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Real Estate and the Economy March 2020

South Dakota is alive and booming!

Jobs always drive the economy, and with high employment in the Sioux Empire, real estate is experiencing a strong seller’s market in nearly every price bracket.

We expect to see a booming market for the next decade; here is the reasoning. In 1981 mortgage rates reached a high of 18.5% for a 30 year loan, inflation was out of control, and real estate along with the economy was in the tank.  All of it was caused by at least a decade of poor economic and governmental policies. Before the end of the year, the Economic Recovery Tax Act was passed reducing regulations and creating the greatest income tax cut in history, this plus better monetary policy, started one of the greatest recoveries and economic growth periods in USA history.

In 1982, the recession ended and in 1983 the GDP rate was 4.6% followed by a whopping 7.2% in 1984. This solid economic growth continued until 2007 with one short recession in 1991. 

We are seeing many similarities today regarding governmental policies. According to recent data, since the tax cuts, South Dakota has added more than 16,000 jobs plus a 24% increase in small business applications. Unemployment in the City of Sioux Falls is under 3%. Wages are growing and household incomes are up substantially.

One can always debate what economic model they think is best, but results speak clearly today; Free Enterprise, Lower Taxes, and greater Freedom has set the stage for this remarkable economic path. It happened in the 1980's and 1990’s, and it’s happening now.

Homeownership is up several points over the last few years with a 63% participation rate. More homeowners, or hope-to-be homeowners, have enough confidence in their current job and cash flow to engage in buying a home or move-up ownership again. This could create an appreciation rate of 4% to 5% a year over the next five to ten years. Now is the ideal time for both buyer and seller to take advantage of good times and low mortgage rates.

Tony Ratchford, Broker for KW Realty Sioux Falls, CRS, ABR, SRES, Luxury Homes Institute Member

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Business, Sales, and Basic Training

The business of real estate is two-sided. The first is sales skills and the other is about business skills. One must first understand they are equally important, and require training and structure if you are to succeed at a high level. Regardless of how long you have been in real estate, one must remember the importance of regular reviews of goals, finances, and marketing.

It’s vital to recognize you are an entrepreneur; you are the one responsible for revenue, expenses, and net profit. This requires a business plan complete with a description of how you want to work, know who your ideal client is, and a statement of your value proposition. It’s also important to have a proper foundation. Build a team of professionals such as an accountant, attorney, and a marketing company or coach. They can help you get on the right path quickly with your legal, financial, and sales plans.

Next, is the process of making sales. Begin with a database, 300 or more is ideal, as a base for making contact of opportunity.  It is vital to introduce yourself to as many people as possible; there is a direct correlation between the number of contacts and sales made. Set up an automatic system of making regular contacts with everyone on the database list. This can include postcards, emails, telephone calls, texts, and face-to-face meetings such as open houses and door-knocking. This applies to social media as well. Monitor every activity and lead generated from each source, then monitor sales from those leads to determine where you may want to spend your valuable time for best results and income.

Know every percentage. Leads to Appointments, Listing Appointments to Listings Taken, to Listings Sold. Same goes for buyers. This is how you can project what your income will be in the future. Once you are clear on percentages, you can determine how many leads you need to get an appointment, and how many appointments it takes to get a sale. This allows you to create a better expense budget too.

Organization is next on the list. A Contact Management system with names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and personal information is vital. Checklist of duties for every step is important to keep the process flowing smoothly and completely. Nothing is worse than making a sale or taking a listing and blowing it because something fell through the cracks.

Last on the list is making sure you have the proper tools for making sales. This includes a good marketing campaign (consistency is the key) including a great Website and Social Media formats. Introduction pre-packs (what are you taking to an appointment?), and a Presentation kit for sellers and buyers, plus a listing file (hard copy or electronic). Preparation and Intent (know what you want to accomplish) for any appointment is your key to a successful appointment. One more thought; do you know what to say and when? Learn scripts; practice, practice, and internalize. Know what to say so you can listen better with your client, and have a response at your fingertips without having to think too much. Become authentic and natural by writing the scripts that fit you the best.

With this said, may you have a fabulous beginning with continued success throughout your career.
 

Tony Ratchford, Broker for KW Realty Sioux Falls, CRS, ABR, SRES, Luxury Homes Institute Member


Visit the link to get started on the Business, Sales and Basic Training Modules:RatchfordOnPurpose