There is an end in sight, and we can see it from here...
There is a lot of speculation about the real estate market and when we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Walking today in Santa Cruz along the ocean I took this photo. It reminded me of the real estate market and gives a good illustration of where the light is.
It IS out there, not within reach tomorrow perhaps, but within reach. If we make changes that we need to make, stay the course and work at getting there we can. When, you say? Well I prefer to think sooner rather than later. I believe thinking positively sets solutions in motion. What do we have to lose by thinking the best? A little "out there" for some maybe. The alternative is putting the negative thoughts out there and heaven knows we have enough negative to keep us stuck for a very long time. I prefer to think and give positive thoughts to the solution of these problems. With a new president at the helm and many people who want solutions, I can put my energy of positive thoughts behind their efforts. And my own efforts, which sends me on the path of preparing for the healing of our economy and our real estate market.
So, this photo is a constant reminder that I need to prepare for the journey as well as arriving at the destination. Get ready all, the market is calling us. Our expertise is sorely needed for the buyers of today and tomorrow to help them through the "new" real estate marketplace that will come out of this experience. Are you with me?
Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor, Green Real Estate Trainer,
Staging consultant and optimist.
Positive is the only way to go into any new year, and now more than ever. And who could be more positive about interest rates these days? Thanks for the lovely photo and positive post.
I like the idea that thiinking positively sets solutions in motion. Thanks for your sharing!
The end is near. It is going to be by the end of this spring IMO. I hope I'm right...
Terrylynn,
As an immigrant, I am always fascinated by this positive thinking vs negative thinking thing. I find it purely American. I have never heard any other nation sticking to these formulas. Not that I think they are wrong or right, but I simply think they are important only as the way of operating in certain environment, but the environment has nothing to do with it.
The market is objective, and it changes because of the combination of a lot of factors, and they take time, and our attitude to that is irrelevant.
Maybe people with a positive attitude will be doing a better job when the market is hot, but they are not going to bring the market to heating any sooner
Terrylynn:
I totally agree with your outlook. A smile always brings a smile, and a frown always begets a frown. I'm from Mississauga Canada and I also see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let's all start the New Year with optimism. Thanks for the article.
Terrylynn, how could you not be positive with such a beautiful walk on the beach. The market will soon pick up for all of us, the economy will turn and many people will go back to work. Thanks for sharing.
Maggie, I believe we have a choice on how we look at everything. I choose to look for the good. I don't overlook what needs to be done, but want to focus on solution not problem...thanks for commenting.
Mara, you are most welcome, and thank YOU for reading.
Michael, I agree, I just feel it and the signs are there, the media likes to ignore them, but they can give us impetus for change and moving on up out of this mess.
Jon, well thanks for your thoughts on this. Is the cup half full or half empty. I see it half full. That's the difference, it doesn't change the situation except for the energy and thought we put toward it.
Betty B - I so agree, and can feel your positive spirit right through your words.
Kay, my thought exactly. Doesn't the ocean put it all in perspective. We may think we are so insignificant in the big picture but in the universe everyone is significant and can make an impact. It just gives you pause, just like the grain of sand. I saw this recently and don't know who it was but it was a quote "anyone who thinks little things don't matter just needs to think about a grain of sand in their shoe"
how refreshing, thank you for the positive words. It ties in with one of my daily affirmations-
"My attitude determines how i experience the world." I choose to see the good, keep a pep in my step and a smile on my lips.
Terrylynn: Very inspirational post. Thank you. I feel very lucky - 2008 was a good year for Moving Mountains Design. But I am ready for 2008 to be finished and to embark on 2009. I love new beginnings - they are full of potential. Happy Holidays!
You're right, Terrylynn. We can either choose to look at the glass as half full or half empty. For me personally, (and by design) my glass is full and it's how I like it (smile).
Kathy
Terrylynn ~ Great post, your photo reminds me of many visits to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz while growing up nearby. A former boss told me once "attitudes are contagious, make sure yours is worth catching" and I've found that to be true. This year my business doubled and I expect the same for 2009.
What a nice, positive post to start the week! You won't believe what my affirmation is for today: "I close my eyes, think positive thoughts, and breathe goodness in and out". I love the little thoughts that you gave me. Yes, 2008 has been such a year! Look at all the wonderful things that have happened. I so look forward to all that 2009 will give. My fav. motto is, "attitude is the mind's paintbrush, it can color any situation". Bless you my friend :)
Wow - very positive post! You are absolutely right though... It seems that soon things are going to be looking up for those who have been seriously affected by the downturn of the market. Keep your eyes to the skies!
~Renae
Toward the bottom right of the picture, is that people on a raft or a rock outcropping? I'm just wondering because, if it is people on a raft, that would totally make this the most excellent picture for your thoughts. I love taking this time at the end of the year to not only reflect on where my business (or family) has come from over the past year but also about where we are heading in the next year. It is so exciting when you have goals and have done all the right things to reach those goals and you can juuuust see reaching them - right over the horizon. The horizon might be the first quarter of the next year! New years just bring such new potential, don't you think?
