Is Real Estate Sales A Stressful Profession? - The Surveys Say Yes

Hi Kathy, you are right about that I'm sure.  I give you credit for working with your hubby.  I don't think I could work alongside my husband.

Hi Kristen, What you say is so true.  There are agents who earn more than surgeons, pilots and most of the top stressful jobs on the list.  As you said the potential is there and it's up to us to work it or not.  We have a license to make money.  If only it were that simple lol.

Hi Sharon, I remember when I first balked at getting a Blackberry because I wasn't sure I wanted to be immediately accessible.  Now it is just like second nature.  I can respond asap or not depending on the situation.  And many people are impressed when you get back to them within a minute.  Sometimes if you don't they have already moved on to the next agent.  Yes, that is stress but there are rewards too.

Hi Lynn, Good old Floyd.  He was the reigning guru when I started in the business in 1989.  Is he still around?  There are so many clones out there now, some are old school and some are refreshing.

Hi Robert, I think the taxi drivers have GPS but I don't think that is where the stress lies.  They rush to be the first ones there or they lose the fare.  They have to deal with people who rob them, throw up in their cabs, etc.  And then there is the traffic chaos. 

Hi Dan, you must handle stress well lol.  Everyone has different stress levels and no two days are alike in this business as you know.  So I guess balance is the keyword.

Hi Ken, that is very wise advice.  I see those cooking shows on TV and I can't watch because I get stressed just watching.  I worked in the restaurant business so I understand that kind of stress.  So do you make up a batch of goodies to give your clients as closing gifts??

Hi Fred, I go for a massage once a month and I think the Gov't should pay for it for every Canadian.  Preventative medicine is the best medicine.  Maybe if we could all be a little more relaxed their would be less road and workplace rage.

Hi Bruce, I think you have a leg up because you have experience dealing with human behaviour and emotion with your past careers.  Also you must have tremendous patience so this will serve you well in this business.  Best of luck, you will do great.

Thanks John, and I appreciate your comment.

Hi Jon, yes I was really surprised when I read the Canadian report.  That's why I went searching for an American survey to see how it compared.  When I saw real estate agent there also, and mostly other similar occupations it hit home.  As I said in the post I have never seen real estate sales publicly acknowledged as being a stressful profession.

Hi Matt, you are right.  We live it on a day to day basis and I guess sometimes we don't give ourselves enough credit since our profession doesn't always get rave reviews from the general public.

Hi Karen Anne - I'm thinking of how to reply but what I want to say would actually turn into a full post.  You are so right about the stress people face when moving, for whatever reason they are making the move.  A true professional will have the knowledge and skills to handle clients with difficult situations.  They don't teach these skills in the licensing courses.  That's why it is so important to attend seminars and courses to educate ourselves on changing markets, etc. 

Hi Wanda, we are fortunate here in Canada that we have not had to deal with short sales, and few foreclosures or Power of Sales as they are called here.  When I watch these shows on HGTV and see buyers in the U.S. buying homes in the $400,000 price range with zero down payment or 5 percent it is really scary.  I guess that's how it all started?  When prices dropped thereto did any equity built up.

Hi Jo - after 21 years I'm getting pretty hot from all these layers lol.  Not getting attached to the outcome is very sound advice.

LOL Karen - oops, I think you are serious. :)

Hey Nick: Funny I like to play a game when I'm dealing with difficult agents.  Kill them with kindness lol.  Or let them rant and remain silent.  When they stop  they say hello? are you there?  Then they realize how silly they sounded.

I've always remembered something an agent told me when I first started and it was during an offer negotiation when I had the listing and he had the buyer.  He said he who speaks first, loses.  I know that isn't new but I find it to be true.  Silence can be golden while negotiating.