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January 2008
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
Prepare for the new year with a promise to embrace the future
By David DeElena
As we prepare for 2008, most of us will write New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions. This tradition dates back over 4,000 years to a time when Babylonians made it a point to return borrowed farm equipment.
This desire to improve ourselves creates a need for planning and this month is the best time to initiate a positive change. Before the time escapes and you miss a golden opportunity, take a moment to think about this: In a year that represented significant challenges to the real estate community, it is interesting to note that many agents continued to be successful.
Many REALTORS® I spoke with during various events at the 2007 NAR Confer-ence & Expo offered more solutions than one might expect to weathering a slowing market. In a society in which technology is the buzzword and generational differences are a hot topic, REALTORS® seemed poised to react appropriately to the changing economics and provide strategies to overcome the skepticism of the public.
Adapting to change, embracing the times
It has been said that there may be more breakthroughs in science in the next five years than all developments in the last 300 years combined. This mind-boggling statement should encourage you to try different methods of reaching your target clients, especially considering that inventive new ways to market yourself to the public are emerging almost daily.
The way most of us have done business in the past has little chance of succeeding in the future. Generation Y and the Millennials have an entirely different way of looking at our industry, requiring REALTORS® to adapt. Embracing the thought processes of these buyers and sellers will only increase your ability to meet their needs.
Blogging is the new and hottest way to become visible. Those agents who have farmed a specific community for years should jump on this method quickly. Starting a blog is easy and allows for two way communication between the local expert and the public at large. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to get started, the more likely someone else will capture your market. It is interesting to note than one of your benefits as a REALTOR® includes help from Realtor.com on how to set up a blog.
Try something new
The third generation of lockbox from Sentrilock looks to be available for the voluntary evaluation period in July 2008. This updated technology will include wireless features that will notify your sellers when a showing is complete. Instead of sitting in the park for hours waiting to return home, sellers can return and reduce the hassle they experience with each showing.
This is just one of a variety of features available with electronic lockboxes that can set forward-thinking REALTORS® apart from those using the old-style combination lockbox. Information on the rollout timeframes and features available is forthcoming; the Association can supply you with all the details.
Look to the future
The upcoming year will provide a whole new set of opportunities to build your business, increase your expertise and embrace new technologies. Make a promise to yourself to advance, and use your Association’s services to better capitalize on what 2008 sends our way. You will be impressed with the results!
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