Everyone is talking about. The real estate market is bad…and it’s going to get worse. So what does this mean for agents?

This big unknown has fear spreading like a virus. Agents everywhere are bracing themselves for a catastrophic fall. They’re paralyzed with fear, plagued by the uncertainty of where the next deal will come from.

Sure, it’s scary. But for those who invest in their business, it’s far from devastating. Be honest with yourself. If you were succeeding a couple years back because of the hot marketplace, you are in trouble. If your success was based on your marketing and branding efforts and the systems that support a great real estate business practice, then this is your time to cash in. Even if it’s 30% off, there’s 70% still available … and with less agents to share the pie.

Think about it. Those who went into real estate to make a quick buck are slowly, maybe even quickly, being filtered out in this declining market. I believe the strong agents who have systems in place and are consistently and consistently marketing themselves, have little to fear.

Still, now is the time to drill down, focus and position yourself for long-term success. After all, what we’re looking at right now is normal. It’s a natural market correction. History tells us this.

So I return to my original question. With the declining market and the growing fear, is it time to get out of real estate? For some, as I mentioned above, yes. If you came into the business looking for easy money, yes. For those agents who view real estate as a business opportunity, a place where you can create a solid income stream to build the future you want and are ready and willing to work hard and invest in themselves and their business, my answer is a resounding, No.

There is no need to let the media’s sensationalized message of anxiety and fear unhinge you. This downturn is your chance to prove once and for all that you have what it takes to be successful despite market conditions.

I’d love to hear more thoughts on this pervasive subject.