"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be". Paul Valery He is best known as a French poet who made the above statement and contributed much to society. Those of us in the real estate business, mortgage business or consumers attempting to sell their homes can relate to this quote. Real estate is not what it used be, and probably never will be. These are certainly challenging times for everyone. Regardless of where I go, what I read, or listen to, it seems to ring with the negativity that comes with mediocrity. Are we as a nation wailing in our own self pity, or are we going to be part of the solution. Real estate markets are just that, real estate markets. There is no such thing as a good market and a bad market, it's just a market. Supply and demand have always controlled the price of housing.
Now, granted it does not help having troubled financial institutions, politicians talking out of both sides of the mouth, or funny money be created by our Government. Between these fiascoes and the media consistently driving bad news down our throats 24 hours a day, it is challenging to stay positive. I can assure you one thing, that is, from 2000 to 2006 when home prices were going through the roof, mortgages were provided to anyone who could fog a mirror, and homes were having two and three offers written on them, no one complained. You can go back in history and see a similar pattern in the 70's. 80's and 90's. Yes the future is not what it used to be, however, it does resemble the past.
I have a sign that hangs above my desk, that I am in the habit of reading each and everyday. It says: "Tough Times Never Last, Tough People Do!" quoted off a Book title written by, Robert H. Schuller back in the 80's. Another little reminder that I have hanging there is a sign that says, "I must do the most productive thing possible at every given moment". Tom Hopkins. Tommy was an inspiration to my real estate business and life in general back in the early eighties and still is today. When interest rates were 18% people thought the sky was falling, however we survived.
You may ask, who this post is meant for? It's meant for all of us. If we want to make this world a better place to live, we need to start at home. We need to go help a friend, neighbor, or shelter down the street. We need to share our experiences, our smile, and our attitude with others. We need to get out of our own head and be of service to other people. I believe, that our world will change, when we do. What do you think?
