I had the privilege yesterday of attending a reunion of my former co-workers from the position I held prior to my career in real estate. It was the first time I had seen some people in 15 years. It was sales in a different industry and we were all managers. The work was difficult (what sales job is easy?), but to a man we credited it with preparing us for our next job or career. 11 of us met for dinner at the famous Sylvia's in Harlem, where we caught up and shared memories of our time in the trenches. 

What struck me was the large proportion of us who entered the real estate industry. I am a broker, 2 are investors, and a 4th is a mortgage loan officer. That is over a third of us! As I have said before, real estate is not a career many college students state as a goal. There was no real estate degree at my college, and most people I know in the industry found ourselves in the business after other careers. Yet I would be astounded if 1/3 of former teachers, nurses or cops get into housing. Perhaps it is a coincidence, but perhaps great minds think alike. 

EAP Reunion at Sylvia's 

The other 7 of us didn't do too badly either. Dan Meltzer (lower left) is a radiologist, as a matter of fact. I am proud to say that I hired him right out of college. My old boss took the cake. Ananta Alva (standing, striped shirt) lives full time in Guyana where he runs a cooperative project to help at risk teens. Given the nature of our old work (literacy, programmed instruction, educational publishing) this is perfectly aligned with his values. The project is an awesome undertaking and got the attention of Unicef. I'll post about it at a later time- everyone should know and appreciate what my friend is up to. 

That said, there are very few Alva's in the world. Many of the rest of us chose this very noble profession of real estate, and I am glad to be one of them. 

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8 Comments on The Eventual Career of Real Estate

MAR
07
2010
269,988 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

NIce, I love Real Estate, where else can you get the freedom and money it can give.
9:31am • #1
379,206 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It is interesting to see the paths that lead us into real estate. Continued success to you & your ex co-workers!
9:33am • #2
1,179,776 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

It's wonderful that you were able to meet wtih such a group from the past. It's interesting to catch up and discover what's going on in each other's lives.
9:37am • #3
1,526,921 Points 164 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You just never know where your former co-workers are going to pop up.  I was sitting in the office of a model home on a project I'm selling and in walks the property manager with the new association contact.  Someone I worked with for 5 years in a previous career.  They also had switched careers and here we are working together again.  It goes to show you to never to burn a bridge as you don't know where folks will turn up.
9:38am • #4
MAR
11
2010

I love your posts regarding real estate, and this one is so true. Thanks for the post.
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12:33am • #5
MAR
12
2010

Great post regarding real estate, thanks
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1:51am • #6

Great post regarding real estate, thanks
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1:52am • #7
JUN
18
2010

I real enjoy this real estate blog. Good information. Thanks

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Patrick Jeary
4:10am • #8


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J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY

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Phil Faranda is broker and owner of J. Philip Real Estate LLC in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Since founding the firm as a sole practitioner in late 2005, the team has grown to over 30 agents & closed 350+ transactions valued at $140 million. He is in his 4th term as Vice President of the HGMLS. This blog commentary is geared toward consumers and industry colleagues alike. You can reach him at (914) 723-8900.
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