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I am Thankful - Even in THIS Real Estate Market!

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Partners - San Diego County, CA

I get asked all of the time "How's real estate going for you?"  How do I answer that?  I've been licensed for precisely one year now and have yet to have a transaction get to closing.  Oh, I have buyers that I'm working with, but they're going FHA and, well, that's a whole other bag of worms.

I simply smile, and remain thankful that I actually pull a small paycheck as the office manager.  I am also sure to thank the person who inquired about my business since they may become a client in the future. 
I consider most of my contacts to be referral generators for me.  Not that I would love for them to be clients, they are simply in the same boat as me and my husband.  We LOVE where we live, and have no plans on moving any time soon.

I am thankful that my colleague had the foresight to get us both registered for certification as Real Estate Collaborative Specialists - Divorce.  We are well on our way to making wonderful business associations, and we are looking forward to helping couples with what is in most cases the largest asset in a divorce.

I am also thankful that my colleague, the owner of our company is so generous with her support.  I am thankful that I don't have to deal with some of the issues a large brokerage comes with.

What else can I be thankful for?  I am thankful for everyone here on ActiveRain!  You are a great source of education, insight, and most of all MOTIVATION to keep at it.  I know the tide will turn, and I will be thankful that I continued on this road to a great career.

I am thankful that my husband has a good career.  I am thankful that my son is healthy and although he is only 6, he is growing into a nice young man.  I am thankful for my mother who moved to Ramona to be closer to me - even if it's really to be closer to her grandson.  ;)

I am thankful for my wonderful community of Ramona.  I have so many wonderful friends and neighbors that I can count on in a moment's notice.  I am thankful that I am able to juggle my calendar to enable myself to give back.

I could go on and on, but I wanted to leave this thought that is especially appropriate this time of year:

No matter your income, position, education, or lifestyle; THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE WHO HAS LESS, AND SOMEONE WHO HAS MORE THAN YOU.  Be thankful for your life.  Be thankful for what you have.  Strive to be your personal best, but do not envy others.  Remember those who have less than you, and give selflessly with no expectation of a reward.

A wish for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!

Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Debi:  Refreshing to hear such a positive attitude.  I love it.  And I'll share a tip with you that will change more of those that ask how it's going in real estate in to clients.  Don't tell them anything.  Smile, and say, "Well that's an interesting question.  Why do you ask?"  Very important to find out the motivation behind the answer.  You may be surprised to uncover folks that are thinking of moving, but want to base their decision on those generic question.  So answer that question with a question.  And have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 25, 2009 02:24 AM
Deborah (Debi) Purcell
Realty Partners - San Diego County, CA - Ramona, CA

Great advice!  I will definitely remember to answer the question with a question.  Thank you Chris!

Nov 25, 2009 02:34 AM
Paul C. Wilkinson
CENTURY 21 Preferred - Menifee, CA
GRI, REALTOR -Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula - (951)

Keep up the positive attitude, it's refreshing.  It's funny how people can forget to be thankful for the "normal" things in live and often take them for granted.  You'll get your transaction closings with many frustrations along the way, but the exhilaration you will feel when they do close is a great feeling of knowing you helped someone live the american dream of home ownership.  Have a terrific Thanksgiving!

Nov 25, 2009 02:44 AM
Deborah (Debi) Purcell
Realty Partners - San Diego County, CA - Ramona, CA

Thanks Paul.  I can't wait for a closing!  I was an escrow officer for years, and I had the joy of giving out commission checks to the agents, but I didn't get to see the joy of handing over the keys to a new homeowner. 

Nov 25, 2009 02:58 AM