Paralysis of Analysis

What is that supposed to mean?  In these days of economic turmoil, unrest and the persistent media blitz of bad news piled on top of more bad news, it is easy to see why there are so many people just holding their breath and doing nothing.  For a Buyer, the big question is….when is it going to hit the bottom so that I can get the best price and make the best deal?  For a Seller….do I sell now and take what I can get or do I wait to try to getter a better price and how long do I wait?  For the Investor…..when are the banks going to loosen their grip on money so that I can take advantage of some of these great opportunities?  Much like the Investor, the Business owner…..how can I keep capitalized, how do I cut operating expenses and when are my sales going to start to increase?  So many are analyzing the market, trying to decide what to do that NOTHING is happening.  Rigor Mortis is setting in. 

What will help?  If nothing else – take a deep breath – let it out slowly and stay calm.  Think about this.  1) If you are a BUYER, you will not know when the bottom has hit until it’s already on its way back up.  Make your moves now while interest rates are still low and the inventory is still good.  A 1 to 1 1/2% jump in interest rate will wipe out any savings you might make by waiting for a lower price.  2) SELLERS, assess your situation and remember – it’s a beauty contest and a price war.  Price it right and make it the best value out there.  You might take a discount on selling your home today, but you will make it up plus some on the buy side.  3) INVESTORS, take advantage of the 1031 tax deferred exchanges, higher occupancy rates, higher rental amounts per unit and your low leveraged properties to create well drafted balance sheet that will go a long way to free up the banks flow of bucks.  BUSINESS OWNERS- network with each other!  Your colleagues, vendor/supplier network and your neighboring businesses can get together and share ideas, needs and marketing tips to draw those reluctant clients back into the mood of supporting the businesses that provide terrific products and services.

We can sit and wait for a hand-out or the sluggish flow of a few $ from the economic stimulus package, but that is not going to handle the immediate need.  DO SOMETHING – you can’t get the ball rolling if you stare at it – you have to start pushing it!