Coco 's LA Condo Lifestyle Blog

I like your inspirational message -- Thrive and survive!  This can be done -- but it take a lot more effort, time and patience.  good luck to you and I hope that you have a great 2008.

Hi,

I like your positive outlook.  Yes we all wish we had that crystal ball that could predict the future.  Here in Oakville, Ontario (30 minutes west of Toronto) our market is doing just fine.  Sales are down slightly in the first quarter but we have had one of the worst winters in history.  Here in Oakville, most winters we can do without winter boots.  We are only an hour from Buffalo and they get more snow than we do.

I think no matter what the market it never hurts to reinvent ourselves.  A new website, new advertising, Blogging (I'm a newbie).  But if you look you won't find many REALTORS from my area doing it. You have a niche market in condos.  One of my colleagues has worked to develop the same niche and it is paying off after many years of hard work and consistent marketing.

It's funny but I always figured that California would not get hit by the downturn in the U.S. market.  I know Florida has been hurt terribly but it has been good for Canadians who are snapping up condos and homes like crazy and taking advantage of our almost par Canadian Dollar.  Are you finding foreclosures in California or just price decreases?  Markets change but people will always have to buy and sell homes.

Good luck and Happy Selling

Jenny from Oakville

 

Great Post.

 

I too am lucky that the Commercial in our area is doing well and that's the majority of my work now.  Our Residential is still not too shabby either.  I began in Rochester NY in a Buyers market so I've adapted and gone back to things I was doing then (for the little residential I do).  I agree with you.  You just have to adapt. 

This is so true

When the market changes
you" have to change and reevaluate

 

Good post. Indeed, we have to work with what we have.. and if this is the market, then we have to work with it and make it happen for us. All the best.

So true, very good post.  I often asked "How can I thrive in this market?"  During this time I try to use it in ways that would benefit my success through continued education.

Your right, Coco ! It's a tough time for many. Especially since property reassessment time is nearing for many state and local governments, including many large municipalities. Option arms are also resetting placing additional burdens on the national economy. With property taxes homeowners pay more when their homes assessed value increases, regardless of changes to their income or whether they ever realize increased gain when they sell their home. When home values rise, some local governments try to reduce or freeze the property tax rate. Despite rate reductions and equalization factors the total tax bill will still go up when subject properties are slammed with higher assessment values. When these homeowners are facing property tax increases combined with higher reassessment values, we're going to see record tax appeals and more set backs, I'm thinking maybe thirty years before I can enjoy a new Bentley.....until then the mule will have to do. Kind of suggests that market conditions aren't just local like so many cheerleaders for the industry want to believe; we're all in it together as REALTORS® Best wishes...David Saks

Excellent advice Coco, just like the market is adjusting, we need to adjust our business plan.

Love your web site, very impressive!