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Change Happens --Its totally worth it!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with On Maternity Leave

 

 

Change  Happens!! Its totally worth it. Some people embrace it , ignore it, fight it or run from it.   Change can be planned or sneak up on you. It can be a positive or negative. The only guarantee with change is that it will happen and no one is immune. The more changes that happens in my life the more I realize it is not what changes but how I handle it. Imagine how boring life would be if everything stayed the same. 

Beginning a career in real estate was definitely a planned change. I had been a restaurant manager and slave to the food industry for years.  Yes some people probably thought I was crazy to switch not just jobs but industries in today's market & economy.  It is tough for the most experienced agents right now so it has to be especially hard for individuals, like myself who got into the business recently.

 Not everyone can handle a change. In real estate like the food industry this can tank your business quickly. 

 Since I got my license in 2008,  I have embraced the change -- I ignored the people that told me I should change back.  I made the most the my choice by taking additional classes to become a  (full) Broker, completed my SFR  & CNE designations as well as numerous seminars, guest speakers & training classes. Despite the market, I have tried to establish my business by having cutting edge marketing, being a reliable- diligent agent and most of all devoting myself to real estate as a career. Never did I consider myself a part-time or weekend agent.  

 

The first year I closed only 2 transaction (one of which was family)  -- This lead to more change - I moved to a smaller firm and the following year I closed over 9 transaction, in addition to collecting a couple referral fees and a steady flow of BPO work. Overall, I felt great about the direction my business was going.  By being open to all the changes around me and trying to work with instead of against my choices I was feeling the pay off.

Then a more personal CHANGE HAPPENED.  A change that would make me want to leave real estate -- at least temporarily. This change was born almost a week ago - He arrived about a week earlier than planned by c-section -- yet another last minute change. 

If you asked me a year ago if I would consider being a stay home I would have said NO WAY & intently planning to "just do it all". Then sometime over the last 9 months I changed.   Maybe it was hearing the heart beat, seeing the ultrasound but once I heard that first scream my mind was made up.  Doing both  or even trying to do it all was not an option.  

 

My mind or my life will change again ~ I am sure of it!

But for now I will stay home and change the diapers for my life's newest change. 

 

 Russell Wayne Marks Jr ~  Friday, March 11, 2011 ~ 8:23 am~ 9 lbs 9oz ~ 21.5 inches 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Jennifer Marks, Broker, CNE SFR

Mom To Be-- Loving Maternity Leave!

Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

You will never regret your decision.  This is a beautiful change.  I wish you the best in your life's adventures.

Mar 17, 2011 12:32 PM
Kristal Wilson
KB Home - Fontana, CA
Cause We Like 'Em New ~ New Home Specialist!

Jennifer ~ congratulations on your beautiful son and just being open to change! I hope this new journey brings much delight into your life.

Mar 17, 2011 01:34 PM
Justin Ochs
Diamond Ochs Enterprises - Nashville, TN
Real Estate Auctioneer

Change is good Jennifer.  I went into RE in 2007, so the market crash didn't really effect my business.  It has grown every year from previous numbers.  Congratulations on your son!  We had our son this past December as well.  We love the change Weston has brought to our lives!

Mar 17, 2011 01:47 PM
Pamela Crews
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties - Perdido Key, FL
Real Estate Services In Pensacola Florida

Congratulations on YOUR CHANGE.  The cool thing about real estate is that years from now if you're ready to come back to it, it will still be here for you.  Enjoy the here and now time.  They grow up way too fast! 

Mar 17, 2011 02:37 PM
Jennifer Marks
On Maternity Leave - Garner, NC

Thank you for your comments & encouragement!! Its been a week now staying home with the baby and about 2 weeks of not working.  I am suprised I don't miss the grind -- I have never not worked outside the home.  Thanks for your support. 

Mar 18, 2011 01:55 AM
Mary Hillerman
Crye-Leike Realtors® - Bentonville, AR

Hi Jennifer, I am glad things are working out for you,  Hope you have a great spring season.

Mar 27, 2013 06:58 AM