National Association of Realtors 2007 Convention

Just returned from a fun learning experience in Las Vegas for the National Association of Realtors 2007 convention, Nov 13 - 17th. It always surprises me that the first question people ask you when you tell them you went to Las Vegas is, "Did you win anything?"

Of course I did, new knowledge!!! I do not gamble with money, only living! Truth is I lived in Las Vegas back in the late 1970's, early 1980's. I saw too many people lose to much of their lives when it came to gambling. Sometimes I wish I had the mental talent for craps or Baccarat, but I don't so it remains only a passing thought. There were 250,000 people when I lived in Las Vegas. As you approached the city from the mountain overpass returning from California, it always looked like someone laid out a pop-up storybook in the middle of the dessert and said here it is! There are over 2 million people there now and it is still growing!!! It is still an Adult Candyland with fabulous food, great entertainment and slot machines in grocery stores?!?!

I have many professional designations and belong to many groups that have conventions. NAR is definitely my favorite because of the strong talent they bring to the event. Fortunately you can buy the programs that you miss on CD, because there is no way you can capture the plethora of information that is available in the short three days. The one thing that surprises me is the lack of networking by the attendees. Many agents don't even make eye contact, so it is a little challenging to be reciprocal in exchanging contact information for referrals.

The consensus of the event overall was that the current marketplace will remain a Buyers market till at least early 2009 and in some states much longer. Florida tends to recover quicker than most places. Must be the great climate and awesome places to live and be entertained!