2008 has been a wild ride.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’re painfully aware of the news — credit crisis, real estate market implosion, war, terror, it goes on and on, negative wave after negative wave.
While I’ve never been one to sugar-coat the truth, I have grown weary of the negativity so prevalent in the mainstream media. I’m not a journalist, I’m a blogger. I’m not in business to sell newspapers, I sell real estate. So I don’t understand why the MSM has to be so negative all the time and sensationalize everything.
I’d say “That’s what sell papers”, but judging by general circulation numbers, that’s not true.
Whatever. Despite the doom and gloom, there have been some great things happening to The Phoenix Real Estate Guy (both the blog and the person) in 2008.
In February, Francy and I left the Century 21 Mothership and launched our own independent real estate brokerage, Thompson’s Realty. Yup, right smack in the middle of the worst housing market in recent history. We’ve assembled some fantastic agents and are doing better than we planned. There will be much more goodness to come in 2009.
On the personal (and professional) side, I was thrilled to be invited to contribute to two great blogs this year, the HomeGain blog, and AgentGenius. Both have some amazing writers that I’m proud to know, and be a part of.
The blog underwent it’s typical make-over (more than once) but I’m pleased with the results and feel I’ve finally found a theme that I’ll stick with for a long time. Thesis rocks, and to be listed in Chris Pearson’s “Thesis Showcase” is a real honor.
Traffic to the blog went crazy this year. It blows me away that over 376,000 people visited and we had over 1.1 million page views. We had visitors from all US States and Canadian Provinces and folks from 181 different countries found a reason to stop by. Given that the United Nations says there are 193 countries in the world, I’m proud to say we are truly read world-wide.
And none of this would have been possible without you, oh avid reader. This blog is a labor of love. Sometimes I write for “therapy”, sometimes to vent, and most often to share. Random musings aside, I sincerely hope that you’ve found something educational, informative, useful and/or entertaining among these pages. Obviously the primary purpose of this blog is to secure real estate clients. Equally obvious (I would hope) is we didn’t gain 376,000 new clients this year. I write for clients, for friends, for fellow real estate professionals and for anyone who might need or want to gain some insight into this crazy business of real estate. I apologize to those of you who have no desire to gain insight into me, but that comes with the territory. You’re free to skip over the nonsensical, non-real estate posts. I think it’s that mixture of article topics that makes Phoenix Real Estate Guy what it is, for better or worse. That won’t be changing in 2009, but I’m open to writing about whatever you need. Just let me know.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for reading this year and being such an important part of my life. And I wish you all the most wonderful success in 2009 in whatever way you chose to define “success”.
Here’s to 2009!
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Jay, and a Happy New Year right back at you!
Jay
It has been an eventful year! Congrats on the number of new firsts for you.
Best of luck in 2009.
Louis
Jay I completely sympathize with starting a business during the down economy. I didn’t start it but I took it to another level which meant a larger financial commitment but we’ve survived and are doing well. Best of luck in the New Year.
My New Year’s Resolution is to Improve my Business Spanish. Isn’t it appropriate that I make a language related goal.
**Aaron´s last blog post..Accepting new students for Mommy and Me Spanish Classes
Thank you for being so great to read! And even though I do come for the Real Estate info and tips-I do enjoy the personal posts as well. Happy New Year!
Happy New Years to you as well! I love reading your posts and all the great conversation generated from the other readers.
As always, great year reading ‘the guy’ from Phoenix. Better things ahead for Arizona. Good luck and good fortune!!
**Todd Tarson´s last blog post..It’s the end of the year and we know it…
Jay, I believe you missed mentioning another one of your major contributions for 2008 – the leadership, guidance, and technical help you provide all of us Realtors who have bitten into the blogging / social media pie. You’ve been a role model, and I personally want to thank you publicly for your willingness to share your experience and expertise with us.
Cheers to you in the new year!
**Dru Bloomfield´s last blog post..Happy New Year!
Jay, I want to echo what Dru said and thank you for all the time you have taken to help and assist me, I can’t thank you enough. You are truly no longer a part of the audience but a leader in this blogosphere. Thank you and Happy New Year!!
I’m one of your faithful readers, no matter what the topic is. You do a fantastic job with your blog, and I congratulate you on its success. Now, on to the Great Year we’re ALL going to have in ‘09!
You blog is a great spring board in our wonderful real estate community online and I have greatly enjoyed all the online friends I have met here, including you! Thanks for all your insight and humorous, addictive writing! I have to agree that you are a wonderful leader in the blogosphere!
**Leon Belenky-One Bal Harbour´s last blog post..Terra Beachside Villas – A Break from Tradition
You all are far too kind. And that’s one of the reasons I love the readers here! Your participation is a huge factor in making this blog what it is. Thanks for the kind words and here’s to a fantabulous 2009 for all!
Jay,
Happy New Years to you too! I hope your 2009 is wonderful and I look forward to all the wisdom you will share-thank you!
**Margaret Safford-Metro Atlanta Realtor´s last blog post..Marketing My Atlanta Metro Home – Should I Avoid the Holidays?
Jay – You’re always a thoughtful read I enjoy. Coming out of my Reader to wish you all the blessings of the New Year! Love your new look.
**Judy´s last blog post..Happy New Year 2009 From Chester County Main Line Pa Today
Sounds like its been a busy but successful year! I do think the media sensationalizes a good bit – I’m curious to see if/how things will change past inauguration time
**Chelle´s last blog post..Happy New Year!
things are tough all over. good luck in ‘09!
?
La Jolla Real Estate
Bird Rock Real Estate
Besides being one of the best real estate writers, you are one of the best fellows, whose generosity, good nature, honesty, and sense of humor are gifts to us all. My best wishes to you and Francy for 2009.
**Joseph Ferrara.sellsius´s last blog post..Best of Sellsius 2008
Hope everyone has a prosperous 2009!
Here’s to a prosperous 2009! That traffic is impressive Jay. I bet you’ll see even bigger numbers this year. Thanks for all your help and support this past year.
**Charles Richey´s last blog post..Best of the Blog – 2008
Hi! I read your blog once in awhile. I agree with you that 2008 has been a wild ride…but I’m glad we all survived year 2008 despite the economic crisis.
Anyway, Happy New Year to you , too…and Good luck for 2009!
Random musings aside, I sincerely hope that you’ve found something educational, informative, useful and/or entertaining among these pages.
Random musings aside, I sincerely hope that you’ve found something educational, informative, useful and/or entertaining among these pages.