In the past 7 years, I've learned a lot from fellow peers and the people I've worked for, they are called clients in a corporate type of sense. I have no barometer in which to gauge what is going on here (With our world, with Real Estate), I don't know the immediate cause or eventual solution. That's not an easy thing to absorb.
The fact is....rates are low. They are real low. And while I've listened and heard the Consumer Confidence or lack there of....I've also listened to us....and me. As one of my prospective clients put it, " Depressed housing market, depressed housing stats, depressed housing prices, depressed stock market, and depressed 401K. How depressing. My company is reorganizing, and although we are told we are in good standing, I just don't think that this is the best time to make a bold move." I can't point a finger on what is exactly going on, as there is a ton of variables and I rarely study or do research. Sometimes, in life, you just need to react. Yet, there's a plan to my reaction and it starts with the Cockroach.
Economy aside, how's your life? How's your family? How are you? Personally, I'm colder than a witches tit in the ides of a Frosted February, but I'm doing well. If you want to give humans a REAL I.Q. Test, base it on survival....cause that is what it is. At this point you may think that I think our economy is bad. Nah.... our economy is very good....for some people. Speaking as Robin Hood, I'm more of a Cockroach than an Eagle, yet in the end the Eagle never eats the cockroach. The heart beats, the survival begins.
I don't want to tell a story or sell some self-promotional sort of goods here, I just want to try like the damn dickens to call it like I see it....whether it be true or just plain bad advice. If you can survive 5 more months, as a Real Estate Professional or individual battling economic concern or despair....you'll make it. Be the Cockroach. Survive, no matter what. I say 5 months because I see 5 months before purse strings loosen up more and knee jerk reactions to Market Conditions fall to the wasteland. Become the cockroach, for it will benefit not only your business....but your life. Here's a few attributes of our infamous little creature in the shadows:
- Cockroaches adapt readily to a variety of environments - No matter what the winds of change may blow one's way, adaptation is key to business and in life. Things won't always be good, things won't always be bad. Whatever things are, one must adapt accordingly.
- Researchers found a balance between cooperation and competition exists in group decision-making behavior found in cockroaches- Hmmmm, sound familiar? Cooperation tends to lead to solutions, competition keeps everyone at the top of their game.
- Cockroaches are among the hardiest insects on the planet - While anyone who really knows me knows that I'm a rather sensitive young chap, I firmly believe strength is vital to survival. And above and beyond anything else, Inner Strength is the strongest force of all.
As Brandon Lee's character said in the movie 'The Crow' "It Can't Rain All The Time." Yesterday, I had an epiphany of sorts, one I may never be able to properly express in words or in writing. Yet, that epiphany came when I got up from my chair and went to the window of our office and looked out to the world from 3 stories up. Thoughts raced through my mind about this Industry, this Life, this World. A smile grew upon my face and I turned back to my chair and went to work.
Today, I went shopping and as I was meandering the aisles, I heard the voices and watched my fellow men and women as they went about their way. I realized we weren't shopping, we were surviving. Because that's what we do. As repulsive as my little buddy we call 'The Roach' may be to some, we all could learn a lot from that creature in the shadows. Before we can ever thrive, we must survive....through thick & thin, better or worse, until the inevitability of death comes calling. And if we do that............the pursuit of the happiness we all seek will be but a moment away.
Jason,
5 months? I hope it only takes that long...where did you get you insider info from:)
Jason, I hate roaches and we don't get many in Michigan but boy did we get them in Alabama. I hate those things ! Yea, it is really cold here too. I hate the cold too.
Hey something I don't hate on your post is the collabaration thingy. That I like and believe in.
"Things won't always be good, things won't always be bad"
Simple, yet truer words were never written.
P.S. What do you base your 5 month theory on?
I don't really follow that money supply all the closely but it sounds like this can be a great time in the mortgage business... Rates are very attractive and with housing inventory high there are most likely many people that are in a decent position to pull a bit of equity out of their homes and help their children purchase before the next run up in prices.
Neal - Just a guess man, just a guess. Of course, that's my Market....yours could be entirely different.
Missy - But we can learn from them:-)
Kelly - I base it on pure speculation in MY market....nothing more.
A little coopetition goes a long way. I've written about that a few times. I guess we've all talked about adaptation.
But, you have a way of summing up the various thoughts into a very Sardi Post...
Enjoy life... It's the only one you'll get... except for Shirley MacLane
Dan - As I've said, if people don't think rates are attractive right now, they may just be a Renter for life.
Thanks Lane! Shirley MacLane? Hmmmm, you know something I don't, don't you?
Marc - Mucho Grazie Grossman! It's speculation on my end as well. I guess a loose analogy would be to treat life like the Martial Arts....and learn Aikido!
Jason, what a visual picture that you paint. I hope that 5 months is a realistic number, I think that the builders will start planning new projects in about 5 months, which will indicate the start of the up-tick.
I must say, I don't think that branding yourself as a cockroach is such a good idea (laughing).
Jason.... first off, I think this was one of your better writings.... excellent. Overall, you make some great points. There should be some inspiration in this, for all to understand. In regards to the time frame, for me and my hard shell, living in the dark alleys, I would say my May.... so we agree... 4 to 6 months. See you then brotha...
