Looking back on my life (it doesn't take that long of a look, I am still a bit young:) it is clear that risk has always been at my side. From kindergarten to college, I didn't shy away from things that may be slightly if not certainly...well uncertain. In most cases I did just fine; in some I cursed my very existence. Either way, I managed.

Real estate is a risk. Every day, every transaction, every conversation, it is a risk period. There is no guarantee that hardwork or even ridiculously long hours will pay off.  Of course, I give my self a better shot but when the day is done, no matter how long it is, it is all a risk.

I spend hours upon hours doing research that can change at the drop of a hat. Time is devoted to clients who may or may not value my opinion, my experience, or on the worst days...clients who value nothing at all.

Great expense is taken to market listings that at any time could be withdrawn. To my own demise, I freely give advice to anyone who will listen because, I actually care.

Builders, developers, even other agents spend many hours in my office asking for my help, ideas, and "secrets". I never shut them down. Never. I am frequently asked, why I share information with those seen as competition. I guess I like competition. What can I say?

I understand the risk. There is no financial guarantee.

In many ways, it is just another relationship. Real estate and I go way back. I have invested much of myself into this career with absolutely no promise of stability. As any other relationship, there are days when I question it all just as there are days I feel like I am on top of the world.

My relationships are often the same. I can't say I would have it any other way. I give, freely, faithfully knowing all the while, it may or may not be returned.