Jeanean Gendron, Your Shasta County Real Estate Specialist: Working in This Market and Keeping it Positive--Don't Support the Mainstream News Media!

I hardly ever watch the news as well.  I find it way too negative to watch consistently. 

Jeanean,

Good post. I do watch some of the mainstream news and I agree most of it is bad news. I like the power of the "off button" too. I like how you are adding spokes to your business model and staying positive. Great idea. Let us know how the market does in Redding.

I like you're kitchen in the meez.com pic. Do you like to cook? I do.

Mike Lewis

I like your attitude Jeanean - you're staying in the now and making sure you stay focused on the positive. Good for you.

Tracy, thanks for the good words. It really is the only way to stay with action....change!

Mike, I do like to cook and could not resist the "lady in the kitchen". I sell houses to ladies who like the kitchen. Thanks for the good words.

Great post.... your right we have to think positive and keep on going....

Jeanean,

I know what you mean! I have been telling anyone who wants to listen to me and even those that try to get away, that the Media runs this country. What's worse is that there are too many sheep that follow the shepard wherever he may lead them. If the Media says there is a housing bubble about to burst, you can bet that they will make it happen. And the sheep all say, "alrighty then," instead of just saying, "Bah...Bah!"

I'm with you! Lets all look for the positive and for crying out loud stop walking on the shady side of the street!

Do I hear an "Amen?" ;)

 

 

"The News Media's definition of NEWS is BAD NEWS!"

Yep.  That's it.

I truly believe that this market will only be tough on agents and mortgage professional who are insided the box thinkers.  We need to keep a positive attitude with today's naysayers, but for those professionals that are truly professional, this market is an awesome time to be getting into the business.  When there is blood in the streets, now is the time to wade into it and truly become an investor!

Aw shucks! ! !   I'm a news junkie.

I watch the national news daily, hourly, every day.  Financial news, sports news, political news with morning coffee, all day web work, listen to it on the car radio, all evening until 8 or later. 

Don't ever watch local news because all it reports is local muggings, murders and mayhem.

The national media do not get the real estate news right, but I want to know what they're saying.

Donna, thanks for the good words.

Kerry, thanks for the support. Good comments coming back and good points of view. It really is about understanding the market and developing the skills to perform for our clients.

Mike, I think we are going to leave them in the dust....soon!

Scott, not exactly the visual I would prefer, but there is always opportunity. We need to understand the dynamics of this market and how we change to help our clients....investors included. And yes, we should also be looking for investment ops.

Lenn, give up the news and make blogging your obsession! Whatever floats your boat! Diversity is what makes it all so interesting!

I'm a news junkie.  I watch way too much.  I also read voraciously.  However, through it all I am able to keep a positive attitude.  

How, you might ask?  

It's easy.  I filter the information.  Anna Nicole?  Filter on, news ignored.   Real estate?  Filter off... Is it local?  Filer halfway on if it is not local.  File away items, but stay emotionally unattached.  

There is plenty of great news.  Sheppard Smith is a favorite.   

Negative announcing...sure it's out there...but not every outlet. Don't write off all news...be selective and listen to public radio for more in depth full objection coverage. Half the problem with the ten second sound bite, is you don't get the whole story...just one downer lead line. NPR is great and public television does a superb job!  They cover the whole story in debt.  There coverage of real live interviews with GI's in Iraq/Afganistan is soooo different than commercial coverage. 

Hi Jean, thanks for the post.  I do watch the news, but often I get so aggravated with negative Real Estate news that I change the Channel when they indicate that a R.E. report is coming up next.  On the flip side, I do read the negative reports online...not at all because I enjoy reading them, but because, inevitably, friends, family, Buyers, or Sellers will very soon ask if I saw or heard about "so and so" and I like to be aware and prepared with a good response.  Keep up the great work and the positive thinking.

Jeanean,

I buy my homes based on how I like the kitchen. It's the heart of the house.

