IT’S MONEY SEASON!
By: Marty Rueter, Executive Vice President, Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers
“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love… that makes life and nature harmonize. The birds are consulting about their migrations. The trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay… and begin to strew the ground, so that one’s very footsteps may not disturb the repose of earth and air. Delicious autumn! My soul is wedded to it. If I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns.”
~ George Eliot (letter to Miss Lewis, October 1, 1841)
HARD TO BELIEVE another summer has passed. Every-morning chill has returned. Hazy summer sunshine becomes harsh winter glare. Leaves, critters, people scurry about, shutting down, stowing away – before huddles and holidays steal our focus, priorities, and resolve. Autumn’s hasty arrival can break our rhythm and routine – to reset goals, replenish our listings, refresh our resources, sharpen our services, and reach out higher and farther . . . whilst others retrench and retreat. Real estate didn’t end on Labor Day. Never did.
To wit:
- Georgia named new “movie capital of the world.”
- Atlanta ranks #1 in inbound corporate relocation.
- Honeywell to expand software development center and corporate H.Q.
- Vegas technology giant plans new $2.5 billion Atlanta location.
- MetLife and California development firm to build massive ($110 million) distribution complex in Henry County, the latest in a string of high-profile projects for the Southside region, including a Kroger distribution center and the new North American headquarters of Porsche at former Ford Motor plant.
- More redevelopment planned for Atlanta’s West End.
- Atlanta BeltLine enters new phase, in anticipation of rail lines.
- Amazon considers Atlantic Station for second headquarters?
Real estate momentum is everywhere, especially here in our town and “turf.” Nationally and locally, jobs are returning, as is three-plus percent GDP. Corporate and consumer confidence are at their highest levels in over a decade. Stocks are soaring! Our business continues at “unseasonably” rapid, frantic, “un-fall-like” pace … but with glorious landscapes of muted color to enliven our daily doings and dealings. Like other retailers, this is “money season” for commercial REALTORS®. Make it your busiest!
CONSIDER holding an end-of-year “Investor Seminar” – a great opportunity for current and new clients to learn about real estate, its many advantages and revenue streams; to review their portfolio; rethink their financial goals in light of today’s regional and international economy. Maybe add (or subtract) an investment property or two? Include a tax professional to pose end-of-year strategies, and anticipate tax law changes affecting real estate investment and ownership. Have example properties to spur immediate interest – different property types, varying price points, and entry levels.
TRAINING ALSO CONTINUES – check out what’s happening at Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers. Enroll through Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers, Angela Fucron.
- PhD training starts again next month for Coldwell Banker Commercial associates only – 12 classroom sessions of interesting and varied topics (analysis, taxation, marketing, negotiating)… lots of interaction, coupled with structured activities to solidify newly learned information, resources and selling skills. No cost, except your commitment of time and determination to succeed.
- “Real Estate Exchange Strategies” – October 4th (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) – 3 hours CE (no charge). Class conducted by a 1031 exchange “intermediary” firm. Learn both the technicalities AND practicalities of this opportunity before it goes away? Turn theory into double commissions!
COMFORT ZONES are where all of us live and work, subconsciously. Each level of cushy, “stress free acceptance” is different, based on our upbringing, social environment, individual expectations (ours and of those around us). Comfort zones vary among business colleagues (even family members). What’s perfectly acceptable to some (income, profits, customer service levels, e.g.) may be abysmal to others. What’s “okay” production for you could be the “best year ever” for someone else. What’s your comfort zone for sales performance? Does it reflect in the number of hours you work, the number of calls you make daily? Who set your standard? Recognize comfort zones for what they are – self-erected fencing, places (excuses) to hang out, drink coffee, and ignore our true potential. Does it really take a full year to make it in this business? Or is that “maxim” another self-fulfilling prophecy designed to rationalize inertia and complacency? How about a commercial deal every week instead! It’s certainly do-able, if you redefine what’s acceptable to you NOW.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~ Albert Camus