Always Be Prepared For the Unexpected

Most of the major things that are happening in real estate today were not things that we anticipated would happen this year: some condos selling for much less than they sold for three years ago, the number of short sales and foreclosures we are dealing with, the credit crunch that affects our buyers, etc. We need to be prepared for the unexpected.

When I first got my driving permit, the instructor explained to us how to drive defensively. He said that you have to be prepared to handle whatever comes your way; you have to be ready to react to whatever happens around you. We were told to be prepared for the unexpected.

I remember taking a buyer out for the first time and finding them the home they wanted to buy that day. (I wish I could say that happened every time!) I also remember they asked me to come over to their home to write up the contract because they also wanted to list their home. We were nowhere near my office. I had to go into another company’s office and borrow all the forms that were necessary. I had to be prepared for the unexpected. (After that, I carried three of every form in a file in my trunk! Keep in mind this was all before Internet accessibility).

How about raising children? Don’t you feel that every day you need to be prepared for the unexpected? I know I do!!

This past year we have experienced some major challenges in our industry. Some of our newest agents are actually better prepared to succeed in this market. Why? They have no preconceived ideas of how things should work. They don’t remember the days when we didn’t have enough inventory, when properties sold for almost any price, when mortgage money was a breeze to get, etc. Unexpectedly, our market shifted. We all need to be better versed on financing options, short sale/foreclosure inventory, loss mitigation negotiations, etc.

Isn’t all of life unexpected? They tell you not to fight changes but to embrace them. That is what makes life interesting! I believe that life is like an amusement park. Some of us get on the merry-go-round because it is pretty safe (yet uneventful). I much prefer the roller coaster. It offers unexpected turns and dips that may tie your stomach up in knots, but also you can never say it was boring! I know after I make it through the roller coaster ride, I am exhilarated, excited, proud, and anxious to do it again. I feel alive!

Thank you all for being members of the Chicago Association of REALTORS^®. Have a wonderful ride!