Mike Lewis

The 'Today' show is among the worst of offenders.  I was watching it last Monday, and, being from Seattle, hearing Matt Lauer say that 'the housing market has gone from bad to worse' as a blanket statement just frustrates me.  Then they proceed to show a map of the country divided into 5 sections, with WA, CA, OR, ID, NV, AZ and MT in one section.  It showed our region having a 27% decline in housing prices.  This does not speak to Seattle, and nowhere in their segment did they add that disclaimer.  Our prices are actually up 9% over last year, so what they're saying couldn't be further from the truth.  I too am tired of the Chicken Little attitude, and have lost respect for national news reporting.

Lane, good advice. Thanks for the comment.

Andrew, so glad you made this point. I do so enjoy public radio.....its like a time warp and going back to good things that are wholesome....like milk. Thanks for bring that point up!

Vickie, I see your point. My office is good about bring up the articles and making them available so we do know about them. Like I said in the post....I do a newsletter weekly because we are seeing such rapid change. Thanks for you comment.

Hey Mike, you and I think alike. I buy houses for the kitchen also. I also feel it is the heart of the house. I like to cook and listen to opera!

Lisa, ugh....very frustrating and as suggested above....we just have to be aware of what is being reported and address it with our clients. Weekly newsletters via email go out to my clients addressing the market. Thanks for your comment....it just proves the point. Thanks!

Let's face it; the news media is focused on ratings so they can charge more for advertising. The media's sole purpose is generating a profit just like any other business with one major exception. The news media is empowered to sway opinion in 30 second sound bits.

Society is willing to allow the media a free pass to print just about anything - often without taking the time to check the facts. Isn't it ironic that many of the major news services which were consider sacred pillars of information are now using photos from the average Joe with a cell phone camera or sighting news stories from message boards or blog posts?

It's unfortunate we now live in a twenty-four world where something is happening each second. Some of the events are news worthy while most of today's news becomes tomorrow's dribble. As professionals, we need to stay in touch so we can help our clients filter through the "doom and gloom" and balance broad brush editorials with "reality" as we know it.

As active real agents we know the market better than a talking head on the national news. We have a responsibility to inform our clients, speak-up on the issues, and write editorials which clarify mis-statements by the press.

That is what's great about this forum - it's easy to get involved!

I hate reading real estate news. It's all bad all the time.

Interesting.  I do not subscribe to the local newspaper.  It is on line and I can pick and choose which articles I click on and my eyes do not read the other articles on printed paper. I do not watch the news on TV either.

I had clients that were looking for a second home in my market.  Wife calls and says Husband no longer wants to look because of all the media talk he does not think that they would qualify for a loan now even though they had already prequalified.  I told her to have Husband call Matt, the loan officer we were working with.  I told Wife to tell Husband not to listen to the news that they were NOT talking about him.  He has great credit.  The media is talking about "those" that do not have good credit.  Husband called Matt and he confirmed what I said.  I now have them under contract with new construction. YEAH!  Almost lost one.

Oh and I love the graphics.  The kitchen one is great.  I just saw one with a baby stroller being pushed by a Mom.  Did Meez.com do a big sales pitch to all the Rainers?  I will have to check them out.  I am sure that there is a cost for them.  But I really like yours.

I am aboard this train!  It is so important to spread the truth and let clients know what markets are moving and what aren't within your market.  That will help them make INFORMED decisions!

I think another reason not to watch the news is just to deprogram oneself from consensus reality. I like the idea of cooking and listening to opera. I think I will try that. Seriously, there are so many other fun things to do then listen to the robots recite "the news." Thanks for sharing this!

In fact in our market, they are calling for a bit of an increase, since a lot of builder have decided to cut back on building or have gone out of business. Again, just goes to shows you that it's all "local"

i don't listen to the media either, its always doom and gloom. They rarely predict accurately what's ahead.

Tom, great synopsis on the process. I agree that Active Rain is our forum for change and our base for collaborating on the realities of the market.

Christy, I know and I hope it will be changing.

Having been a Police Officer for LAPD during the past 17 years, Riots, Fires, Floods and the like, I do know that the media seems to only focus on pain and hardship. I guess that is why people flock to circus' without a net for the tight rope walker. All My Best, Connor MacIVOR connor@paris911.com www.Paris911.com

Donna, here in lies the solution and what I believe this post is about. We do have to be involved in the process of helping the client get to an analysis of their goals based on their own situation and what risks are acceptable and which are not. In your case, it sounds like it came out positive. It won't always be that way. My client was on target with her analysis. Her horizon is a possible two years. She needs to buy under market (short sale or foreclosure) to ensure that she does not get caught in an upside-down situation. I am glad you could help your clients. That's what it is all about!