Wayne - From my understanding, Portland's Market is doing real well now.
Kate - It's all about the visuals:-) Hey, I don't mind the cockroach label, lol.
Jason, This is going to read sick and twisted but I once watched a documentary on roaches. The scientists put 500 male roaches into a tank and then secreted one drop of the female cockaroach's hormone into the tank.
Sensing there was a chick in the room all hell broke loose. The mating frenzy began, but there was no mate. One hour later they were either dead or horribly injured from the ensuing riot. My point?
Let's hide a million dollar buyer right here on Active Rain and see what happens. An all cash buyer, close in 30 days and will buy anywhere in the United States (You folks in Alaska and Hawaii can play too).
WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN?
(Note: I'm not equating any of us to roaches, just remarking on the universal impulse to survive. Sorry for the hijack. Yours is a great post. Really got the old cranium gears turning.)
Maybe it's not about the literal 5 months at all. Maybe it's about "this to shall pass" in a more general sense. In 5 years we'll look back on this time but still be standing, and in 15 years it will be just a faint memory. Our choices determine how we deal with the circumstances and how we remember them.
Didn't mean to get all philosophical here, but life is easier when you put it all in perspective.
BTW, I loved this post Dahling, very thought provoking and inspirational. I think we should be surrounding ourselves with more of this sort of info.
I'm with you. 5 months? 8 Months? Who knows? Like a roach though adaptions are made and survival mode kicks in. I take your point as adapt or die. You can always debate who is at fault for the current situation, and wait for it to turn around but while the waiting occurs, you need to adapt to today to survive.
I think others are offended by being compared to a Roach, and focusing on your time frames as opposed to your message. But I sir, am a roach!!
Belonger - We actually agree on something? Wowsers! (Eyes peer to the left, eyes peer to the right).....I'll see you on the 12th.
Lenza - I'm not sure why I'm so hell-bent on calling people by their last names, but I am. You hide that all cash buyer and I'll just sit back and watch, I have no need for them and they have no need for me:-) What do I think? I think you would get a rather transparent look into many souls around here. I wouldn't say this to many, but you can hijak me any time.
Tracey - Hey, I love philosophy! Thank you my dear.
Chad - You and me both Chad. Very insightful comment! Thanks!
Sarah - If it were all about me, the world would be a very dour place:-) Thank you for the kind words....
Diane - That's a great example! We all must ask the question....when push comes to shove, will you push or be shoved?
Sandra - I think the Media is going to move on to the 'Next Big Thing' pretty soon.
Wendy - Hey, I could of included a picture:-)
Wendy - Hey, I could of included a picture:-)
Jason,
VERY GOOD MESSAGE THERE, and right in time for a voice of sanity for what has been going on in my head for the last month.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lania - Again, that's just my opinion for my particular market. The changes will be felt
Regional in my opinion, not the same for every area.
Heather - Thank you for your kind words!
Al - Thank you kind Sir!
Pam - When we get a grasp on the pulse of what is Reality vs. what is Perception, my feeling is that we will always evolve.
Lola - According to Wikipedia, yes they would.....at least longer than us. But it seems Fruit-Flies are even more of a pest. Every once in awhile, I do study:-)
Bryant - In your market, from what I've read, you are probably totally right on the button. Imagine that, you being right?:-) Everything I know and have read from you....SCREAMS....that you are a survivor. I'll try/insist to keep moving forward myself. I must admit, you've added a dash of inspiration along the way...
Carney - Being crushed sucks! How's that for simple? Good point. Perseverance is so important, in every aspect of life. I would love to have met the author of that particular word & definition. Hope you are doing well amigo, stay warm!........and MWA! (Sorry, had to do it)
Jason,
Did you know that a cockroach can live for days without it's own head? I really don't want to be a cockroach, but it'd be nice to survive. I'm hoping that things will get better soon, but I can see it taking a few months as well. Good job on the post, my friend. Keep the chin up!
Fascinating and extremely insightful post, Jason ! I loved reading this and your analogy is dead on...
Jo
Jason, Great writing the cockroach theory makes super sense. If this isn't working try that. The cockroach is a survivor, and so should we.
Can't we become a bit smarter about conserving resources to make it until next summer. The way we as agents were acting reminds me of a fly buzzing and bumping into a window when an open door is just feet away. (since we are describing ourselves as bugs!!!) I am specifically talking about all that advertising cash wasted because we don't want to take a chance on stopping the silly expensive habits.
Most agents, or Mortgage Brokers, would be put over the top with only a few more deals a year. Our "open door" is a cash buyer, investor, or even a side job that brings us into contact with more people. I ran an ad once for cash investors and got calls for just that. We owe it to ourselves to find a way to to make it happen. I see nothing much in here about a common savior for many, the lease option. Its a perfect Christmas Holiday recipe.
This dish is able to be served a few times a month without anyone getting tired of it
It's taken 2.5 years to get our prices down about 5-10%. That hasn't brought new buyers out. We need to go down another 15-20% to get back to a price range where folks can and will buy.
