Current Economic Situation

Our head person at Carolina One Real Estate sent out the following on ways to look at and handle the current financial situation that is affecting everyone. I thought this was a pretty good perspective for anyone:

1. There have been other crises in all of our lives ... maybe financial, maybe health, maybe a disaster (an accident or fire). And - for those who remember - there have been other challenging real estate markets: 18% interest rates, Hurricane Hugo, Naval Base closing, 9/11. Reflect back. Whatever it was, how did you handle it? What pulled you through? Have a determination that this is not going to beat you; you are going to beat it. It all starts with our personal mental attitude; let's get tough. Everything is cyclical. Nothing lasts forever.

2. Fear is physical. Face it. And deal with it in a physical way ... get exercise and work it out of your body. Work out, walk, bicycle ... it doesn't matter what you do, but do something every day. It's good for your health - physically, mentally, emotionally - and it conquers fear.

3. You've heard, "You are what you eat." You are also what you think. It's important to know what's going on in the world but fill your head - and your thoughts - with more than negative media. Seek out positive, affirming messages ... books, CDs, people who nourish you.

4. With any investment, is it smarter to buy when it's high or low? Embrace the "pessimism" and find the advantage. Whether it's the stock market or the real estate market, this is exactly the time to make a smart investment rather than in the midst of the hot market of 3 years ago. It just makes sense. Let's help our clients find the opportunity in this market. They need us; what you do everyday makes a real difference.

5. Offer to help someone less fortunate. It helps us count our many blessings and puts everything else in perspective.