This is always a hot topic. When oh when! Being in the real estate industry for over 15 years, I've seen the downturn of 2008, I've seen the investor's market and the vitalization of the flip market, Ive seen the stabilization of the secure neutral market, Ive seen the crazy COVID hike, and Ive seen the slow down of the market. But one item I've never seen, a housing market crash. The Crash of 2008 was a stock market crash, not a real estate housing crash. Although real estate loans were one of the main contributing factors of the stock market crash, it was not a real estate housing market crash. Basic economics "supply and demand" played a pivoting roll in the stock market crash of 2008. The reason most people believe the crash of 2008 was a real estate market crash, was due to so many foreclosure properties hitting the market from buyers getting loans that were not exactly good for their budget. Stated Loans were loans that, all a buyer had to do was state that they made enough money to afford the loan. There was very little wage verification going on. I remember I was able to get $50,000 on a second on my home so we could put in a swimming pool. They didn't even check if I had a job! They just verified my credit and said, "Here you go!". Easy money.
Watch the movie, "The Big Short". Trailer Above
With the increased amount of foreclosures hitting the market, this caused a flood of housing inventory which caused the market to change from a seller's market, to a buyers market. Basic Supply and Demand! Not a Crash but a swing. In order for a market to be determined as a buyer's market or a seller's market, is based on how much supply of inventory of homes on the market. 0-5 months of inventory, is a seller's market. 5-7 months of inventory, is a neutral market. And 7 months of inventory or more is considered a buyer's market.
So what kind of market was the crash of 2008? You guessed it, a buyer's market due to the flood of foreclosure homes hitting the market! Also Short Sale homes and regular sellers selling their home.
Here is some fun facts.
-In 2008-2010 - One item we still had was, Buyers buying homes. With so much inventory they just had plenty to choose from.
-In 2008-2010 - The market only dropped on average, $75,000. The median sales price dropped roughly $75,000. Not a crash just prices dropping due to too much inventory.
-In 2009 and on - We began recovering at a normal 4%-10% increase year over year.
With this, it's safe to say even during the crash, real estate is still the best, most profitable investment out there. Those that bought just prior to the market crash, within 5 years, they were back even with what they bought their home for, and within 10 years they had a significant increase in their investment!
When is the best time to buy real estate, not when the market is high or the market is low, It's WHEN YOU CAN!
When is the best time to sell real estate, not when the market is high or the market is low, it's when it's MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOUR FAMILY!
As a real estate professional deeply committed to the well-being and success of my clients, I've always believed that the heart of real estate is not found in transactions, but in the meaningful relationships that underpin them. Drawing on the principles outlined by Brian Icenhower in his book on Sphere of Influence (SOI), I’ve refined a business approach that prioritizes lasting relationships over quick sales. Here’s how I make it work and why it matters.
The Essence of Relationship Selling
In my practice, relationship selling is more than a strategy; it’s a philosophy. Every client interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship that extends beyond the immediate context of buying or selling a home. It’s about offering a service that people can trust not just today, but years down the line. Brian Icenhower’s teachings have reinforced my belief that focusing on these relationships leads to greater client satisfaction and ultimately, a more fulfilling career.
Why Your Sphere of Influence Matters
My Sphere of Influence—comprising not just my clients, but also friends, family, and community members—forms the backbone of my business. These are the people who know me not just as an agent, but as a neighbor, a friend, and a trusted advisor. Engaging with this network genuinely and consistently ensures that I am their go-to professional for all things real estate.
How I Grow and Nurture My Sphere of Influence
Regular, Meaningful Communication: I keep in touch with my SOI through personalized updates, sharing not just listings but stories from our community and insights into the real estate market.
Providing Real Value: I aim to be a resource to my network, offering relevant and actionable advice. Whether it’s through a monthly newsletter or my blog, I focus on content that can help my clients and SOI members in tangible ways.
Engagement Beyond Business: I regularly attend and sponsor local events, not just to network, but to contribute to the community that supports me. I believe in giving back as much as I gain.
Client Appreciation Initiatives: I host annual appreciation events to thank my clients for their trust and support. It’s a highlight of my year and a chance to reconnect with many wonderful people.
Encouraging Open Feedback: I actively seek out feedback and encourage my clients to share their experiences. This transparency helps me improve and grow my services.
Conclusion
My approach to real estate is rooted in the belief that the best outcomes are achieved when people come first. Inspired by Brian Icenhower’s insights, I’ve built my career on the foundation of relationship selling, and I am committed to nurturing these connections every day. It’s not just about selling homes—it’s about creating a trusted network that thrives on mutual respect and support.
As a seasoned real estate professional, I've learned that the true essence of success in this industry extends far beyond closing deals—it's deeply rooted in the relationships I nurture. My approach, heavily influenced by Brian Icenhower’s concept of the Sphere of Influence (SOI), underscores the importance of maintaining meaningful connections with everyone I know who knows me by name.
The Core of My Business: Understanding My Sphere of Influence
My Sphere of Influence is not just a list of contacts—it's a community of individuals who remember and trust me. These are the relationships that have been the cornerstone of my business. Regularly engaging with my SOI doesn’t just keep my network active, it ensures that I remain their go-to real estate expert.
Personal Techniques for Nurturing My SOI
1. Regular, Personalized Communication: I make it a point to reach out to my SOI at least 40 times a year. This includes a mix of emails, phone calls, and personalized mailers. Each interaction is tailored to reflect their interests and needs, making every touchpoint meaningful.
2. Providing Real Value: I believe in providing more than just real estate advice. Whether it’s through informative market updates or sharing home maintenance tips, I ensure that every piece of communication adds value to their lives, reinforcing my role as a trusted advisor.
3. Directly Asking for Referrals: A key component of my relationship-building strategy is openly requesting referrals. This not only signifies my openness to new opportunities but also reinforces the mutual benefit of our ongoing relationship.
4. Leveraging Technology to Maintain Connections: Utilizing advanced CRM tools helps me manage these relationships efficiently. This technology ensures that no one in my network feels neglected and that I can maintain personalized contact effortlessly.
The Impact of Strong Relationships on My Career
The effort I put into building and maintaining my SOI has profound impacts. It ensures that when anyone in my network thinks of real estate, my name is the first that comes to mind. This "mind-share" is crucial and has led to numerous referrals and repeat business, forming the backbone of my career longevity.
Conclusion
My adherence to Brian Icenhower’s SOI principles isn’t just about following a strategy—it’s about fostering a community. Each relationship I build is a testament to my commitment to not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations of those who trust me with their real estate needs. In this ever-evolving industry, these personal connections are my most valued asset, helping me thrive through every market cycle.
By sharing my personal journey and the strategies that have shaped my career, I hope to inspire other real estate professionals to place a similar focus on relationship building. After all, our success is built one relationship at a time.
Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!
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We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.
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