Which is, of course, being the cockroach that I am, why I'm only selling new homes this year because builders have seen the light and slashed prices 20%.
Just got another lot hold on today.
Who knows. Maybe in 5 months when a buyer asks me "Lenn, is this a good price?", I'll be able to say "Yes, don't let it get away."
ewwwww.... we couldn't be like cute bunnies or something to be survivors??
Trevino- I did know that.....now that's survival! Though, I don't want to run any experiments to see if I'm that Hard-Core:-0
Carney- Mucho man love:-))
Jo-Anne - Thank you so much, not an attractive analogy I suppose...but I felt it VERY relevant.
Sarah - True be that.
Mike - Personally, the lease option is an underestimated tool that we often overlook. Great way for certain individuals to buy a home. Very good point!
Danny - Why thank you Sir! I will be here all week;-)
Lenn - If anyone has a pulse on solutions, my guess...it is you.
Sharon- Amazing that you point that out. No I have not but a certain stranger in the mist (Jennifer Bukaty to be specific) pointed out the same thing when I talked about this. I certainly should check that book out....and here I thought I was original:-)
Josette - Well, I'm curious in having Rabbit Stew....does that count?
Trevor - Thanks man!
Jackie- LOL...don't ya think?
Jason, Only 5 Months? The good thing is that I see a lot of the bad element have left the industry and not just mortgage people. Realtors, Title people and Appraisers.
Allison - Thanks! For a lot of us, you are right...this is uncharted territory.
Matt - That's my guess for the Market here in the Lehigh Valley. Generally speaking, I think the Mortgage Market in general will loosen up, but not nearly to where it was (which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all). As always, time will be the only teller.
Gayle - Right on, it is a cyclical business, this just happens to be a rather brutal turn....which shall pass. I agree with your sentiments, those who came along for an easy ride will fall off...if they already have not.
Denise - Thanks for the kind words, wasn't sure how the cockroach analogy would come off....but I believe it to be valid.
Jason: beautifully written! what a great post. Congrats on the feature...
This is well written, clever and very inspired, you handsome cockroach you! Why am I not surprised?? You are absolutely correct about the measure of intelligence.
But of course it was featured!
Jason
Only YOU can make a cockroach sound SEXY!
A brilliant observation....I have to figure out a way to tie this in to a presentation I have coming up....the group is pretty 'uppety' and I know this will get them fired up in more ways than one!
You are awesome Sardi! Another brilliant post..........
Great points made with passion and backed up with a memorable analogy--I've always associated cockroaches and great writing with Kafka--now I have a new one--real estate, cockroaches and Sardi.
YOU are SICK and yet ... there is a beauty in your sickness.
I purchased Beckwith's YOU inc. today in your honor...
Karen - In regards to the Eagles eating the Cockroaches...beats me, I forget if I read that somewhere or just made it up to illustrate my point:-)
Janet - Thank you very much, you are on a roll yourself!
Eric - Human nature is....................Survival.
Jennifer - Handsome cockroach, now I don't know if I've ever saw those two words in the same sentence:-)
Christi - The cockroach is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Insect Kingdom.
Bill - Wow, thanks man. Let me know how the presentation went.
Norma - I have no problem being associated with the cockroach!
Rey - I suppose it would, sounds like a strong man.
Eleanor - I am sick, that's a fact. Thanks for noticing:-) Let me know how you like your purchase.
The only roach that likes the light is the Oriental Roach I believe. I agree with your second sentence Brian.
Linda - Hey, I forgot to mention....I once chewed on a dead cockroach on a bet....got me $10.00 and a good week before my ex-girlfriend would kiss me again:-)
Jeannie - Hmmm, not sure Jeannie. I'm with you on being a cockroach though.
Melissa - Lol, thanks! Just be careful where you are stepping:-)
Linda - Yup, that's reason # 5,678 why she's an ex. I'll keep that steak dinner thing in mind next time.
Before we can ever thrive, we must survive....through thick & thin, better or worse, until the inevitability of death comes calling. And if we do that............the pursuit of the happiness we all seek will be but a moment away.
You do have a way with words that puts it all in prospective. Thanks for sharing... sorry I am late to the party
Dez - Better late than never, besides....I'm sure you tend to liven up any party on your arrival:-)
Dez - Stop by anytime, papaya is on sale:-)
Krista - 5 months? No, no, no.....I meant 3 months. Or was that 12 months? Actually, things should turn around by tomorrow. Thank you!
Jason,
Excellent post! Adapting to changes is crucial for success in any field. Using the cockroach as an analogy is a great example here. Below are some interesting findings.
Two Facts:
I heard that if a nuclear war was to occur, the cockroach would still survive.
Going back to the dinosaurs era, the cockroaches have existed during that time while the dinosaurs perished.
Conclusion:
We need to become the cockroaches. Real estate existed in the past, present and the future. If we make the necessary change, there is no end. So the bottom line is, do we want to be the Cockroach or the Dinosaur? The answer is clear...although some of us may hate cockroaches.
Dave
Kathy - Thanks Kathy! Didn't know how the concept would be taken, but I found it very relevant....especially now.
Karen - Those are kind words, now others can see what a 'Roach' I am:-)