Special offer

Sometimes Realtors® Make a Move, Too

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives Integrity R.E. Broker 55289-90

I changed brokers this week. After 10-1/2 years of working at the same firm, I was given the opportunity to partner up with a former colleague. After many conversations with him, much praying, going over the pros and cons of making such a change again and again and again, talking with family, and realizing I could no longer ignore the many signs that this was something I had to try, I made the move.

harrington beach

I opted to tell my sales director in person of my decision rather than sneak into the office in the middle of the night and leave my key along with a farewell note laying on her desk. (I never understood the reason for leaving that way. Just seems silly.) After all, my entire real estate career had been with this company, and I felt no ill will toward them. It's a great company; I just could not pass up this new opportunity.

I had contacted some co-workers directly to tell them of my decision and was humbled by their responses. Support. Encouragement. Grace. Class. Dare I say even some love. I got teary-eyed. A lot.

There were, however, some less than flattering comments said directly to me, as well as to others that found their way back to me. Dang. Sucked the air right out of my balloon.

So it was a mixed bag of emotions this past week. And it was a bag full of lessons and reminders, too.

You have to do what is right for you.

You cannot control what others say about you.

Family and friends will always have your back. Always.

Change is scary. And change is exciting.

Sometimes it is best to keep what you really think to yourself.

Mom and Dad were right. Honesty is the best policy.

Mom and Dad were right again. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Focus on the positive. Always the positive.

I worked for a great company for 10-1/2 years, and I am beyond grateful for what I learned, for the people I met and got to work with, for the relationships, and for the skills and knowledge I am taking with me.

What a week it has been. And what a journey I have ahead. I am moving on...

Pat Tasker
Shorewest Realtors - Germantown, WI
Your Milwaukee Metro Area Agent (WI)
Best wishes to you and Jim, what a great combo!!
Nov 17, 2012 12:24 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

I wish you success on your move you are right you have to do what is best for you. There will always be those who say things just ignore them and move on in the right direction.

Nov 17, 2012 12:28 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Pat T. -- Thank you. So, so much. :)

Pat C. -- Yep...remember the positive. Always the positive.

Nov 17, 2012 12:56 AM
Dan Hopper
Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO
Colorado Broker / Referral Services

Best wishes Peggy on your new venture!!  CHanging brokerage firms is always a very difficult decision, thus

re-inventing the wheel.  But with the rightr attitude and the same business principles you have been applying to grow 

your business, you can make anything work!!

Nov 17, 2012 01:32 AM
Ken Brandon
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage (Jacksonville, NC) - Jacksonville, NC
Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC

People can't give what they don't have. Real estate brokerages can't give what they don't have. So, if you reach a point in building your career where you need something "more", it may be necessary to change where you choose to conduct your business for that to happen. I only hope that the owners/leaders of your company acted professionally and supportive toward the business decision you've made.

Nov 17, 2012 02:20 AM
Anonymous
Dave Didier

Peggy,

Congrats on your decision! You are the reason you are successful, and that will only get better!

 

 

Nov 17, 2012 03:57 AM
#6
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Dan -- It was the most difficult professional decision I've ever made. But I am excited for a new venture and new opportunities and so ready to get started!

Ken -- With the exception of one person, I have had more support than I could have ever expected, and I am so grateful for that. My decision to leave had nothing to do with anything my former broker did or didn't do; I simply had something offered to me I could not pass on.

Dave -- Thank you for your kind words. Again, I am humbled. See you at the broker's opens!! :)

Nov 17, 2012 09:50 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I see a shift coming your way and bring new success! Good luck with your transition to someone and something new! :)

 

Love and light,

Laura

Nov 17, 2012 12:37 PM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

After 4+ years I left a firm years ago and the boss went south on me in a hurry. Didn't see that one coming. I did a private, polite, face to face when I informed him. He has since came around and even sold one of my listings last year.

Dec 30, 2012 07:49 AM
Dana Basiliere
Rossi & Riina Real Estate - Williston, VT
Making deals "Happen"

Hello Peggy,

I was just introduced to you by John McCormack. I thought I would stop by to say Hi.

It must have been tough to leave a firm after a decade. I have been with my curent agency for 9 years and it's the only one I know. Still works for me. I wish you luck with your new firm and also a good 2013. Dana B.

 

Dec 30, 2012 09:33 AM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Hi Peggy, I came over from John's reblog. It's hard to leave but you did it right. Congratulations on your decision and a Happy New Year.

PS: Mom and Dad are almost always right :)

Dec 30, 2012 08:58 PM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Laura -- Thank you. I'm looking forward to this New Year!

Rob -- I have to admit I did not see some things coming either. Disappointing but I'm staying focused on all the kind words people have said. Glad to hear your boss has changed his behavior toward you. The best to you in 2013!

Dana -- Thank you for stopping by! I really wanted my first broker to be the only broker I worked with, but things changed so much over the year at the office I was at that I knew I couldn't stay. Sure fought that feeling for a long time but when this opportunity came to partner up with a former colleague I had to take it. I wish you continued success and happiness in 2013 and beyond!

Toni -- Thank you. So far, things have been pretty good. Such a nice feeling. :)  Happy New Year to you, as well!!

Dec 30, 2012 10:09 PM