Glass Half Empty Kind of Guy

"Many of you probably know Tom Meyer. He’s been in the business a long time. Suffice it to say that he is certainly a “glass half empty” kind of guy."

Those are the words written by a person who has grown up in the Madison real estate world, and who's opinion I respect. It's an invigorating experience to read opinions about yourself. The author of that quote is a smart guy. He's well known as an owner of a relevant real estate company. I decided it would be smart to take a close look at what he had to say. I did that, I'm still doing that, and the man's critique inspired me.

What caused the author to author to critique me was his feelings about real estate economy observations I shared. My comments may be contrary to the conclusions promoted by the National Association of Realtors and the Wisconsin Realtors Association. It seems some feel my opinion is "negative" at a time when "positive" spins are preferred. I think we have the same intention, we just have a different idea on what means we will employ to help the consumer navigate the real estate landscape. A cheer leading approach s certainly an option, but I'm not participating.

What has happened to Americans in the last 24 months is painful. When emotional pain is involved I believe the solutions are found in accepting the realities and going through the pain---not running from it, not hiding from it. But turn and face it and walk right through. When we can accept what is, and acknowledge that actions, not TIME, will heal the wounds we start looking at solutions. A glass Half Full (positive attitude) or Half Empty (negative attitude) is not full for a reason and because nothing stays static finding the reason is part of the solution. I'll accept the label of "Glass Half Empty Kind of Guy" instead of defending my ego. No matter what you call it, something happened and repair or change is in order. The glass is half empty and I believe it is because there is a leak in the glass. This blog is about finding the leak and fixing it.

To change the direction from paralysis or fear to empowerment, this blog will be a venue for people who provide services that matter in this real estate economy. Challenges we will address include: Real good solutions to show your home in a way that meets the expectations of today's cynical buyer. Insight into how to buy a condominium when you need to borrow money. Ways to sell a condo when money for condos is hard to find. Where to go for residential mortgage financing and where pitfalls exist. How to evaluate an income property to make sure you don't get a money pit when you wanted a cash cow. Ways to use your home to keep it.

You can use this blog as link to the realists in the real estate economy. These people will have positive attitudes in that they are positive in their knowledge and committed to actions which make a difference. These will be the professionals who see a problem and take action to fix it.

If you want to be part of the solution please share your ideas. It's OK to object. Differing opinions generate ideas. Neil Armstrong said, and I am not exact on this, so I won't use quotes: Some people talk about people. Other people talk about issues, and a few people talk about ideas. Doesn't it seem to make sense that the solutions are in the issues and the ideas, not the talk about people?