"Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later." — Bob Goff
Lessons Learned From a Year When Nothing Made Sense
If 2024 taught us anything it's that we've entered the "up is down, left is right" era of economics. The math doesn't math anymore. For us, the biggest curveball wasn't even the market's unpredictability, but rather how all the usual tools we use to make sense of things stopped working. Trends, data, even those fancy charts and graphs economists love to discuss they all seemed more like abstract art than useful guidance.
Personally, I blame an over-reliance on "cooked numbers." Politicians, economists, and media outlets bending status to prove whatever they want has left the rest of us trying to decode nonsense. The result is an economy teetering on confusion and a housing market stuck in 2009 vs. 2021 mode.
How We Handled the Chaos
Faced with uncertainty, we tuned out the noise and trusted what we actually experienced, first-hand. We stopped obsessing over what the market was "supposed" to be doing and started listening, really listening - to our clients, to the stories behind their decisions, and to the emotional undercurrents driving those decisions.
This shift, moving from being data-reliant to people-focused, gave us the clarity we desperately needed. Instead of blindly chasing trends, we leaned into what was real and actionable. It wasn't always easy at all, but it worked!
The Real Estate Twilight Zone
2024 was a bizarre year for real estate. Sellers clung to 2021 pricing dreams, while buyers wanted the discounts of 2009. We found ourselves not only negotiating deals but also managing expectations and navigating some truly wild dynamics.
One truth became blatantly obvious: having a great agent on the other side of the deal is absolutely PRICELESS! When both sides are competent and collaborative, even the toughest transactions can work. And here is a little secret - not all agents are competent and collaborative. As a matter of fact, there are an uncomfortable number of agents who are not. If we are not licensed in your area, we will still do the due diligence to find you an amazing agent who meets these criteria. Why? Because your success matters to us!
Hard Truths About Refreshing Realizations
My biggest revelation in 2024 was that problem-solving is universal. Whether I was navigating FDA regulations in the medical device world or troubleshooting a tricky transaction in real estate, my skills translated and came through for me and my clients. Pairing my knack for seeing the big picture with Brad's deep real estate expertise has been a game-changer. Together, we've become an unstoppable dynamic duo and our clients' secret weapon in a turbulent market.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, we are approaching everything with strategy and intention. We are committed to weekly check-ins, reviewing what is working, and making adjustments as needed. We aren't about to make sweeping changes every week, but are staying adaptable to long-term shifts.
We also see a lot of pent-up demand bubbling under the surface. Many sellers with low-rate mortgages (the infamous "golden handcuffs") are holding out, but once the buyer market heats up, the floodgates will open. It won't happen overnight, or maybe it wil,l but 2025 might just be the year it starts. Based on our open house traffic and conversations over the weekend, I think this very well could be the start.
Foundational Growth
If I had to sum up 2024, I would say it felt like going from a seedling to a mature tree in 12 months. The growth was rapid and intense, but it was also deeply rewarding. Of course, I'm still learning (and always will be), but I've advanced further in this field than I ever imagined possible in my first full calendar year.
My secret weapon has been being comfortable leaning into uncertainty. Uncertainty is where growth happens - it is where you learn what is possible and what you are capable of. Failure isn't something to fear, it is something to embrace!
Even legends like Kobe Bryant, Babe Ruth, and Tom Brady didn't get it right every time. Kobe might have won five championships, but he also holds the all-time record for missed shots. Babe Ruth struck out so often he led the league in strikeouts for five seasons. Tom Brady earned seven Super Bowl rings, but also the record for most interceptions in Super Bowl history.
My point? They weren't afraid to fail, and neither should we.
Final Word (because, well it's MY post)
As we gear up for the year ahead, my advice is simple: embrace uncertainty, lean into what is real, and surround yourself with people who elevate your game and your mood. Be it finding the perfect agent, strategizing your next move, or simply staying grounded in the market that loves to throw curveballs, remember - there is ALWAYS a way forward.
If you're feeling stuck, reach out and let's navigate the chaos together.
