Squeezing Lemons and Seizing Opportunity
How often have you come across someone that says I could have bought this property or that property for some absurdly 
low amount of money ? And then they live in regret and tell the same "would of should of could of" story over and over to all of their friends. And for you stock market followers, remember when Apple was trading at $10 a share before the company reinvented itself ? Imagine that... Now it is close to $300 !!! If you only knew then what you know now, right ?
The same situation applies to relationships. There are those relationships that never happened due to not seizing the moment. There are novels written and songs sung about the regret of a relationship that never happened. The same goes for job advancement and asking for a raise. I have read numerous times that one of the reasons that folks do not get a salary increase is that they simply did not ask for it. Think about that for a second...
One of Wayne Gretzky's famous quotes is "You will miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. " Another great quote by Michael Jordon is "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
Why I am writing this today you ask ? Because I firmly believe there is tremendous opportunity available to all of us out there, no matter what industry you are in or where you are in your life. Our economy always has its peaks and valleys. That is the history. It is a sign that we are alive and constantly evolving. Sometimes it takes someone to remind us that opportunities are even MORE magnified during the downturn, that inspiration can be found in the valley. That is where fortunes can be made, new business models are created, innovation and creativity is intensified and opportunities are endless for those that are willing to work hard and not fall into the trap of waiting for something to happen. Beware of the negative talkers, the doom and gloomers, the naysayers, and so forth. Without risk, there is no reward. And I know it is cliche but "no pain no gain."
The person who reminded me of my conviction and belief that when life tosses you lemons, make lemonade, is Bart Blatstein, a prolific real estate developer who is very well known in our parts of Philadelphia. Bart spoke at our monthly RE/MAX Access sales meeting and shared his experiences over the years through those very same peaks and valleys I mentioned earlier. Blatstein shared some of his own experiences negotiating through some tough personal and economic times. He concurs that it is in those valleys is where we find real success, and that the opportunities are upon us now.
If you have been reading our blog and newsletter, you know our thoughts about opportunity and seizing the moment in the Philadelphia Real Estate market. We think there are deals to be had for buyers and investors right now. Mortgage rates are at historical lows and we know they will not stay that way. Do not be the one who says "I would of could of should of" bought that great investment property or taken advantage of the mortgage rates when they were so low. And for you sellers out there, especially if you want to buy, do not wait for the interest rates to go up and your purchasing power to go down. The opportunity for you is right now.
Opportunity - Seize it when it comes ! Whether it be your first new home, an investment property, a financial opportunity, your first date, a job opportunity, a pay raise or whatever it is in front of you that helps you move forward in life in a positive light ! We hope to see you out there sipping your own hand-squeezed lemonade.
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That is where fortunes can be made, new business models are created, innovation and creativity is intensified and opportunities are endless for those that are willing to work hard and not fall into the trap of waiting for something to happen.
I agree! Times of great change are also times of great opportunity.
P.S. This is probably obvious to most people here, but ActiveRain is one of those very exciting opportunities to create a new business model. It takes hard work and dedication to blog effectively, but that hard work can have big results!
Well, all I know is that HINDSIGHT IS 20/20.....also, my motto is this: "When life hands you lemons, DEMAND tequila and salt!"
Bruce - Definitely agree ! Since we started blogging on Active Rain, our business took off immensely. But it did not take off immediately. It took a lot of time and effort and hard work. Now, we run across a lot of folks that will say "I love your blog" or "We see you all over the Internet". That did not happen overnight. And it is comments like that that reinforce your business model. Also, it reinforces the fact that they are out there on your blog even though you might not know they are there. Active Rain is a such a great blog platform - for both beginners and veterans ! That is but one example of so many opportunities that are out there. Hard work in any industry and taking the initiative and "making it happen" are certainly keys to turning those lemons into sweet lemonade : )
Jean - That works too !!!!!! LOL !
Thanks guys for the post,My Business partner ,and mentor takes that little phrase very very seriously and so do I.Greetings from Marble head Mass.Happy selling.Jim Hazell
I agree with you and this is a great motivational post. We are called to work IN the market, we can change it so we must adapt.
Great post!
Very good insights Chris! While everyone is whining about things being SLOW and lack of sales, what are you doing to turn this around? Complaining around the water cooler, or going out there and making things happen?
Today I was recognized at the grocery store, by the checkout girl. She recognized my face from my blog and websites and she chatted me up about looking for houses. She has no agent. She's just starting her search and getting ready to buy in 2011 hopefully.
Think I'll be top of mind? I intend to remember her and stay in front of her. I'll be trying to get into her checkout line next time I'm at that store.
