May 25, 2008

Hello fellow REALTORS®,

As we move into the spring and summer selling season and try to combat the sometimes negative messages that come with a period of sluggish housing market conditions, I want to remind you that consumers are listening attentively and getting their cues from us.  To that end, let's stay positive and remind them that no, the sky is not falling, and yes, with inventory high and interest rates low, now is an excellent time to buy real estate.

I understand acutely that as industry professionals, we must not risk our credibility for the sake of "spinning" a positive message.  There is no denying that we are on the down side of a market cycle, and we would be remiss not to acknowledge that.  However, the REALTOR® community can be accurate while remaining strong and positive.

As 2008 NHAR president, I have had many opportunities to speak with the media about current market conditions, and in addition to stressing the opportunities for today's buyers, I have continued to point out the long-term strength of the housing market and the optimism that many real estate professionals from New Hampshire and around the country are beginning to feel.

This current market correction is not unique.  There have been such dips in the market before, but the historical trend line is one that ultimately moves upward.  Inasmuch as we consider traditional homeownership as a long-term investment, we can confidently say that the market is, as a whole, OK.

At the grassroots level, please remember that, as a New Hampshire REALTOR®, every conversation you have about the marketplace could be considered something of a mini-interview, with your words likely to be repeated and multiplied in a way that actually has an impact on consumer confidence.  Remind people that this is a market ripe for increased activity.  Remind them that homeownership is a sound, long-term investment.  Remind them that the housing market has withstood these sorts of corrections time and time again.

And beyond that, show them.  The snapshot in the public eye is one of streets lined with FOR SALE signs, so don't forget to adorn those signs with an UNDER CONTRACT and a SOLD panel at the appropriate times.  Consumers internalize what we say and what they see.  Let's do our very best to accurately show and tell them about the positive things that are happening in today's housing market.

Sincerely,

Jim Lyons, REALTOR®
2008 President, NHAR