Hey Memphis, we’re doing well

I promise not to make a habit of quoting the French writer, Voltaire, but stay with me on this. Voltaire once said: “The best is the enemy of the good.” More often, we hear that “perfect is the enemy of good.”

Either way, the message is clear: If we get caught up chasing perfection, we may end up falling short of a good result.

This truth is apparent to me every time I take to the links. I’m a novice golfer, meaning I’m in a complicated relationship with the sport. Yes, I have my nice moments – an occasional drive that stays in the middle of the fairway, or a putt that finds the bottom of the cup.

But I lose those moments if I obsess over the drives that slice into the woods or the chip shots that kangaroo from one side of the green to the other. If I hold myself to the standard of, say, Scottie Scheffler, who is the No. 1 golfer on the PGA Tour, I only ensure that I will be miserable.

All of life is like this, really. Consider our city. Memphis is a wonderful place. But I think we can agree, imperfect.

Lately, it seems to me that as citizens of this city we have gotten caught up in the imperfections to an unhealthy degree.

We forget, for one example, that year after year Memphis ranks as one of the most giving, generous, cities in the country.

We take for granted the city’s amazing amenities – from The

Orpheum to the Zoo, from the NBA’S Memphis Grizzlies to Shelby Farms Park and the University of Memphis (yes, I, a diehard University of Tennessee football fan, really said that).

As I begin my year as President of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® I am aware the market has some challenges – as does every market in the country right now. Inventory is a little low, mortgage rates are a little higher than at this time last year.

But the rates have started to moderate and the opportunity to refinance later remains. Homeownership is still attainable, still an integral part of the American Dream. It is the way most people can build some equity – not to mention more joy – into their lives.

I’ve spent decades in this business, and I believe in the power of the real estate industry to make peoples’ lives better by helping them fulfill those dreams. That’s why I also serve as a director for the state and national associations.

So, as we enter 2024, let’s take a moment to appreciate all that is well: with our families, our careers, and our city. I have a new son-inlaw, I get to work with so many dedicated professionals, and feel fortunate to call Memphis home.

We have community here. We have a good life here. The New Year needn’t be perfect. But I, for one, am optimistic that it will be good.