By Mark Leader
Real estate professionals can easily become absorbed in today’s negative news stories about a failing global economy, when they should instead be focused on the positive news about the real estate market.
“What positive news?” you may ask.
Let’s start with this: while the experts continue to discuss the ups and downs of the market, life goes on. That’s right. People get married, people get divorced, people change jobs, babies are born, kids go to college and people die. And, because of all this, people buy and sell houses.
Here’s another positive thought: in the United States, 30% of people own their homes without a mortgage. Another 30% purchased their homes more than five years ago. This means that all these people (60% of homeowners) have equity in their homes.
More positive thinking: instead of focusing on the fact that 6% of the population is unemployed, think about the 94% of people who are working.
The truth is, there’s never been a better time to buy real estate. Interest rates are low and there are plenty of homes available at reasonable prices.
Personally, I’m looking for property to buy right now, because I have confidence that the property will rise in value in five years.
I would like to see every single real estate agent in America buy an investment property right now. If you really, truly believe in the future of real estate, then you should be out there demonstrating that belief by buying something yourself.
If the real estate community really wants to change this market, then every single real estate agent in the country should come together and buy what we are selling: property.
Imagine the impact on the housing market and the economy if every single one of the National Association of Realtors 1.3 million members bought an investment property before the end of the year. It would turn the market around completely and eliminate all the foreclosures which are a drag on real estate values.
When Warren Buffett invests in the stock market, he reassures the rest of investors that he believes there are investment opportunities out there. His investments can have a huge effect on the stock market.
Now imagine the kind of impact that 1.3 million Realtors can have on the housing market. Within 90 days, if each Realtor purchased a property, it would send a message to the world that investing in real estate right now makes sense.
In addition, these real estate agents would be increasing their own family’s wealth and security.
I call on every Realtor in the country to quit believing in the negative press and to stop just telling people to buy real estate. Instead, each and every agent should show their customers and the rest of the world that they believe in the power of real estate to build wealth by buying property themselves.
Mark Leader is the creator of Mark Leader Courses. For more information, please visit www.leaderschoice.com.
