Like the twister that wreaked havoc on the Gale family farm in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, this financial and housing storm, will soon pass too.

We are in the middle of one of the worst financial crises in a long time! But based on what’s happened in our history, we know that this too shall pass. It’s not going to be easy and it’s going to take a lot of work to get us out of this. One thing is for sure, we need to stop focusing on the storm and instead get about the daily business of getting homes sold!

I’ve been raving about the new Gary Keller book, Shift, to everyone I can, because it has so many gems I just can’t keep to myself! Here is one that really hits home, “There are three types of people who emerge when a market shifts. First, those that fearfully predict the worst and are unnecessarily pessimistic; second, those who hopefully wish for the best, believe they can’t fail and are unrealistically positive; and, third, those who respect the fact that they might fail, actively prepare for the worst and strive for the best. These are the resourcefully realistic and are always the timely triumphant. They are matter-of-fact about the market and sensible about their situation. They see things as they are and openly acknowledge how they’re doing. At the same time they stay optimistic about their opportunities” (http://millionairesystems.com/msys/shift.html).

This economic ’storm’ we are going through is teaching agents and clients alike about how to be resilient in the face of adversity. We need to have the brains, to learn about our local market stats and how best to meet your housing needs, the heart, to let yourself discover the motivations and ‘big why’ for moving, and, the courage, to look past the pessimistic headlines and know that you are getting sound, professional advice. Because, just like Dorothy said, ‘There’s no place like home.’