Last week I took a few days to attend the National Association Of Realtors Show over in Orlando. The NAR Convention and trade show is the largest conference for Realtors held every year. It runs about a week and features educational opportunities, motivational opportunities and the chance to network with Realtors from across the United States and real estate professionals from all over the world. I was lucky enough to meet two new international delegates this year, one from Canada and one from Norway. I have already set plans to follow up with the Canada representative and the Norway delegate made a trip to our offices today to discuss referral opportunities for Noregians interested in investing in United States real estate. As I mentioned back in my post on the 10th, countries like Denmark, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Canada, & Norway have all had larger annualized price declines in 2008 than United States. And according to my new friend, they are now looking to buy again in the U.S..
The U.S. real estate market, no matter how "bad" you perceive the market to be, is still the gold standard of real estate. So many real estate professionals are focusing on the negative reporting that they hear everyday on the news and read in the papers. Last week, over 22,000 professionals came together to celebrate the incredible opportunities in this market and to share ideas on how to make it better.
Last year the National Association of Realtors reported that they had over 1.3 million members. So, less than 2% of the Realtors nationwide took the time to attend the best educational event for real estate professionals throughout the year. I am a firm believer in life long learning. I also believe that most people don't succeed because they are too busy making excuses about why "something" won't work. I've found some consistent traits in the successful agents I've trained over the last 8 years. They aren't afraid to get out of their comfort zone. They don't spend months "preparing" to make sure everthing about their presentation is perfect. And they don't put off until tomorrow something that they can easily do today. Most people procrastinate out of fear. But, which is worse, failing at what you try, or not trying at all. Remember what General George S. Patton said: "A good plan violently executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow."
Last year over 30,000 Realtors attended the conference. So, where were the other 8000 missing attendees from last year? I'm sure they were at home telling themselves that it wasn't worth the money to go this year when things are "so bad". They are procrastinating. Waiting for things to get better. While they sat at home and waited, I met two potential international referral sources, I talked to representatives from Realtor.com that showed me how to get more advertising for my listings for less money, I talked to the founder of one of the largest real estate teams in the United States, and I shared some quality time with individuals just like me. Realtors that know it takes more than a car and mls access to do this business. People seeking knowledge, professionalism, and continuing education.
Interest rates are low, inventory is high, and gas is back down below $2 a gallon in Tampa. While unemployment is currently climbing, I remember unemployment rates when I was in high school double what they are today. I remember waiting in line with my parents to get gas. And, when my wife and I purchased our first home in 1993 our interest rate was 9.75%. We were excited that we got a rate under 10%! Recognize the unique opportunities that are out there. Some of the best homes you can buy at a 30% discount! And, you can get a historically low interest rate to boot! Don't belive that the banks aren't lending. For the 95% of the population with good credit and verifiable income, the banks will gladly loan you money to buy a home. Stop procrastinating. Look for the positive things around you.
Steve Eckhardt, President
Cornerstone Properties & Investments, Inc.
Great post - Very interesting and I hope to attend the next conference - I just bought an Exit franchise but I do believe in that you never stop learning! Thanks!
Thanks Norma!