Let’s be honest, 2009 was a year that most in Pattaya would prefer to forget. So what are real estate people planning to do in 2010? We asked some of them if they would share their New Year’s resolutions with us ....

In response to my request that people share their resolutions it should be made clear that real estate professionals here are a pretty sceptical bunch, writes John Davids.
Several just didn’t go in for resolutions and preferred just to talk about their hopes and aspirations for the new year.
So here is the mix of resolutions and hopes ...
Robert Watson, Sales Director of Five Star Villas & Condos, said: “I haven’t bothered with New Year Resolutions since being at school: ‘Next year I will do my homework on time’… and all those easy-to-break promises.
“But I am about to start again with earnest in 2010.
“My first resolution will be to convey positive energy to all those around me whether they are family and friends, customers, brief acquaintances or fellow real estate brokers. Stop thinking about obstacles and problems, and start seeing them as opportunities to improve the situation.
“My second resolution is to, at least once a week, make that extra effort to contact a regular human being existing somewhere beyond my real estate network. This includes mother, father, brother, friend or mutual acquaintance. This does not include the Subway delivery boy, the Burger King delivery boy or the KFC delivery boy.”
Robert’s wife, May, is President of the Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard. She said: “My main New Year’s resolutions this year will be commercial ones.
“As the second President of REBA-ES, I would like to conclude my first term in office by consolidating the hard work of my fellow members. At present we are working hard at increasing awareness of the benefits of REBA-ES, to both the public and other brokers. As part of this we are carrying out a rebranding exercise and I hope to build further on the quality membership we have.
“My second resolution will be, with the support of the membership of REBA-ES, I will put myself forward for an unprecedented second term in office as president.
“Happy New Year to all REm readers.”
The response of David Walton, vice-president, sales & marketing at The Waterfront, was: “Who am I to disagree with the criticisms of my peers?
“I resolve to show that somewhere deep-down I do possess a degree of sociability. I will be getting out more!”
Jason Payne, marketing director of Wareejinda Co Ltd, said: “Professionally for 2010 I am looking forward to the completion of our project, Apus Condominium, and to build on the success we had in 2009. This year will be very important for some within our industry which can only be a good thing in the long term.

Rethink strategies
“I am confident that proactive, professional developers and agents will be the ones who come out of 2010 being successful and those who do not may have to rethink their business strategies. I think this will bring a far more professional approach that has unfortunately been lacking by some in recent years.
“Personally for 2010 I hope to continue to surround myself with positive people and not to be drawn into the negative way of thinking that has surrounded the industry in 2009 and to continue to enjoy life and this wonderful country that we are all fortunate enough to live in.”
Top Designer and Architect Mario Kleff, of the WandeeGroup, said: “Economic crises in 2009? This simply didn’t touch the Wandeegroup.
“We achieved more projects than ever before and closed new architectural deals for 2010 which will become a great year of sales for many agents.”
Earlier statements made in REm adds proof to the thoughts for the future of Wandeegroup managing director Nittaya Wongsin and her husband architect Mario. They said there will soon be a real estate boom like Pattaya never experienced before.
“Our teams were not preparing for a heavy workload and business opportunities, we simply designed together with the developers this process over past years so it would become reality.”
Wandeegroup is contracted on almost 50 condo blocks and several villa/housing projects. This does not include their high-rise super blocks, department store(s) or Government and internationally ongoing projects.
“Wandeegroup in 2010 will not change course or business direction, but we will further improve the construction quality in order to provide excellently built properties and give value.
“As many of you may remember Wandeegroup does not wish, but plans, business processing – however, this time we like to wish some developers a better finance plan so they can start constructing the buildings we have already designed for them.”
Cees Cuijpers, MD of Town & Country, the agents and developers, said: “People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas!

Bigger and better
“Therefore my new year’s resolution is to do things better and bigger. More often. More professionally. So I can have Christmas dinner every day of the year...”
Jate Sopitpongstorn, MD of Horseshoe Point, was to the point! He said: “I am hoping that I can produce less waste for the world.”
Paul Davies, partner in KCR Homefinder, said: “My resolution would be to try and relax. The last two years have been so stressful my doctor told me to retire or die! I’m hanging in there but it ain’t easy. One resolution ... be resolute!”
Anne-Marie of Delight Real Estate said: “2010 – I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year with many more years to follow. I also wish for a lot of smart buyers to take advantage of the two per cent cashback promotion we are currently running.
“Furthermore I hope my soon-to-be-launched new website will service my clients better than ever.” Ω