I had the opportunity to hear Steve Harney speak yesterday concerning the real estate industry’s prospects and the ongoing health crisis.

Often referred to as the voice of reason, Steve uses financial experts, real-time housing data, and direct experience to draw his conclusions.

As difficulties mount, there’s a tendency to compare this crisis to the 2008 real estate downturn/great recession. But, the data doesn’t really support this perspective.

The 2008 financial crisis was like a tornado rumbling through a city and destroying everything in its path.

Afterwards, it took several years to rebuild the financial infrastructure that real estate depended upon for its viability.

This crisis is different—it resembles a really bad snowstorm.

Yes, it came on unexpectedly and has profoundly impaired our ability to conduct business. Yes, it’s wreaking havoc on our economy every passing hour.

But here’s the thing about snowstorms—they eventually pass, the sun comes out, and the snow melts.

Most of the infrastructure underneath the snow is still be intact and undamaged.  Under these conditions, it may not take long to get back on track.

Is Steve right?  We all hope so!   But, no one knows the future.

Here’s some advice as you try to make sense of what’s happening:

Rather than assuming this snowstorm is the beginning of the next ice age, get busy helping those around you weather the storm.

Start with your own agents and employees, and then reach out to those in the broader real estate community.

Many companies, offices, and teams are not well-equipped to handle a crisis like this. It’s a great time to lend a hand to those who are suffering.