By: Brad Horner

2009 was a year that continually reminded me of the many “life lessons” that I learned when I was young: 

 Only the strong survive…You can keep going long after you can’t… Knowledge is not wisdom; wisdom is knowledge applied with discernment... You can’t control circumstances, but you can control your response to them… Life isn’t fair… Relationships are priceless… Plan ahead because you never know what tomorrow will bring…Tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear… You’re never alone…

Admittedly, I didn’t give these life lessons much weight when I was younger, but all of them proved to be true in business in 2009 – many times over, in fact.  It has been a year that tested every company’s strength and resilience, as well as every new homes sales professional’s flexibility and spirit. 

But we’ve pressed on together and, as a result, have accomplished many successes that didn’t seem possible at the beginning of the year.  It’s satisfying to look back on the year and know that we surpassed our 2008 sales volume while  achieving the #1 Real Estate Company in Atlanta Multi-family Sales in 2009* as well as selling over $103 million in bank owned distressed assets.

NRT Development Advisors stood strong with our clients against the blows that the economy brought to the real estate market and responded with sales strategies and marketing campaigns that were uniquely tailored, effective and data driven.  We were able to continually refine programs to speak to the ever changing market and consumer mindset due to our position ‘in the trenches’ with our clients. 

There’s one more life lesson that stands out: Make every day count.  Every day brings another opportunity to make a connection with a new buyer or bring a unique solution to a client.  And we vow to continue to capitalize on every single day as your trusted partner through 2010 and beyond.

* According to , Trend Graphics, Trend Over Time Report based on FMLS November 2009