Remember the old saying, April showers bring May flowers? I say we change that to April showings bring May closings! My goal is for the spring flowers to compete with the SOLD signs on the streets of Wake County . Even for property owners not trying to sell, SOLD signs will make everyone feel better this spring.

Times are difficult and we’re all feeling the pinch. We can hang out at the copier and feel sorry for ourselves or we can change our attitude, go out there and start selling homes. It’s our choice.  No, it's not as easy as it once was, however, I still remember working very hard during the "good times" so why not work even harder now? Again it's our choice.

Don't forget how lucky we are to be in North Carolina during this difficult time. Our fellow REALTORS® in Florida , Michigan , Arizona , etc. have all had a much harder downturn than we have seen. It has been said many times, we were last to the party (downturn) and we hope to be leaving the party soon! It’s not a fun party.

Meanwhile, did you know that many of the listing and contract forms changed in February? If not, please see the article in this magazine to bring you up to speed. The new Short Sale Addendum is a wonderful addition to our forms. It helps give a buyer and seller some options as they go through the contract process and it certainly helps you better represent your client. 

Speaking of short sales, have you noticed your buyers asking more about them? Are you prepared to address their questions? If not, consider taking a course on short sales and/or distressed properties. Buyers are harder to find these days so don’t risk losing a client over your failure to understand short sales.

Have you finished your Continuing Education yet? No? Get signed up now. The number of licensed agents has dropped, so the number of classes being offered is down as well. Don't wait until May - do it NOW . Perhaps May will be full of closings and you won't have time to sit in class for eight hours. As always, checkout www.RRAR.com for the latest Continuing Education classes offered at RRAR.

And, keep your eyes on your e-mail for updates from RRAR and NAR on the changes that affect real estate from Raleigh and Washington , D.C.

Spring is for new beginnings and happier times! Remember – April showings bring May closings!