Real estate is challenging now, in every city and in every state. Some areas are harder hit than others.  In Melbourne Florida, we are experiencing the aftershocks of a very lucrative, over priced market.  A few things have kept my business going.  I have become an expert with Short Sales, and have been very successful in my negotiations with the bank, and with buyers who have purchased some great deals from my clients.  I have been a business owner most of my life, in one capacity or another. The most important part has been my mindset, and I thought I would share some of my thoughts.

There is nothing more important than customer service. If you are in the business of real estate, you are in the business of people. Regardless of the market, this never stops. You have to check your customer service level, and make sure you are delivering on your promises and achieving your milestones.  The challenging market syndrome has a tendency to harbor complacency. Wake up every day with your list of to-do's and plan every week for your intended accomplishments.  As a buyer or seller of a home, set your expectations of what you want your service professionals to do for you, understanding that they do not "make" the market, they can only inform you of that.  Decide together how to deliver and react to negotiations.

When slow times appear this is the perfect time to educate yourself.  If you are a Buyer or a Seller of a home; find out who is moving into and out of your neighborhood and why.  Go and preview the competition that you have to your home, comparable size and age is most important; then check condition and composition.  Agents slow times they should turn to education.  This is the time that I took to learn about Short sales. I invested a lot of time and energy in learning about this trade, and how to make each transaction successful for all clients involved.

Lastly, check your attitude and energy. You are on your game when you are delivering what you can deliver, at 100%.  If I had a dime for every nay-sayer, poor attitude, and negative Ned, that I have been dealing with-over the last month-I would be rich.  This a difficult business; and right now it is difficult to sell a home. Short Sales are difficult.  If you dont like to do them, give them to me! I love a challenge. I love people. And I want people to be successful. Be successful at something that you love to do.

My formula for success is easy: Customer Service (World Class, Red Carpet style!); Education; and Energy! Call me, or comment, I'd love to hear from you! Josephine Carpenter, 321-243-4519, or you can visit my website, www.abrevardrealtor.com to check out my services.