Donna, there is a cost for some upgrades. I did the "kitchen lady" with the free product. It was fun and I do like her!

Renee, I totally agree. Obviously!

April, the local market is so key and where we need to do our work. Our responsibilities to our clients require that we stay informed about our market. With the national news there is a responsibility to stay informed....I just want to choose my sources.

Connor and Paris MacIVOR, I see the thread of your comment in this post and it is a good point you make. I wrote this post because we have supported this positioning from the media for too long and I am expressing a desire to change it. I don't want to see thrill takers or any other event where someone gets hurt. I also don't want to read about frenzied reporting. I do understand how we got here, I just hope we can change and bring balance into our own lives that results in supporting good news reporting. National Public Radio is a great example. I love NPR and support it. I have to have hope that we can change the bad things.

Point well taken. As you i don't buy the papers but i do get my news from the Net. More concise and i believe more objective. The seasoned buyer knows it's a "great time to buy".

Robert, I love working with intelligent and worldly clients. It is a dream. The higher our skills and knowledge the more I believe we get to work with upscale clients. It is not always easier....but I believe the quote is "Pray that your enemy is intelligent".....I believe the fear here is that you'll not be able to predict his actions. I digress. I may not have the quote quite right, however the point can be taken.....an intelligent and honest person is much easier to help. They will be communicating to you and partnering with you. The result is of a higher nature.

Hi Jeanean: We catch the local and national news here in Canada but its generally more upbeat than the US news. We can watch CNN, NBC or any others if we choose but I agree that its mostly doom and gloom. So I agree why buy into it? On some stations, its no longer reporting of the news but sensationalism, journalistic opinion, and editorializing - I'd turn it off and go for a walk instead.

Denise, I agree. Balance is doing something physical or something you love to do. Cooking and opera are my thing with a bit of gardening thrown in for good measure. We can create a better world by every action we take. Saying no to the gloom and doom is a begining. Thanks for the comment.

I'm very selective as to what I will take into my brain to process. I tuned out the nightly news a long time ago.Thank God for DVR. I only tape the shows I want to see and I catch up on those when i find time. I do check out news on the Internet and read many stories. No longer do I subscribe to the newspaper. I stay in touch with my clients through my weekly newsletter. You can bet that I don't spread any gloom and doom of the housing market. Who needs it!

Lizette, Thanks for the supportive comment. Nice to know we are out there....doing good for our clients!

Jeanean, I haven't watched the news for years. That doesn't mean I'm not paying attention to what's happening in the world, I am. But, most news is not trustworthy, so why waste time. Unfortunately, online news sources aren't much better, and newspapers are sinking fast.

What's a boy to do?

I guess I try to find the middle road between farrrr lefttt and farrrr right sources (though they're aren't many conservateive shows).

 ..._/)

Jeanean, I agree that we need a positive attitude in life and business.  To combat national media reports of doom and gloom I believe the best strategy is to be aware of what those reports are, exactly what is being said and by whom, and then when speaking with clients to express clearly how (if at all) it equates to the local market they are trying to buy/sell in. 

I too get tired of the gloom and doom reports, it does seem like the media focuses more on the negative reports than on the positive ones.    I agree with Lisa about the 'Today Show' - they are one of the worst offenders for making blanket, nationwide statements, especially with respect to the Real Estate Market.

Good post!

Jeanean, i'd rather go watch the sun set, in live high def. THROW OUT YOUR TV!!!

Pete, let's do it. Out with the old and new TVs!

Yvonne, thanks for the relevant comment. I agree. Let's keep up the good fight!

I think we can all begin to market to our clients with newsletters with positive impressions of the market to help diffuse the media to some extent, but no matter how hard we try it will be a tough road.  Keep up the positive thoughts and plugging away and we should see light at the end of the tunnel

Paul, every action has a reaction. The hope is that by taking positive action, we change the condition of the world we live in. It is a small endeavor each day that turns the tide! I am hopeful and always see my self as that "little ant with the rubber tree plant". I never give up!

