My car reminds me that I'm a Realtor.

I have a car that reminds me when service is due.

The other morning, it notified me that 'service A is needed soon'.  I happen to know that 'Service A' is a simple oil change.  The first three years of oil changes were free, but my car is now 4 years old, so I anticipated a $20-25.00 visit.  The reminder in my car is relentless, as it will repeat "service A is needed soon' each and every time I start the car.  As a Realtor, you and I both know, that could be a dozen or more times each day!  I find that annoying, so I like to get the service done before it changes to 'Service A needed now', or the more pressing 'Service A overdue'.  (I'm sure the next in the series is: "don't forget to call your mother"... and I can't allow it to get that far!)

So I took the car in for service.  On arrival, they notified me that there were several fluid changes that were due at this time/mileage.  Brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering and a couple of other fluids as well as the needed Oil Change ... suddenly made my $25 visit disappear... and changed to a multi-hundred dollar visit.  Sigh, it is what it is.

In addition, there was a recall service that needed to be done, that had to do with Steering systems catching on fire... it was free, but would add 3 hours to my service. Fortunately, my car dealer offers free luxury loaners (a lovely method to attempt to entice you into buying the next level up).  So I took my loaner, and left... scheduled to return at 4:00.

Shortly after returning to the office, the dealership called to enlighten me that in addition to the fluids, their inspection shows that I need brakes and rotors, front and back.  (hmm... the brakes were a little squeeky).

Now, oddly enough, this post isn't really about my car.  I know it sounds like it is... but it isn't.  Here comes the part that interested me:

When I returned to pick up my no-longer-$25-service-call-job, the young mechanic with acne (actually he looked a lot like the guy in the photo) greeted me, had me sign some paperwork... (pay for the service)... and then as he held the car door open for me, shook my hand, and then asked "Are you interested in buying a home... looking for a Realtor?".

I presumed he had seen some of my brochures, or business cards strewn about the car and was making a joke, so I laughed and responded: "Yes, I am".

He looked a little surprised, and said "you are what?".

I said: "I am, a Realtor!".

"Oh," he replied.... "never mind... so am I".

It then occurred to me that he was a Realtor (see how quick I am?) and he'd been soliciting business!!  He was working as a car-jockey at the local dealership, while moonlighting as a Realtor... (or maybe the other way around)... and my statement of "Yes, I am" had caught him by surprise... he thought he'd found a potential buyer!!

That's one heck of a way to make a living.