What I know, and what I hear

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had the opportunity to socialize with people I hardly ever get to see. I still find it amazing that whenever I am with people, they want to know about the real estate market and how it is going. I have to tell them the truth; and the truth is that business is being done. People still need to sell their homes, and people still want to buy homes. It is difficult to counteract the perception consumers get from the everyday gloom and doom reports; but truth be told, real estate is alive! When I tell people this, they are usually stunned.

There are so many things that I find difficult to comprehend. When I speak to different lenders, they tell me that there is money available for mortgages and loans. People can still get credit. The only caveats are that they are now qualifying those people that want the loan. What is so wrong with that? We already saw what happens when everyone and anyone can and does get credit--we all get hurt and pay the price. Ever since we entered the era of blame and "it's not my fault," I see an incredible lack of accountability and responsibly.  But I digress.

Yes, business is slower. Yes, we work very hard (not that we didn't before) to make sure that every transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Those of us that have been in the business long enough know that this too shall pass. We will be stronger and wiser. We are in the service industry. The fact that we get paid at the final moment of a successful business transaction does not make us any less professional or qualified than those asking for retainer fees up front. 

I keep hearing that it is the housing industry that has to turn around so that the rest of the economy can follow. I say let's do it.  Little by little, one by one, we can make a difference. Real estate is not just property. It is a home, a dream come true, a safe haven from the world.  A life of its own.