One problem with the liberal and conservative media is how they gather the data. We all know some market areas are declining but not all of them. Which areas and why? Some subdivisions are declining and some others are going up. The whole country has not declined 8% last month.

You have to keep positive and remember real estate is local and the media doesn't tell us that

Chip, thanks for your expertise. Always good to hear your perspective. Good comment. Thanks!

Michael, good point! We shoud be the local expert....but our local paper thinks differently. Again, my tool to deal with that are weekly newsletters to my client base with data and stats to back it up. It is helping.

Michael, good point! We shoud be the local expert....but our local paper thinks differently. Again, my tool to deal with that are weekly newsletters to my client base with data and stats to back it up. It is helping.

Great Post with Great comments.  I'd say the majority of my news comes from on-line sources.  For Real Estate I tell my clients that they can only make the best decision in the market they are in.  They can't buy in 1992 and they can't sell in 2005.  Positive or negative, I need to give them the proper local perspective so they can have the best possible outcome regarding their goals.  Typically, this means dispelling some national "myths" that present themselves as "news."  I think you have to have a glasses half full attitude, but you need to give your clients the facts: good, bad or indifferent.  Doing that should always lead to a positive outcome!

Matt, excellent comment. You raised the bar on this post. Thanks!

Jeanean! Great job! I agree with your way to do business. The analyst think they know so much however, they have been wrong in the past too. Each area is different. I work at the Beach and even we are having a hard time but I think of it this way. There will always be someone who needs a home to live in and we will always be there to guide with our knowledge and helping hand. Good Luck!

Katie, thanks for the comment. I agree that we can do what we do in any market. Our skills and knowledge change with the markets and how we help our clients changes also.

Christiane, I get your point and I understand the perspective. It was my father's perspective. My problem is that I don't feel I can trust any type of news media whether national or worldwide. I just don't trust the motivation of the people in charge. I also read and keep abreast of the news. I just like being in charge of the content and whether I trust the source.

That's right! God doesn't give us a miserable day to live by. Look at the beauty of the nature.... Look at the raven that is fed by God.... Look at the lily that is in the field - they don't spin yet God provide a beautiful clothes for them. How much more God cares about man? Sometimes we have too little faith to trust in the faithful God.

Lets turn off the TV and news media, and read the Word of God to be shined upon in the dark hours of our industry!

Jobe, beautiful words and sentiment. Goodness is everywhere. Thank you for commenting.

I agree with you that the news can be depressing and creates panics where there is no need for it. I still think a lot of the fear we're seeing in the market now can be directly traced to the media and all their negative predictions.

My husband and I shut off all broadcast television from our home a few years ago, and we've never been happier. I'm a bit of a news junky myself, but I read the articles as close to the source as I can get it, from the ap wire or local internet, and try to read around the "spin" or angle. I also try to go outside the US to get a different angle on the news [BBC for world events, Al-Jazeera for middle east, etc].

I've found that taking the time I save by not watching television and using it to study politics and economics has taught me a lot more about the world and current events than watching "the news" ever did, because now I can see how everything, including the media, works together to influence world events.

Raine, great comment. You raised the bar on this post. Thank you!

The media sure does like to spin the negative.

Bob and Carolin, Ditto!

There's s much to be happy about. You can't let the negative overtake all the positive.

Definitely with you on this Jeanean!  This topic you bring up about the national media is right here too!There's someone I know at the record searchlight (I'll tell you his name when I see you), this person has something against agents and he's tactful about it.  He thrives on negativity and when it comes to the RE market, he's all over it!  Good job on the post...you go girl!

Chris and Maria.....I know Maria wrote the comment. Maria is an awesome and relevant contributor to Active Rain. I love you guys. Mary and Chris are my inspiration for being part of Active Rain but also for doing good work. Thank you for the comment.

Christy, Thanks for commenting. I agree with you. I live in a positive state of activity.

Definately keep it positive!  Because it is...

