I just want to take a few moments to share with you where we see the market going in both Ada and Canyon counties.

In January of 2009 there were 343 single-family, detached units in Ada and Canyon County. And if you go back in time, usually January represents 5-6% of the total overall market. So what that means to you is that we are probably going to have between 4,500 and 5,500 total units for the year, not counting whatever business is created by the economic stimulus package. And if this historical trend is true, that means we are going to have 1,000 to 1,500 units less than what we had in 2008. In other words…it’s going to be tight out there. 

In order to weather these projections, our company will continue to make necessary adjustments and changes. But what I have to tell you is that you can put your head in the sand or go into the fetal position…but what you really need to do is focus on the opportunities that can be created for those of you who are working. If you are out getting listings, if you are building trust through Social Media, if you are doing all the things we are telling you to do…you’ll be ok. If you invest in what we are doing as a company and what we are doing to move forward… if you invest, you will be able to reap the benefits that you would be unable to receive in any other year.  

We are not going to stop the negative press; however we need to use it to our advantage. You need to let people know that in today’s market you have the knowledge to solve their real estate problems and you have the knowledge to show them how to get a good deal. Surprisingly, no one in the press is telling you how to invest in these times. As agents, there is an opportunity to lead your clients and yourself in to the good buys created by this market. Must I remind you that in a similar market of the 1980’s, I was able to capitalize on some rentals that put my kids through college and provided the stability to build a business. You can repeat this process by buying cash-flowing properties with low-interest rate, 15 year mortgages and very quickly end up with free and clear income properties. I would be happy to meet with anyone and show them how to capitalize on this business strategy.

This is your year. Go out and build up your inventory levels. Build up yourself. Build up your personal finances to out of subsistence levels so that you can invest in the market place.

In every declining market there are business opportunities. Be enthusiastic. Be aggressive. And simply put…go to work and do it right!