This is Not a Seller's or a Buyer's Market ~ This is a Real Estate Agent's Market ~ Opportunity in 2008!
In thinking about my resolutions for the new year I realize that it is going to become important to think of the consumer and what they will be needing in this real estate market. I am in the midst of doing business planning for the coming year and it has occurred to me to take some time to "be the consumer" for a moment and review what the coming year will be like and what their needs are going to be.
We are in a crisis that involves some complicated aspects. No one has a crystal ball, although we can make some assumptions.
The Economy--is going through a period of uncertainty. Any war regime will bring on inflation at a rampant rate. While the numbers have been modest, the true numbers tell another story. Gas, food and material goods have risen substantially while the value of the dollar has diminished.
Real State Market News--NAR has projected some positive aspects of the market. We have seen NAR miss the mark for several years now. Foreclosure and Short Sales do not indicate anything other than a continuing declining market. We saw price declines in 2007 and we most likely will see similar or worse in 2008.
Financing Options--we don't yet know how bad this will be. It will be harder in 2008 to borrow money even for those strong buyers. Forget about easy money....it will not be there. I am guessing we will see this crisis continue throughout 2008 or to the mid-year time frame.
Knowledgeable Realtors and Loan Officers--our knowledge and services are going to be more important to the consumer in this coming year. To educate and present the market conditions and to provide the consulting, advice and services they are going to need. Ingenuity, creative thinking and collaboration will be the necessary skills required to help the consumer problem solve selling or buying real estate in 2008.
Thinking out side the box will be critical. Your market knowledge and how you present and market it will be an important aspect of your business. The internet provides the platform for this presentation. Diversification and internet strategies will be the base of those that survive. Reaching the customer is an extended touch. Those agents with a pervasive web presence and strategy have the reach to touch the buyer from anywhere. Critical factor!
Expanding and diversifying your business becomes key. Analysis of your current business model and the phased implementation and development over the next 3-5 years is important for you to map. I always have a 5 year technology strategy. It never stays the same and is updated each year.....but the critical point is that you should be planning a 5 year strategy.
Business diversification will be key. In the coming market, it will be critical to expand your niche markets. Take on one new key market or partner with someone to increase your markets. Diversification will be a key element in growing your business in this coming year. Analyze market need and do the numbers on ROI.
This is not a buyer's market. This is not a seller's market. This is a Real Estate Agent's Market. The professional real estate agent will be a knowledge provider to the consumer. With the true skills of entrepreneurship we will reinvent ourselves for the changing nature of the real estate market for 2008 and provide the highest level of service we can conceive of. It will be knowledge-based and marketed on the web! Blogging will be key!
*Note: I changed the title of the post. Most of the comments seemed to be taking this in a negative vein. It is not meant to be negative but optimistic about the opportunities available to real estate agents in 2008!
Short Sales vs Foreclosures in Redding, California May be a Positive Trend for this Market for 2008!
Shasta County Lifestyles--The Sacramento River snakes through our city with grace and offering the majesty of a beautiful and powerful river. The salmon are glorious. We have Whiskeytown Lake and Lake Shasta nearby and many great fishing rivers including the Trinity River within 1 hours drive.
Homes for Sale in Redding, CA ~ Is Your Realtor Helping You Find That "Perfect Property"?
Homes for Sale in Redding, CA--Are you looking for a home in Redding, CA. We can help. You will need to work with an Realtor that has a pervasive web presence and can provide you with the visibility of the MLS Listings in our area. Helping you to find that "perfect property" is more effective when we can use the internet and the tools for previewing and understanding the Redding Real Estate Market. As a buyer, you will need to have a good feel for where market value is and for knowing all the aspects of the listing and how to put together a strategy to have your offer accepted at the price that is the right financial number . A completed and successful transaction will be the end result. 
Homes for Sale in Redding, CA--If you are interested in 
Have you ever had THAT listing that you wondered if you should have passed on. There are some listings that I DO NOT take. It can depend, but mostly it is because I don't fit the client. 
It is not about the money and it never has been. If ever the idea of a decision is conflicted by any connection to money your performance ability is in jeopardy. I have always said, I will do what is right for the client no matter what. No matter how complicated that becomes, there is no decision as to my fiduciary responsibility to put the welfare of my client first. Piece of cake....done!
Are you Using the WEB to Market Your Home? Do You Have an Agent That is Offering You a Pervasive Internet Marketing Plan?
Visit our sites and our blog today and learn why the internet is so important in helping you in Selling Your Redding Real Estate.
Each thought we think creates a field. It can be positive or negative. Each action we take creates a reaction. The spoken word is powerful and changes the field we operate in. The written word is everlasting and contributes to our universal field of humanity.
Are your working with an agent that provides you the entire Shasta Multiple Listings Service for your property search? If you are looking for property in Redding and Shasta County California, you will want to visit our websites. We provide our clients with a pervasive web presence for selling and buying real estate.
Our website provides you with the entire Shasta MLS--Redding Real Estate for First Time Home Buyers--If you are renting in Redding, Shasta County California you may want to consider the current interest rates as an incentive to purchase your first home. We have a declining market and there are more affordable home available to you now. 
I Remember When Times Were Sweet and I believed in Santa!
Christmas Eve arrived and I was so excited. I asked my parents if I could stay up and wait for Santa. They said I could. We prepared cookies and milk for Santa and my Dad played Christmas music. Some time during the night, I imagine rather quickly, I fell asleep. I awoke in a panic for fear that because I had missed Santa he may not have come.