Make it happen! IT doesn't come to you. You have to seek it out.
Jim - Happy selling to you as well ! I think it is a smart phrase to take seriously ! It will take you places !
Missy- Thanks ! Have not written a motivational post in awhile and felt it was about time !!! It is always great to inspire as well to be inspired ! And you are so right, we are called to work IN the market ! So true !
Stacia - Thank you : )
Hi Chris~ Nothing just falls in your lap. It takes a lot of hard work and persistence. Opportunities are always there. You just have to have your eyes open and willing to see them and seize them!
Great advise ! The opputunities may soon be gone..Very well put ! :0)
HelpfulHannah
You are absolutely right. Who wants to live with the regret of not taking the risk. I was with clients today who waited too long to make an offer on a condo which they are still regretting. You will never know when it is the top of the market or the bottom. As Nike says, "just do it."
I agree. If you are waiting on the bottom, don't wait any longer. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO BUY.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I always say. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to take risks. Most people are risk averse which is why they spend so much time regretting lost opportunities.
Erica - Make it happen indeed ! I love that saying ! I think you will be top of mind indeed for that potential buyer. And that just goes to show you that you are putting yourself out there with blogging and Internet Marketing. All that complaining and whining gets one nowhere ! Ugh !
Vickie - Absolutely ! Awareness is importance to be able to seize an opportunity - in business or in life. You are right, things do not just fall in your lap. Usually there was in action step at some point prior that caused that to happen - whether it be a referral, a lead, or anything for that matter. Pro-activity is key... always. Lead generation or action steps in business or keeping busy and just being "out there" in life is important.
Hannah - You are right. In many cases, with opportunities, if you do not take advantage of it, someone else will. Sometimes many people can participate. Or when it comes to buying a house or an investment property, then it is a one-time shot.
Chris... so why were you writing this? lol Seriously... you make an excellent point and I am going to take you and Stephanie up on that challenge. Just be prepared. ;o) Good post.
Hey Chris! I love Lemonade! Terrific post you are preaching the same sermon I frequently preach! "Carpe Diem" we can move forward yesterday is gone forever.
You are so right! Squeezing lots of lemons makes great lemonade!
You have to take care of the opportunities when you can. Don't have regrets - just do it.
Jane - You got that right ! Regret is a terrible thing ! I would much rather know that I tried and failed than know that I did not try at all ! And more often than not, you will be very happy that you did. I am sure those folks are kicking themselves over and over about that condo. It happens again and again. Not just in real estate, but in life. Makes for good love songs : )
Scott - The time is NOW : ) . Is like asking someone out on a date. If you do not ask them out, someone else will !
Bryan - Well said !
Jeff - Am prepared ! At least I think I am ! LOL . I guess why I wrote it is that is what was on my mind. I am pretty big on inspiration and motivation and positive thinking and have not wrote about it much recently. And when Bart Blatstein spoke at our meeting, that did inspire me so it has been on my mind for a little bit to write something like this. Especially when I know so many of us are inundated with doom and gloom. And also even though I am so involved in real estate every day, this type of seizing the moment and opportunity applies for everyone, and not just the real estate industry. So I think it is a great reminder for anyone who stumbles across this blog. Thanks for the compliment : )
Good post today. I enjoyed it!
Great post Chris! Thanks for the reminder.
DeeDee
Interestingly, I recently asked for a $1.2M listing. Guess what? I got it.
Very nice job on this post and i have to agree with Bruce comment #1. AR is a new way to add to our business and I have certainly benefited in a huge way from being here. And something that always makes sense is that it's OK to ask! I just realized that I have not subscribed to your blog but will do so right after leaving this comment! Thanks!
Should've, could've, would've... Every fence sitting buyer's mantra. Right now is a historic time to buy real estate and any buyer who can't pull the trigger is going to miss out on a great opportunity.
Thanks for the encouragement, Christopher and Stephanie.
There is opportunity, not only for Buyers and Investors - but for Real Estate Brokers and Agents in this current market.
We are working on a new business model and a new website that willl enable our company to increase our bottom line dramatically.
Now is the time!
Christopher and Stephanie: I love lemonade, too. When I got in this business three years ago, I was told by many pros that I was getting in at the right time, because it was a down market, or valley, as you say in your post. Although it's been challenging, I've not regretted my decision, don't look back, move forward. Thanks,
Sadly, I have had way to many clients that fit in the "Should of would of could of" category. One of the best things that I often reflect upon is one can not move forward by looking backwards. Enjoyed your post.
You are right that there are and will be plenty more opportunities coming out of this market!
