Leave the Herd Behind- Realtors can Lead the Way!
In the Preamble of the Realtor Code of Ethics, we as members are charged with protecting the Nation's future and security:
"Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Realtors should recognize that the interests of the Nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership."
Therefore, we can no longer follow the herd of negative media nor can we perpetuate the glutinous ways that the bubble provided. The future of the real estate industry around the World and the future of the Global economy lies within each of us to turn the tide of negativity into a tsunami of possibility.
This quote in an article for CNNmoney, What this economy means to you- Real Estate by: Stephen Gandel and Paul J. Lim: "In the long run none of what we're doing now is going to matter that much to real estate," says Wellesley economics professor Karl Case. "Home prices have to do with the scarcity of land and perception of that scarcity." It is clear, that Realtors need to be positive and be the leaders in getting positive news out to the public, since the media is not going to, they are to busy herding the public in the wrong direction.
Wall Street has led America into a deeper situation thanRealtors led the housing market, and we are begining to change that situation, without a government bailout of our industry. The investment, banking and insurance industries have left every taxpayer and home owner with a debt to pay-while some of them are having facials and playing golf- but we, as Realtors, can be the positive voice in the midst of the financial panic.
Another economist interviewed by Gandel and Lim, believes that regardless of who is elected in November, we will see taxes rise and cautions that the real estate market is key to stopping the crisis and turning the World economy around. "Bethune adds, "if the economy continues to tank into a deeper recession, dragging the housing market along with it, then the costs to the taxpayers easily could escalate to several hundred billions of dollars."
We, REALTORS, cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to stand-up and say to everyone that there are positive things happening in our industry: $7500 first time buyer's incentives, wide selection of good inventory, loan products from local banks that are intune with the local market, anything positive. We also need to create the scarcity required to shift the supply and demand. This means that if a listing is not priced right in this market, or the seller is just speculating or the divorced couple does not need to sell except to eliminate bad memories; it should not be listed. We all need to be heroes to the American economy and not take a listing that does not need to be sold, yet. It will be best for ALL concerned to wait- explain the need to wait and hold firm. We need to set our individual gains aside for the reconstruction of the National economy. I am advocating a united front that puts the National security ahead of individual gain, but that wisely promotes a free market with logical restraint. List if it is right, but some sellers think they need to downsize because of the economy, when in fact, if they do they may get upside down instead of out securely.
Realtors need to lead by being positive about the industry and being prudent in our business. If we are a united voice of positive hope, than we can divide the public herd and redirect them away from the negative media influence. There are well-built, fair priced and good values on the market everywhere, find them and encourage buyers to buy and sellers to sell.
The Housing Market is turning around and with Every Realtor finding the positives in their market, we can turn the entire economy around. Break free from the negative herd and be the positive change that America needs, now!
-Jane Page Thompson - Realtor: Aiken, SC
Saving the American Economy is worth a comment, so I am going to comment on myself: lets all get on the same page and save the American economy!
I must be really upsetting people since nobody has commented on this post, yet!
What a great blog. Best one I've seen the last 2 weeks. I've been looking for someone who has a positive attitude and it looks like you're my savior. Keep up the attitude!
Steve, thanks for the vote of confidence. I have vowed to post positive blogs because attitude is everything. Have a good week!
Good pep talk, thanks!!!
Jane, I hope you have a good week and remember, there are good things happening in every market, tell everyone you meet!
Jane, I hope that more people in this industry wake up and take on this same attitude. If they do, we can win. If they do not, we might as well go work at McDonalds. Of course with the bad attitude, I guess they will be washing dishes.
Good Morning Jane Page - it is refreshing to read a positive post - there is just too much negative out there. And what really gets me is that the negative posts are the ones to be 'featured'. I don't get it?..
anyway - check out this guys blog - I thought you might like it: http://activerain.com/blogs/davidsaks
Danny
Thanks! for your comments the brighter the attitude the better our business!
Gene, thanks! XXOO!!
Jane - Yes we have to show the positive side of the industry. I think with the Wall Street issue real estate will look very good to many.
When I look at our market reports I see so many opportunities for buyers.
Jennifer, Thanks for the comment. Recognize the cows? Have a beautiful Fall day in the Hudson Valley!
What a Crock? You can't believe this stuff. It is not the Negative Media that is the Problem, it is the total lack of Realtor Accountability.