Putting the Puzzle Together

It has been a while since my last blog, must mean we've been busy over here! Well, we are now moving into the last quarter of the year and can you believe how fast this year has gone by?The kids will be banging on the door soon for their "trick or treats!" They always look so cute in their Halloween costumes with their looks of expectation as they arrive at the front door.
The holidays will be here before you know it. Once again, we all can give thanks for being here, safe in America. It is great getting together with family and friends. I can smell the turkey and pies as I write! I just love this time of year. The trees changing colors, the chill in the evening air, the smell of wood burning in a fireplace.
I find that during this last quarter, I start to think about what's going to happen next. The economy is in the tank and the Real Estate market is right there in the middle of it all.
With so many other industries that are connected to the real estate industry it is a real puzzle trying to figure out what I can do to help them to stay afloat during this market swing. My company, The Shire, has been hanging on during these tough times as well.
My clients that are depending on their home to be sold, so they can move on, ask what they can do to help sell their home.
My buyer clients, want to buy a home, but are afraid they will be making a bad decision. They are asking what happens if the market goes down further..then what?
This is the part of the economic puzzle tyhat we've all been talking about. This discussion has been going on for some time now. How long can this go on? How far will real estate prices fall? What is going to get the American economy started again? Where's our manufacturing? How much more will they be taxing us?
We have all had to tighten our belts and watch our pennies, as did our parents when they went through this type of downturn in their lives. This includes our government.
The depression of the 1920s and 1930s was no picnic. The 1950s, after the Korean war, was tough; 1970s after Vietnam when Nixon changed from the gold standard; 1980s with interest rates at 17% and above for a home loan. Let us not forget about 1990 through 1995 when all the S&L's went out of business and also the manufacturing that left California for other parts of the country or left the country completely. Yes, these were some tough times as well, and we did not fall into the ocean.
Guess what? America go through those times and came out even stronger. As we adjusted, the jobs came back, pricess of homes rose and we went through one of the longest economic upswings ever recorded.
I believe this November will be the start of finding that missing piece of the puzzle. I also think the part of the puzzle that's missing is "CONFICENCE. And from confidence, we will see the slow turning around of the American economic machine.
I don't have all the answers, if I did I would be a real bore to be around! However, in America, we are all entitled to our opinions and may speak them freely.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin. "In America, a man may rise as high and as far as his wits will permit."
After November, you will still find me here...selling real estate, helping people achieve the American Dream and answering questions. THIS AMERICA IS NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS ANYTIME SOON!