October is here, at last!
Turning leaves, crisp nights... and decisions that will shape our destinies in 2010 and beyond.
The fourth quarter of the year has always been my favorite quarter of the year, not only for the change of seasons, but because the last 90 days of the year is when those of us in real estate are faced with a critical, annual decision:
Ramp up, or shut down. Make plans, or "veg out". Accelerate hard, or coast into next year.
I don't know why agents lose focus in the fourth quarter of the year. Maybe it's the shorter days. Perhaps the colder weather turns them off.
All I know is that there is less competition, and those who are in the market are more motivated than those who work and shop seasonally.
It's true that demand among first-time buyers will fall off soon, either because the $8,000 tax credit is extended ("Whew! - more time") or expires ("Tilt! - game over"). But first-time buyers are only a part of the market, and I believe there are many non-first time buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for traffic to clear.
Either way, there is always opportunity if you are willing to work hard.
So bring it on... let's rock in the fourth quarter!
