Did I choose real estate, or did it choose me? It seems that there were signs that this would be my ultimate and final profession, but I was too blind to see it.
Love of architecture
As a little girl, I was fascinated by the models that my playmate's architect father would have of a house or building he was designing. And no, I didn't look at these models as doll houses.
In college, I had a moment of insanity when I thought I could make it in Fine Arts. In the library, I'd wander from the Art and Humanities section of the library, and go to the Architecture section where I'd pore over books by world renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright.
The thrill of the hunt
As a grown up, I was seduced by corporate life. Each time I bought a home at different stages of progression and relocation, I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. I simply loved going to Parade of Homes and seeing all the fabulous ideas and new technologies.
When I moved to New York, I actually even went to Harlem (during the day) to drive around the forgotten neighborhoods with the most interesting buildings.
Everywhere I traveled, I'd turn into a swivel head, marveling at the various architectural styles of homes in historic locations.
Involuntary career change
CRASH!
Corporate mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, reengineering, reduction in force, layoffs --- all corporate-speak for "You're out of a job" --- were the impetus for me to sell my house, pack up and move to California to be near my aging parents. This was the period of my life when I was literally "homeless, jobless and friendless."
I was even interviewed for a 2002 newspaper article titled "Resources dry up as joblessness drags on"
Tried consulting...but that meant going back to a corporate structure and routine. There had to be a better way.
One day, my sister casually said that since I like looking at homes so much, that perhaps I should try real estate. Not knowing if it would be my calling, I even consulted with a REALTOR cousin in L.A. She encouraged me to try it.
No license, no experience, but can I join your firm?
So I set out to see if I could be a REALTOR and tried to interview with local real estate companies. None of them would even talk to me unless I already had my license and at least one year's experience. Except one: Gallagher and Lindsey in Alameda CA took a chance on newbies, provided and arranged for courses in real estate, helped us through our practice exams, held our hand as we went through the process of getting licensed and guided us through our first deals.
The continuing education sustained me through the ups and downs of being a newbie. I learned. I thrived. And as other newbies came along, I paid it forward and tried to help them like the company's mentors helped me.
Eight years later, I moved on to Alain Pinel Realtors.
And yes, I'm still here!
Real Estate is my passion, my bliss.
If I have any regrets about being a REALTOR, it's that I didn't start sooner!
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