Real Estate and Baseball - The Art of War

Tonight is the championship game for the 2008 College World Series. When watching the elimination game last night on ESPN, I started to realize many of the parallels between the game of baseball and the business of real estate.

The mental warfare that takes place on a baseball field reminds me of the viscous negotiations that take place during just about every real estate transaction. Almost as if the two sides are playing a game of chess. The world of real estate is very competitive. In fact, I think it is one of the most competitive industries in the World...Maybe just behind the oil business...And even then, someone owns the property that is being drilled...

The Art of War

1. Both sides are constantly looking for an advantage.


2. Neither side wants to lose.


3. Sometimes things get down right ugly.


4. One of Baseball's many great sayings is, "If ya' ain't cheatin', ya' ain't tryin'."


5. A lapse of concentration can cost you the game

Last night with their season on the line, the Fresno State Bulldogs stretched the series to the final game for a chance at the championship. Some of these players have already been drafted by major league teams in the draft which occurred not even a month ago. For them, they will soon become professionals and start earning a paycheck as well as getting a signing bonus. The other players who either aren't eligible because of their class status, or aren't good enough to make it to the next level will be playing in the game of their lives tonight. Nobody remembers who came in second place. It's all about winning the ring in Omaha.

These guys are learning life lessons as they go through this fantastic experience that we have grown to love called the College World Series. Seeing the expressions on their faces and watching the passion and drive they display with each passing moment makes me reflect on my experience playing college baseball. Many things that I learned on the field, I bring to the table during negotiations. Having a game face...calling somebody's bluff...

I love this game!

Both of Em'.