Gary Keller just wrapped up his 2010 Vision Speech, which most simply put, was an incredible reminder that NO MATTER the market, your success is defined by your actions. As Gary put it, if only 200 transactions closed in your area last year, and all 200 of them were yours…would the state of the market bother you?

Here are a few of our big takeaways about why now is a great time to be in real estate for agents who are committed to making the most of the opportunity:

• US Mortgage rates averaged 5.04% in 2009, an all-time low since Freddie Mac started tracking in 1971.
• 2009 affodability = most favorable in US on record
• Sales activity level in 2009 was 4th highest in US on record.
• In Canada, available sides per agent increased to 9.5 transactions.
• In Canada, home sales increased by 7.7%
• 69% of first-time homebuyers cited “Desire to own a home” as the primary reason for purchasing in 2009.  Only 6% cited the first-time home buyer tax credit.
• 90% of buyers used the Internet as information source during home search process (As Gary put  it – “There are no longer Internet buyers.  ALL buyers are Internet buyers.”)
• 66% of home buyers interviewed only ONE agent.
• 66% of buyers would use their agent again.
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Tony DiCello sat down with a panel of top agents from across North America to ask what it is they’re doing to grow their businesses right now.

Dan Harker, from the Dallas Preston Road Market Center, shared one creative strategy that he’s using to build his database.  Check out the video below:

The good news of 2009 and goals for 2010 were greeted with triumphant roars Monday morning, as Mark Willis, CEO, reviewed a range of accolades and key industry rankings. “You’ve shifted and we’re a whole lot more than alright. You’ve emerged as the shining stars of the real estate industry!”

Among the goals for 2010 and beyond, Willis announced the beginning of Keller Williams Realty’s long-term vision to go global. “We expect our first overseas launch to occur sometime in 2011,” said Willis, “And our vision is that outside North America we will be as large as inside North America.”

Looking forward to 2010, Willis also announced the following goals:

• 82,000 associates
• 720 market centers
• $36 million in profit share
• More than 500 new mega agents
• More than 200 mergers
• 100+ new team leaders for our new and transitioning market centers
• 1,000+ new KW Commercial associates
• 200+ new Luxury Homes by Keller Williams associates
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