your niche market that generates business for you now but what are you doing to grow your business! Did you know that 7% of the 2.4 + Million agents do 93% of the business?
In 2005 we had a peak market
2007 we had the beginning of the “crash”
In 2005, the number of REALTORS® was pretty proportionate to the market activity
2006 the number of REALTORS® dropped off a little but still was higher than the number of annual transactions
Currently – WAY more REALTORS® than number of annual transactions so…if you are wondering why your business may be off this year, statistically there is your answer.
We can be pro-active and do something about our own businesses but it will not happen by waiting – we MUST take the proverbial Bull by the Horns and take action on our own. I know I’ll be working on my websites!
Off to some more sessions- more info later!
Carol
Carol Moson, CRS, ABR,GREEN, e-Pro
Certified Course Instructor for CAR,GAR and REBAC
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-414-0760
carol@carolmoson.com