The Great Approach-2012 Beckons

(Quote) We fatuously hoped that we might pluck from the human tragedy itself a consciousness of a common destiny which should bring its own healing, that we might extract from life's very misfortunes a power of cooperation which should be effective against them.

As we approach the end of the year it is important to look at where we came from. The housing crisis certainly did cause panic and chaos throughout the nation and forced us all to really look at our actions and our motives as to why we ended up here and how we would need to move forward stronger with awareness to prevent the same mistakes from occurring.

In 2012 there were a lot of efforts within the financial institutions to make short sales more favorable to a homeowner rather than just walk away from their properties and allow it to foreclose by offering large incentives and tightening up their systems to allow short sales to close faster making the process more effective and efficient. With the nationwide unemployment issue along with other hardships such as death, divorce and value depreciation; homeowners are still defaulting on their mortgages.

We have experienced low inventories this year which has made it difficult for buyers to get accepted offers however; I believe homeowners are holding off on making a decision to sell to see if the Mortgage Debt Relief Act will be extended into next year which will allow homeowners to be free from paying taxes on the cancellation of debt. I believe after elections we will see a lot more homeowners putting their homes on the market therefore bringing about more inventories. Thus far in 2012, we have seen a steady appreciation of home prices, and while next year will likely be a bit more volatile, the positive trend should continue but I also believe we are not completely out of the woods yet. It is my opinion that it will be another 3 years before we truly stop the bleeding.

What life lessons can we take from the debacle in the housing industry to make us stronger in 2013? Since most people’s wealth is tied to their house this is something we need to look at.
Don’t ever leverage yourself particularly just because everyone else is. You don’t have to keep up with the Jones’ just make sure that you are protected.

This leads into being comfortable in your own skin rather than relying on others or property values to keep your self- esteem up. Things can go down even when the experts tell you they cannot so do your own homework or find a trusted advisor that can help you. Don’t get sucked in by the sales person. Just because you lost your house it doesn’t mean that all is lost. There are billionaires that do not own a house as they do not want to be tied to one location.

There is freedom from a lack of possessions and the bills that come with it. Is the dream of owning a home your dream or is it because you have bought into the slogan “Americas Dream”? I encourage you to make your own decisions and stop pointing a finger at others for your lack of convictions.
If your health is good and you are emotionally strong then you are ahead of the rest regardless of whether you have the mansion or not. It has been my experience those who do own massive houses wish for the simple things in life. The more you have the more pressure there is too maintain it. I am not saying that you should not own a home. I am just saying that your motivation to buy should be pure in intent and not bite off more than you can chew. .

I have seen many people go through transitions this year. I have a friend who experienced a divorce which caused him to sell his house and then lost both of his parents in a year period. It is amazing to see his journey and his change of perspective. It certainly has made him very humble and appreciative of his life and what he has and he has walked through it all with grace and dignity. Though there is a sense of loss there is also compassion and understanding for others. When we are emptied of self that is when god’s grace comes in and gives us the opportunity to fill that emptiness with good choices, right action and respect for all humanity.

I have had my share of ups and downs this year and I can honestly say that at the time I felt defeated to some degree. I was forced to look at all of my points of character that led me into the unfavorable conditions I put myself into. What were my motivations? What drove me to want the things I had? Were they serving me? How could I be of better use to myself and others?

I am so grateful today for all of those experiences. I have softness in my heart today and a deep desire to help others whether it is helping a homeowner short sale their property or being a listening ear and a hand to hold when someone is in need of a friend.

Hardships, though they do not feel good and there are growing pains that come along with it, there are many hidden blessings that give us so much hope for the future and the ability to unite in love and compassion and blaze a trail for those still lost in the fire.

Let’s be that light and shine brighter than ever. What do we have to lose? Using our experience in hopes that others might be healed. What greater way to bounce back from adversity so that nothing that we go through in life is in vain.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season filled with peace, love and light and Happy New Year.

Extra Tip

If you are a REALTOR submitting an offer on a short sale as your own personal property; the short sale lender may decide to NOT give a you a commission.


REALTORS, what is in your business plan this year? What are you doing to create a system that will allow you to build your short sale business? How often are you out there prospecting and how do you know if you are taking the listings that are going to be successful and not a waste of your time?


Call us today and let us show you a system that works to help you expand your business and effectively and efficiently close short sale transactions.

LOTUS REALTY GROUP


PROFESSIONAL SHORT SALE NEGOTIATORS


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