If there’s one thing that time consistently does, it’s move forward. So, as this Great Recession continues to wear us down, it may be time to cast our eyes towards the horizon as well as take stock in what we’ve learned so far, three years into this latest economic slump.
Here are three lessons we have learned within the last three years, with a glimpse to what the future holds for the new real estate.
1. A house is a home, not a piggy bank
The great agents always knew this, but it has become—and will continue to be—a truism that will linger with us for a long time to come: a house is a home, not a short term investment.
Too many Americans have lost too much to think of their homes as a siding-clad ATM. Instead, the best agents will be apt at matching houses with clients to find a perfect fit. A home, after all, is more than just crown moldings, copper wiring, and bay windows—it’s a sense of place, of community and of comfort. It matches who you are and fits seamlessly within your daily life.
2. The old way is not going to cut it I’m sorry to say but, like your car phone, your fax machine is obsolete. It’s amazing how quickly our world has changed within the last three years. Just think, back in 2007, Twitter was still in its infancy, Facebook was just a trend, and the first iPhone had just come out, with the app craze still months away.
As this Great Recession has taught us, however, we agents can no longer afford to simply leave a message after the beep.
3. It really is all about people. As with any great crisis, the Great Recession has reminded us of that one ideal that real estate was always about, but somehow got buried underneath the deluge of offers and listings: it all comes down to people.
Real estate is one of the last industries that cannot be automated. No matter how many websites, laptops, or smart phones are out there, no computer program can tell you that you can get the best lunch at the little cafe on Ocean or that the old man at the house next door will always be willing to lend you his ladder. A home, neighborhood and community can never be quantified into ones and zeros. It’s our job as agents to be the expert of your area, and to make sure that we’re putting the people we’re serving ahead of everything else.
It’s only natural to want to get rid of this Great Recession, to tear away from this downturn and go back to “normal.” But the new normal will not be like the old normal. Three years from now, we most likely will be recovered, but we’ll also be changed—for the better.
My latest picks:
131 LAS BRISAS DRIVE, Salinas Monterey Highway 93940 MLS #: 81043273 DOM: 1 Beds: 4 Baths: 3.5
$1,400,000
Exceptional Golf Villa with rare corner lot within the gated and private Pasadera! Wonderful opportunity to own the perfect Golf Villa! Featuring a Gourmet Kitchen and luxury living with beautiful details and amenities along with many upgrades. Separate Guest Casita and outdoor entertaining patio with fireplace and views. SqFt: 3,305 Lot Size: 7,700 Sqft
24438 SAN MATEO AVENUE, Carmel 93923 MLS #: 81042589 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 (2/0)
$799,000
Would-be treasure in Carmel Woods. Hardwood floors in LR and separate dining room. 2 fireplaces. 2nd story master suite w/ large tub, separate shower. French doors to private deck. Downstairs 2 bed and bath, entry, charming study/den w/ Fireplace, Saltillo tiles & doors that lead to patio and yard w/ garden possibilities. 2 car garage. A great project-restore this special house to the beauty it once was. SqFt: 2,050 Lot Size: 8,500 Sqft
28082 BARN WAY, Carmel Valley 93923 MLS #: 81040897 Beds: 2 Baths: 3.5
$750,000
Gorgeous remodel at the Ranch in sunny Carmel Valley. End unit townhome with mountain views, new kitchen and baths. Tile floors throughout, gourmet kitchen with all new appliances, large sunny deck, two master suites, one with an adjoining study that could be made into a third bedroom. SqFt: 2,412 Lot Size: 2,792 Sqft
2442 NORTH MAIN STREET,#F, North Salinas 93906 MLS #: 81042536 DOM: 3 Beds: 2 Baths: 2 (2/0)
$99,000
Attractive condo overlooking the adult pool in gated complex with many upgrades including newer kitchen appliances, newer tile and laminate floors, ceiling fan in family room, newer paint, full size indoor laundry room, newer light fixtures and newer replaced hardware in bathrooms and kitchen. SqFt: 1,150
(C) Patty Ross KRXA Radio Show September 3, 2010
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