These days it seems a big drop on Wall Street triggers buyers to 'put things on hold' or 'wait-and-see'. Then the following day when markets jump, people react differently with a different mindset. We read a headline about something good or bad and react instantly with glee or disgust, then move on to the next headline.

There is a vast difference between reacting and acting. Herds react. Smart individuals act. Those who observe all the headlines and data and calmly evaluate a full, detailed, thorough inventory of things are always much better served in their ability to act instead of react. Reactions are usually quick responses triggered by emotion. Actions are the result of hard work, careful thought and strategic thinking.

Obviously sometimes we are compelled to react to certain things based on urgency or need or simply practical realities. How often do we see home buyers and sellers base all their thinking around the headline-du-jour instead of their long term needs? It's often painful to observe.

The reality is that our world has become an endless storm of information, mis-information and opinions. That's the bad part. The good part? In this storm lies the greatest and growing opportunity for professional real estate advisors/agents to calmly help the consumer navigate through this storm. Nothing may be more valuable today (and tomorrow) for the calm force of reason, guidance and insights, editing that which is factual and pertinent, only an intelligent, fully engaged (human) professional can deliver, assisted with outstanding support and technology.

Do your homework. Be prepared. Opportunity abounds.