Welcome to Episode #107 of the Real Estate Redefined Video Series. In this episode, Dan Forsman shares real estate market trends, breaking real estate news, updates on company performance and a challenge to help you finish strong in 2019! Watch the video to learn more! — Transcript —   Welcome to Real Estate Redefined.  I am Dan Forsman.  I hope everyone had a great Independence Day holiday.  Every year, it is important to take time to be thankful for the great country we live in and remember those that fought so bravely for our independence.   We must always remember that freedom is not free.   It is the second week of July and we are now officially in the second half of 2019.  After FMLS true-ups, we expect the Greater Metro Atlanta real estate market for 2019 to be down 2-3% in units compared to last year and up 1-2% in sales volume.  The entry level market remains a seller’s market with low inventory and heavy demand.  The middle market between $500,000 and $1 million is a normal market with around 6 months of supply – although inventories are rising and some areas are beginning to trend toward a buyer’s market.  The luxury market is a buyer’s market with most areas averaging over 15 months of supply.  In the ultra high-end, our company has seen a recent flurry of closings over $3 million.  Our investments in our luxury collection marketing are making a difference.  Most analysts are forecasting a slower second half of 2019.  For those that prioritize conversations and appointments, the market conditions will not matter and YOU will have a great finish to 2019.   There continue to be changes in our real estate world.  Last week, the UK-based discounter Purplebricks announced they are exiting the US market.  The math simply did not work as many predicted.  Compass reorganized their executive team as they struggle to prove their tech company valuation model is working.  Inman news reported that Opendoor announced layoffs and reduced benefits as they move resources back to their Arizona headquarters to lower their costs.  The latest numbers show some slowing in iBuyer growth trends.  Our parent company, HomeServices of America was on the cover of the July Real Estate magazine with a powerful story about becoming the largest real estate brokerage in America. We have positive momentum and our future is bright.   Our local company finished the first half with another record performance and we have hundreds of associates enjoying the best year of their career.  Our strategic commitments to increasing Per Person Productivity and Agent Profitability are paying off.  We have implemented minimum performance standards, plus invested significantly in coaching & training programs, sales activity programs and new innovations in marketing and technology.   Last week, we completed our Appointment Setting SURGE from Cinco de Mayo to July 4th.  Congratulations to everyone who participated.  This group generated over 7000 new appointments!  This is an amazing accomplishment and will pay off in a big way for these associates.   Our SOAR Performance Coaching Program for new associates is in full swing.  SOAR is an 8-week program of coaching, encouragement, training and accountability with a focus on setting appointments and achieving a minimum of 6 closed transactions.  Jennifer Davis is doing a great job leading this program and we are excited to see these new agents getting their career off to a fast start.   Our strategic partnership with the Tom Ferry organization will bring a series of new events in the second half of 2019.  Debbie Holloway will be here on August 6th and 7th for training on Neuro Linguistic Programming – to improve our communications skills and help you connect better with your clients.  Bill Pipes will be here on October 15th and 16th for our private Sales Edge with powerful scripts and talking points. Jeff Mays will return in early November for Best Year Ever Business Planning – so you can get ready for 2020.