Today is President Franklin D Roosevelt’s birthday. 90 years ago, during his first inaugural speech of his first of four terms as President, FDR uttered his famous quote,
The only thing we have to fear is…fear itself —
nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
What Are You Afraid Of?
It seems that the national media is trying to scare its viewers, readers, and listeners. The real estate pundits and doomsayers are being loud as well. Anyone with a microphone is trying to put fear into the audience.
Bubbles and crashes and recessions, Oh my!
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
People are going to sell houses in 2023. People are going to buy houses in 2023. Builders are going to build houses in 2023.
Are interest rates higher than they were in the last two years? Yep.
Is inventory still well below the “normal” levels we have seen in the last several years? Yep.
Is there still tremendous demand from Buyers who are tired of renting or just entering the market? Yep.
Is it possible that prospecting efforts to generate new business opportunities might turn up no ready, willing, or able clients? Yep.
Is it possible some of your “sure things” will decide to wait a little bit longer because they’ve determined it’s in their best interest to hold off their sale or purchase? Yep.
Might one of your past clients decide to buy or sell with another Realtor because they haven’t heard from you recently, you haven’t provided much value other than “real estate stuff”, or they built a better relationship with someone else since you walked out of the title company or attorney’s office after their sale or purchase? Yep.
Did some other agents work harder to earn top-of-mind awareness? Yep.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
And…if you’re still afraid, listen to poet Ralph Waldo Emerson…
“Do the things you fear and the death of fear is certain.”
Schedule that appointment.
Pick up that phone.
Send that text, e-mail, or hand-written note.
Leave that comment on social media or hit “record” on your next video.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.