Blood, Sweat and Tears

Entering my sixth year as a Realtor, I look back at the days before getting my license and the ideals I had with what a career in Real Estate would bring...boy 20/20 vision is never around when you need it.  I enjoy the HGTV shows and I'm really pleased more of them are showing the hard times of our market vs. the idea that a can of paint will easily bring you more money than your neighbor.  With that said though, Blood and Tears were not on my radar....Sweat - sure - I live in the South plus between rushing, waiting, hoping, praying, etc...sweat will fall!  The blood - hmmm....  The cute skirts and shoes some of us like to wear don't really work at some of these "as-is" "where-is" properties that have always been around but are growing by the numbers.  The scratches, broken nails, stubbed toes, and bee bites (big ouch) don't rate to the rash I had on my arms for weeks after showing a home that should have been demolished.  The tears - many my own - some my clients.  I realize real estate is a business but we are selling lifestyles, personal treasures, someone's pride and joy, and usually the most expensive material possession someone will buy.  Here's wishing ya'll a little Blood, lots of Sweat, and tons of Happy Tears in 2010!