Well said, Jeanean. I've written about this very thing on my Colorado Springs New Homes site (http://www.coloradospringsnewhomesrealestate.com/2007/10/24/some-good-news-for-the-colorado-springs-real-estate-market). There is just too much focus on negative events and trends, and all the while there is often positive news that is barely addressed, if at all. Things are rough right now, sure, but when the morale of the public is affected daily by non-stop negative news, we need to consider alternative news sources.

Brian Wilson, Zolve.com

I agree with limiting the exposure of what the top 500 corporate companies want us to hear!  Also I like what was said about creating new spokes to over come negative trends...that burst of creativity is totally necessary, ktm

I agree with limiting the exposure of what the top 500 corporate companies want us to hear!  Also I like what was said about creating new spokes to over come negative trends...that burst of creativity is totally necessary, ktm

I agree with limiting the exposure of what the top 500 corporate companies want us to hear!  Also I like what was said about creating new spokes to over come negative trends...that burst of creativity is totally necessary, ktm

Troy,  Thanks for commenting. I think we all agree about the positive part.

Kirk, interesting comment about the 500. I does come down to who controls what and for what purpose! Thanks for the comment. I guess you really meant it x3.

We don't watch the news much anymore either. I feel our news is always following someone else's agenda. The great thing about these blogs is it could turn out to be a very reliable source for current events.  No one is paid or bought it is just honest voices.

I agree in as much as I find main stream media to be frustrating at best. The major network news shows have seemed to feed into the idea that the american publics attention span is only so long so they cram the world into 30 minutes and try to justify their existence by making it all about doom & gloom. I tend to watch public TV with Jim Lehrer (the news is an hour and 4-5 in depth stories), they stay much more balanced. As well I have given up on most print media and get most of the rest of news from the internet. I have attempted to get the local print media in my area to come to my broker and do a story on RE in our market because we have not been hit the way some areas have. Have I had any success? Not a bit, but I'll keep on plugging and spreading the good word through talk and blogs like this!

Jeanean,

Until I became a mother, I didn't realize how AWFUL and IRRESPONSIBLE the news media is. I have travelled internationally and, through those travels, came to understand that our media can be biased (one complaint of mine). And, I heard the journalism rule "If it bleeds, it leads." But until I had my 1.5 year old ask me why "that guy got killed" (I had the news on) I really didn't get what kind of horror the media presents, not to mention the un-truths, glorified statistics, and gross generalizations. I, too, never watch the news and I was raised watching the evening news! What I wonder is, are we the anomaly in our society? I mean, if everyone felt this way, then the media would change their content, right? So, am I too idealistic? Are my expectations of others too great? Am I setting my kids up to be "odd man out" because I don't introduce them to societal norms like the news? I just have to wonder why it is the way it is...Anyway, thanks for the post!

Emily Cross, Realtor, Bellingham, WA

Chris, I guess that is why am so inspired by Active Rain. It is a forum where we have a voice to speak about these issues. It has been welling up in me and I have needed this outlet. I feel it is important. Thank you for the comment.

Steven, good for you. We have to fight the good fight. I agree that it is this forum this gives us hope. Thank you for commenting.

Emily, it is a complex issue about who owns and operates the mainstream news media. It is one of those things that is better left alone. It was my intention to say that as individuals, we have a choice....we don't have to support it. We don't have to subscribe to Newsweek or the local newspaper. I believe a grass roots movement has begun and that in some years from now we should see the local newspaper go and eventually TV. We are smarter than they think and and we do have the power to turn it off. You are a great Mom. Teach your children to think for themselves.

I agree that you can not believe everything writtten in the newspaper or believe everything in the news.  I do however believe as Realtor's and professionals that we need very much to know what our clients are hearing so that we are prepared for their questions and also we need to know what is going on in the communities we serve.  I do get the newspaper and newsweek(not renewing my subscription) along with Forbes and Money magazines.  I find good items sometimes in all.  It also keeps me on top of what my clients are seeing.  I know that we must filter and confirm our sources.  Also real numbers help our credibility as professionals in this market.  When a client says that everyone is getting foreclosed on, you should be able to give them National, regional and local numbers.  Numbers don't lie and liars don't know numbers.

