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A Glimpse Through The Rearview Mirror of My Life

By
Real Estate Agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103

You just never know what will trigger a memorythat spawns a post.  J. Philip Faranda's article earlier about a day in the life of a broker/owner took me back many years in my career in real estate.  Just two years into my life as a real estate agent on Long Island my, by then, partner and I were looking for alternatives to the office that held our licenses.  Our chief complaint at the time was the lack of back up from the broker, either by dint of training or marketing the growing inventory of properties we represented.

Another agent in our local market, having recently made a change, spoke enthusiastically about his new broker and suggested we strongly consider moving to his office.  No transitory pair, Mary and I, we took our time, weighing the benefits of staying where we were vs. starting afresh somewhere else.  Ultimately the decision was an easy one when we considered our clients and what would benefit them most.  The new office did incredible advertising (back in the day when print ads were king), buying block ads in the local paper week after week.

As the years went by, the original reason we moved paled in comparison to the real benefit of our transfer.  On the rare occasions that there was an issue we couldn't resolve ourselves, our broker was stalwart in his support of us.  We were stronger as we leaned against his years of experience and blanket acceptance.  We thrived, like flowers on the vine in that atmosphere and spent many years there.  She till she retired to paradise aka Florida, and I until a serious episode with a colleague forced me to rethink my future.

The end of my tenure erupted like an acute appendix, forcing me to make a quick decision about where to relocate my license.  For, much like a dog I used to have who was loving to anyone who came into the house, this same buttress of a man turned into a pitbull if you tried to leave. With benefit of time and distance, I have only fond memories of my days there.

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About the author:

Geri Sonkin is a Licensed Broker Associate/Stager/Decorator serving Long Island sellers and buyers for over 24 years.  Areas of expertise include Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn.  Specializing in resales, new construction, co-ops/condos, waterfront homes, estates, short sales, rentals and staging your home to sell for the most money the market will bear.  For more information: www.LongIslandsBestHomes.com  For new construction: http://2274Woodbine.GreatCustomHome.com   516-425-6098   Search all MLS listings and access up to date market statistics at AtHomeOnLongIsland.com

All text and graphics contained herein Copyright © 2010 Geri Sonkin & its licensors. All rights reserved.

 

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Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Geri, you write so eloquently...........amazing post.............sad how things have to change. 

Aug 18, 2010 04:13 PM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Roger, it is sad in a way when things change, but change also fosters growth.  Sometimes we have to be propelled kicking and screaming into the future but there's always a reason for the turn in the road.

Aug 18, 2010 04:18 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

If I hadn't been around for 60 years, I may argue with you............but you're so right Geri.  Great attitude.  I need to hit the sheets, I'm exhausted.

Aug 18, 2010 05:12 PM
Ray Saenz
Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX
Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Geri,
Great post / blog, there is always something to learn about eh? don't change and you are going to be fine, take care !

 

Aug 18, 2010 08:08 PM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Hey Geri!!Nice to catch back up with you here on the Rain!  Only ten years in the business and on my fifth office!!  I finally got it right.  I have only fond memories of those I left behind---thankfully.  I agree with Roger--you do write eloquently---always did and still do!

Aug 20, 2010 07:04 PM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Oh Pat, what a pleasant surprise!  I'm so happy to see you here.  We have to catch up.

Aug 21, 2010 02:18 AM
Debra Davis
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Snellville, GA
Realtor - Atlanta, Decatur, Snellville, Loganville

Geri, I love to read your posts. You are a wonderful writer and I feel like I am right with you during your stories.

Aug 21, 2010 01:03 PM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Debra, thank you so much.  If I can take you on a journey with me, I've done what I set out to do.  Each one of us has so many stories to tell.

Aug 21, 2010 02:57 PM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

The passage of time always softens the sharp edges of history.

Aug 22, 2010 09:04 AM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

How true that is Jim.  I love that.

Aug 22, 2010 09:10 AM