C&S,
So many buyers lose the perfect home because they decided to wait until the price drops more and someone else is enjoying a glass of lemonade!
The reason most don't seize the opportunity is they fail to recognize it as such. Kind of like now with the deals available to home buyers and most are too petrified to recognize their opportunity.
Very good points. I agree w/ Irene, sometimes people outsmart themselves by waiting for too long!
I like Jean Hanley's Comment.... and just about anything that Michael Jordon has ever said: ...Go Carolina! All you say in this Post is so true and thank you for writing this. This story needs to be told to us ....over and over.... Thanks!
What a fantastic blog and great comments. I feel better already. "When opportunity knocks, Open the door". When I hear the naysayers and the "ain't it awfuls" around the water cooler, I just replace those with a positive thought and immediately take some sort of positive action. Works everytime. Also be sure and write a "Grateful List" every morning. It is so weird how that works. The God of the universe loves the grateful heart. I practice this and guess what I am having my best year of the 30+ years of my career.
Christopher and Stephanie ~ Not only was your post positive and uplifting, but so was the thread of comments. Thanks for your wonderful thoughts.
I think part of the problem with those that live in the past is that they forget WHY they didn't take certain opportunities. Maybe they just had a new baby - well YEAH for new babies, so much bigger blessing that some stock deal. Maybe they were just having way too much fun. Maybe they were getting a degree and needed every penny.
There is no substitute for reality...but we keep adding to the list anyway. Hindsight in and of itself has no value. Perhaps it reminds us that opportunity knocked, and we were not home..? Things come our way all the time. Being aware of them and knowing what to do about it are just two of the dynamics to contend with. There are many. One thing I do know for sure is (and that tens of millions of people have proven already).....that opportunities just seem to multiply and have no end...in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA hence people wanting to come here at all costs. For those already here...this post reminds us to....GET BUSY......thank you Christopher and Stephanie
great post!
I was one of those guys that bought Apple.. but it was at $16 (wish I bought more)
I know in 20 years I am gonna say I wish I bought property and more of it.
In every market someone is buying and someone is selling....how we handle the opportunity is what matters to us. Great post
When people ask me "how's the real estate business Kim?" I am thrilled to report that "it's fantastic!, thanks for asking." And it's true. Keep your head down, ignore the chatter, believe in what you sell and how you sell it, and stay focused." Rock on Realtors!
With so many positive people on AR I have not excuse not to "seixe the moment". If I don't do it I have only myself to blame. Thanks for the blog. Margaret C.
C & S,
"Sometimes it takes someone to remind us that opportunities are even MORE magnified during the downturn, that inspiration can be found in the valley."
So very true!
I sold my Apple a number of years ago at around 50 or 60 a share and it had been stagnant for some time.
Hi Chris, Your well thought and written post came at a perfect time. Just had a bunch of crap happen today and took a break to see what was happening on AR. Good selling to you !
About two years ago we decided to purchase our future retirement townhouse (we'll be snowbirds) in Scottsdale, AZ. We were a little bit ambivalent that prices had not reached bottom yet, but we made the decision that it would be a long-term investment and were willing to take the chance.
Prices are down and if we waited we probably could have found a better deal (although we feel we got one at the time). We love our place and have no regrets.
The thing is, my husband lost his job last December and we wouldn't have been able to purchase it now, no matter how low the price and interest rates. Because we live under our means we can afford the mortgage. If we didn't act at the time, we would have been saying "should've, could've".
If you think of the worst thing that can happen when you take a chance, and decide that yes, you could stand that, then it's time to leap forward!
This is a perfect storm!! Low interest rates and low home prices. What could be better?
Great food for thought!!
Great post... this is pretty much how I feel about the market and how now is the time to buy... always good to use what you got to make something happen... plus lemons are good for your immune system! In this case keeps you immune to negative cash flow! thanks
Great Post! Thanks
Absolutely true. Interest rates, prices and people are still doing the 'shoulda, woulda, coulda'.
I'm still mad at my husband for not buying Yahoo years ago BTW.
Like you, I seek inspiration in my life and like to share it with whatever victims people I come upon. Kudos to you for seeing, grabbing and sharing this message. And may you find many opportunities among your lemons :)
Absolutely! You always need to keep your eyes open for when opportunity comes knocking. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. You must keep pushing and trying to always succeed, and you never know when luck/opportunity will turn your way.
We all need to keep our eyes and ears open and in times like these be aware of opportunities. Opportunities in this market are plentiful. Yes, we were all affected by the financial tsunami, however, the media loves to compound the problem with all the negative press about the economy. Great blogs like these offer hope and good times ahead. Keep up the great writing.