Steve, some good points. I just look it all up on my laptop and don't pay main stream media a dime. My office is extremely progressive in market trends and staying on top of the market. I send out newsletters weekly to my clients on the latest news and what my impression and opinion is in reference to the latest news piece, article, etc. All my clients are concerned with the market and what it means to them personally. Any agent that has professional skills will make use of the national, state and local data to help clients by providing the numbers. I suggest that you go further, however to explain what the numbers mean. This requires discernment on the part of the agent. Each client's situation will be different. First time home buyer versus investor or second home buyer. You get my point.  I guess I don't think it is as black and white as "Numbers don't lie and liars don't know numbers". Just because I don't subscribe to the newspaper or Newsweek, does not mean I am not informed or competent, diligent and ethical with my clients and their welfare.

I know we don't always have the time to read the comments before we comment, however I recommend it. The flow of the dialog is wonderful and each person changes the context of the post by adding their perspective and knowledge. I thank you for your comment.

This is why I started blogging. I'm so sick of the media negativity about real estate and realtors -- my goal is to find the positive spin on things. Pundits are saying that 2008 will have the same volume of sales as 2002 which was an amazing year! No balloon has burst -- it's just the media leaking out a lot of hot air!

Teri, I agree. This coming year has all the elements of being a great year! Positive can do attitude will deliver results. I just live it! Thank you for commenting. 

Jeanean,

Thank you so much for this blog. The only news I watch is the weather channel! The news media has really done some damage with irresponsible reporting and then the next week they change their minds but all people remember is the terrible thing they heard.

We have to be educators as well as real estate agents as we work through this period. I know things will change and I see it every day.

Jacqueline, thank you so much for commenting. This post has helped me so much in feeling hope about the future and knowing on a deeper level that we are making a difference. Right here in Active Rain, we have the power to unite and challenge the system. We can effect what happens. Neat Stuff! Thanks for commenting.

Excellent reading your blog.  I am addicted to news. Sick.  I admit it.

Great post. Back in April I had to jump into and start blogging. A writer in the Philadelphia area pointed right at the Real Estate sales people and blamed us for the sub prime mortgage debacle, stating that it was our fault for allowing our customers to take such poorly structured loans... and only wanting to get paid for the deal... Boy did that touch a nerve and sparked my blog post on www.davidjoslin.com entitled, "A columnist and a jagged point of view." The media, albeit local or nation, is used mostly to sensationalize todays issues. Murder, violence, war, politics, money, religion, sports. It's all about striking up a controversy to spark conversation and get everyone talking. Only you can make a choice as to what you are going to do about whatever it is you hear, read or watch. It's your choice, live how you want to live and all else will take care of itself. All I can do is try to present my clients with the numbers that I see, the statistics in my area and my professional opinion as to the condition of the market. Look at the numbers and look at the cycles. Where is it going next? We are the professionals, make the call to the best of your ability, you may be right or you may learn something new.

Trey, no we all need to stay informed. Just do good stuff with it! Thanks for commenting.

David, the only constant is change. It is an everyday reality and our business. Thanks for commenting.

Jeanean couldn't agree with you more. There are plenty of agents (in my office) crying about how bad the market is. Personally I'm still getting listings and successfully getting them sold. Best of luck.

Vincent, thanks for commenting. Positive attitude does work!

Jeanean, The media has always had such an influence on people, and they have a tendency to stretchthings. I find myself not wanting toread the paper or listen to the news, and just getting mywork done. Tom Braatz

I agree that the evening news can be depressing. My wife and I watch enough to stay informed but don't dwell on the negative. As for real estate, we have to focus on our clients' goals and give them the information they need to make informed decisions.

Ah Ha...

I found ya :)

I don't pay attention to the news either. If we all believed everything we hear on the news none of us:

• Would buy anything...Much less a house.
• We wouldn't send our children off to school.
• We would never leave our homes by ourselves.
• We would constantly worry that everything we eat may kill us.

I could go on and on about this. But I won't. This is your pretty featured post :)

TLW...ROAR!

TLW, thanks for the boost and the comment!

Steve, so right!