Kathy
After the hurricane when everything was a disaster, we knew it would be a while, but everyone and everything would be better that had gone through it. It made us stronger and wiser. I think the real estate market will come back too!
Thanks for the optimistic outlook - I seek out optimists every day, and find them. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: November was my best month of the year, and I'm busy this week - which is awesome. I"m looking forward to a fabulous 2009!
Benita, love that affirmation, especially the pep in your step. People perceive us the way we are...and how we feel reflects that. So right.
Michelle, me too, always look forward to new beginnings and 2009 will be just fine, thank you very much. We are beginning our EXPO tour with your fair City, can't wait to see you again.
Kathy, I knew that. I just knew from the first comment of yours that I read her a year ago that you were "one of us" from the "cup half full club"...smile back at you.
Maureen, good for you, yes this market has been GREAT for stagers. It also weeds out those without the skill set and/or teaches them that they need to fill in their skill set and create the business of their dreams. Which it appears you have done (create the business of your dreams that is).
Lori, ohhhh I love those too...THANKS for the kind words and 'ATTITUDE IS THE MIND'S PAINTBRUSH..." that is one worth keeping. Bless you too my friend...miss you. Have a great Holiday.
Renae - keep your eyes on the skies. You are so right, and I don't want to underplay the hardships people are going through. It's just that we always have two ways to look at things even when they are horrible, there is a light and it helps to look for that light at the end of the tunnel.
Kathy, that's it, it's people on a raft...you are so right, makes my photo so impactful.
I agree the horizon is just around the corner.
Cindy, I have admired your handling and chronicles of your journey through the hurricane events of last year. Your character shines through. Someone wise and I can't remember who it is says "integrity is what you do when no one is watching". AND then there is my interpretation of "character is how you handle the stress in your life"...because we all can be nice, play nice when everything is going well, it's when disaster happens that our true colors show through. AND you my dear are a rainbow of the right colors.
Carol, I have had that happen too, some years November and December have been my best months. It just doesn't pay to read or believe the press. There are always people that need staging and need to buy or sell real estate. Have a great Holiday
Teeylynn- I am definitely with you on that one. Buyers and sellers need our help and insight now more than ever and it is up to us to lead them in the direction of the light. Gosh, sounds like Ghost Whisperer some how. LOL
Martha, thanks for the kind words. Buyers and sellers are confused and need to have us be the voice of authority and calm. Ghost Whisperer or Horse Whisperer...kidding.
Terrylynn - beautiful reminder about the Journey not just the Destination - Merry Christmas Terry!
To prepare for the results of you optimism you set in motion things that will bring about that change.
Good Luck and Happy New Year
Thank you for your inspiration and sharing the photo of Santa Cruz! I can so easily visualize what you were thinking when you took the photo! I agree with you and your thought on this market as well. Change will come and it is up to us to let, help it happen! We all can help make a difference.
(Are you related to Chris? ...I adore her)
Liz, yes, enjoying it as we go is the challenge. I try to do that everyday.
Jack, right, the energy we put out comes back, just need to remember to put out the good stuff.
Terrie, um, yes actually, I'm the realtor mom she talks about (kindly I hope). But I do wonder every once in a while if I should be reading all her blog posts...and comments. EEEKKKK...kidding of course. We adore her too. Thanks for saying nice things about her.
Terrylynn What a great way to start my morning. You are a breath of fresh air. Thank-you
Paul, thanks, glad you like it. I think you made my day. Thanks for the comment.
Where there is a begining, there is always and end. The strong will survive! Thanks Terrylynn!
We are all hoping for things to get better but I think it is awhile off. Here is to 2009 may it be better than 2008!
Michelle and Joe and in your market, you are the strong. I am continually impressed with your business and marketing sense. Say, can you give a quote as to why you believe you will be taking the LGLS class? We'd love to quote you in our brochure, you are so credible and savvy.
Mary, It WILL, our personal belief about that will change our personal business. Here's to prosperity for you. Your help for those who need it in this market will be more rewarding than any business you've ever had. Good luck to you.
I started as a Realtor in May 2005, just at the peak of the market. I've been fortunate, though, that my husband, who is also a home inspector, is a marketing guru. He's the only reason why I am still here. The one thing he taught me that I think is the most important is to do anything I choose, but to do it persistently and consistently. I don't do what most Realtors do because, as Warren Buffet said, "If everyone is doing something, do something else."
Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in 2009.
Jim, so ??? Care to share? Glad you are having success. We all have success in us just believing and allowing it is the challenge. Thanks for sharing.
Nice picture and post.
Mike, thanks so much for commenting and looking at one of my inspirations.