Hi Fran -- couldn't have stated it better myself! Now is the time to step it up a notch or two...

Well put! Anyone in the industry 10-15 years ago, or those who began since, operating with 'sound professional and ethical judgements' still standing, will soon reap the benefits of experiencing that period and operational decissions they made. With some small exceptions, we've come full circle. Homes will appreciate at 2%, not 20%. Buyers will be prepared with verifiable income, good credit and down payement funds. Life will again, be good.

Very good post Fran. We agree and will be one of those left standing when it sorts itself out.

I love that term and have used it in the past to describe some things I have seen - I am always carefult o stay away form that slippery slope - trying to keep the perception and quality  of our industry up there:)

Great post Fran.  For those of us still around its time to engage the 4 wheel drive and start back up the "slippery slope" with some degree of control

Fran

Sometimes that slope is getting even more steap and a bigger slope.

How sad.

Sincerely

Tom BRaatz

Your posts are great. Keep them coming!

A notch or two up should have been stepped up a long time ago.  But now is better than ever.

WQell said Fran. It's time to get back to old fashioned hard work. The low hanging fruit is gone!

Good people (us) taking fantastic care of good people (our clients)!!!  Great post, Fran!  JB Brookman

There are so many things to work on while things are less than ideal in our market and that aspect inspires me (especially when trying to find the time).  More time for me leads to more credibility.

Fran, sold ground is at the end of the slippery slope, for those that didn't slide off on the way down. Great analogy and I love it. Time to buy new clothes, and clean up after the fall down.

Fran the swinging of the pendulum is a good thing for all!

Fran,

Excellent post---Let the cream rise to the top, right?

Fran- It is hard not to get discouraged but I truly feel that is we are steadfast in being beyond ethical to moral, fair, honest and professional we will end up on solid ground. Great post- as always!

Onward and upward Fran. Great thoughts looking back and encouragement to move forward.

Right on!  It's going to be raining listings and sales in a year or two.

We've got a long way to go, but I'm getting ready for the next boom.  It will disappoint a lot of folks, though because the price ranges will be a lot lower.

My folks have now accepted the lower price ranges. 

FRAN - There is definitely a lot of regrouping going on right now.  Even though other "bubbles" have burst, no one seems to be able to get past the euphoria of the moment to realize that their bubble could be next.  I only wish that more consumers found Active Rain so that they could see some stories about the positives of the industry as well.

Really nice post, Fran!  I think we're looking at a sort of "back to the future" sort of thing.  If you are a loan officer who is cheating to get a loan through, it's going to take a big cheat instead of a little one to accomplish it.

Nice post, yes, everything is cyclical, every 15-20years the real estate market hits a bump in the road. Shoot, bell bottoms came back into style, maybe those white shoes and belts in the closet will too? Nahhh

We're definitely seeing those that step up do well - and those that don't want to - "retiring".

You GO Fran!

Jeff-

I agree!  So there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I am entering my 4th year in the real estate business and so I have had to deal with the "slippery slope" since I started.  Not easy for a new agent but I have hung in there and intend to continue to hang on until things turn around.  I've seen the market in better times and I have nothing but good times to look forward to.  Right, Everyone?

I'm in a fabulous market here in Texas ... I'm just holding on for the ride, wherever it may go!

And so, now that the 'slippery slope' has been navigated, and we're still standing, let us resolve to move forward using the best principles of professionalism, ethics, morality, knowledge, justice, and fairness that our industry can muster...  

Hi Fran,

You set an excellent goal.  However, as I ponder your words, I believe the slippery slope is a reflection of American society today.  I would like to see your advice expanded beyond real estate to include our entire country.

Respectfully,

Bruce

Fran,

Excellent advice...reminds me of that saying 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going'. We learn a lot from slippery slopes, especially that we don't want to come across them again.

Jo

These are the times that bring out the best in realtors and the professionals in the business.  The ones in it for the buck will fall out and the consumer will have an array of true long term professionals who either have been in it for the long haul already or who are in it for the long haul...this can actually be a very good time for us!

I'm running in to more and more consumers that are saying to me the agent we used 2 or 3 years ago is no longer in the business and now that we have looked back on the transaction, we know why.

Fran,

Great post! I was looking @ your top posts for the year and this is soooo relevant!!

Fran, you wrote that post a while ago, yet it's still so true.

Love the ACTIVE FRAN logo!