This just in...According to the National Association of Realtors, existing homes sales rose 3.6% to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.89m in June. That’s up from a 4.7m rate in May – good news for the housing market and the economy in general. In addition, despite interest rates rising slightly to 5.14%, just a year ago the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.63%. Sales of new single-family homes jumped 11% in June – the biggest monthly gain since December 2000 and far outstripping economists outlook for a 4.5% rise.

So tell me this; in a market with great affordability, rates and choice, are you getting your fair share?

It’s a good life!

Brian

The sun is shining and the Summertime Surge is in full swing. Are you?

Over the years at our events you’ve heard me tell the story of the Spanish conqueror, Cortez. Reaching the Eastern shores of Mexico it became apparent over time that he and his men were going to have a battle on their hands. Problem was the men didn’t want to fight; they wanted to return home to Spain. Cortez had a mission, however, and so, he and his lieutenants went on board the ships one night and set them alight. Knowing that the option of ‘going home’ might lead to the men mutinying or refusing to fight, he took action to remove that possibility. Left with no choice but to go into battle and fight, they duly did just that.

There are times to burn your bridges, be committed and make what can feel like difficult decisions. My encouragement to you is to put yourself in a position where the only choice you have is success. At the end of the day this is all about your commitment to the business so it's time to hang tough. There are a number of people who want to tuck tail and run right now, but those who stay are not only going to win this fight, they’re going to prosper for years to come.

It’s a good life!

Brian

When things seem out of control or circumstances feel overwhelming, we’ll often try some grand gesture or radical U-turn to catapult us out of a rut. The benefits of a single day can seem too insignificant to truly have an impact. The reality is, however, that every great journey begins with a single step. Day-by-day, note-by-note and call-by-call, when you keep chipping away and being faithful with the fundamentals of working by referral you’ll weather this market and come out with a great business.

I wanted to share something powerful with you today. It’s a 17th Century French proverb that deals with the importance of doing the small thing right:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost,

For want of the shoe the horse was lost

For want of the horse the rider was lost

For want of the rider the message was lost

For want of the message the battle was lost

For want of the battle the war was lost.

All for the loss of a lone shoe nail

(Anon)

The lead-generation activities we’ve laid out in the Summertime Surge have been designed to keep your eyes peeled for those loose nails so your business is battle-ready. Don’t neglect the fundamentals. Put these in your business otherwise you’ll be biting your nails from fear and worry.

It’s a good life!

Brian