Being a Real Estate Agent is a REAL Job

Being a Real Estate Agent is a REAL Job

Every time I hear someone say, "I should get out of real estate and get a real job", it annoys me to no end.

Real estate is not a traditional 9 to 5 job with weekends off and weekly paychecks. No one said it's easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it.

Maybe people get into real estate thinking it's all glam and in a year's time they will be driving beamers, Jags and living in a Mansion. Talk about visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.

Or, they don't believe the advice they are given from other agents and Brokers that say it's a lot of hard work, you need at least six months of money aside to pay bills (I recommend a years worth in a down market), no weekly paychecks and you have to work weekends, and expect the occasional door to be shut in your face. Didn't you read 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me? 

Yes, I get insulted when someone says being a real estate agent is not a real job. It's not only a real job but it's my only job and I love it. Although I can't take weekends off all the time and schedule a day off weekly, there is no other career I would prefer. There are times when it's stressful but not all the time. My current and past clients are the nicest people to work with and that alone makes me lucky. 

 If real estate is too hard for you, by all means get another job and let the true, hard working REAL estate professionals show you how it's done.


Jackie Connelly-Fornuff 
Century 21 AA Realty in Lindenhurst, NY

Serving the South Shore of Long Island of Suffolk and Nassau Counties: Long Island Residential Listing Agent, Buyer's Agent, Condo, Coops and Short Sale Specialist.

Always Moving at the Speed of You!                                                 

Jackie Connelly-Fornuff with Century 21 AA Realty Lindenhurst NY

Cell/Text: (631) 703-0201
Office: (631) 226-5995 Ext. 242
Email: JackieConnelly@optonline.net
Website: www.LongIslandRealEstateLady.com
Blog: www.JackieConnellyFornuff.com
Facebook: Lindenhurst NY Neighborhood News
YouTube: LIRealEstateLady

           

Share

 

119 Comments on Being a Real Estate Agent is a REAL Job

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JAN
19
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Kim, thank you and I agree. Good luck with your new listing.

Hi Jean, I don't think you will get an argument from anyone. 

Hi Lloyd, I can't argue with you there :)

Hi Jill, we have educate people one person at a time.

Hi Kimo, you are right. Some assume we get weekly paychecks. I'd rather work my tail off for myself than for someone else.

Hi Barbara, I will do that and thank you!

Hi Paul, thank you. They keep their licenses active so that when the market gets better they think they won't have to work so hard to get business. Ha!

Hi Bola, I couldn't agree with you more and thank you.

Hi Travis, I don't come across negativity from consumers all that often. Some think we get weekly paychecks and when I tell them it's all commission based, they think differently.

Hi Rob, you are right. You have to have a degree to make that money working for someone else. 

Hi Kathy, thank you.

Hi Sharon, I love how diverse my days are. You never know what will happen one day to the next. 
4:00am • #100
348,527 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good morning Jackie - I imagine that people who say "it's not a real job" are referring to the fact that we're not employees and therefore are responsible for our own actions instead of having a boss telling us what to do every day. Some days, it's hard to think on your feet, make (and stick to) your own schedule, juggle the many tasks of the real estate professional, and still bring home enough money to make ends meet. A 9-5 job is easier, no doubt.
4:29am • #101
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good Morning Wayne and Jean Marie, I like not having to punch in and work for someone else other than clients. Juggling our tasks can be a challenge but somehow we make it through.
5:11am • #102
560,626 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I agree with Travis and most of the other comments.  I've work the corporate world and believe me - its all work.  Working corporate, working real estate.

I tend to ignore those that want to think this is a picnic type job.  None the less, I love it!  For the freedom of when and how long I work and believe me that does not mean that I work any less.  I think I work more!!
5:52am • #103
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Rosemary, I love real estate too! The positives outweigh the negatives all around.
6:34am • #104
497,111 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Jackie!  Amen!  We see so many agents standing around and hear their complaints yet they won't do what they need to do!
10:11am • #105
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Bob, Exactly! Business won't fall from the trees.
11:15am • #106
117,933 Points 1 Featured Post

Hi Jackie,

Good post. I really don't think people understand what being a real estate agent is all about.
1:33pm • #107
700,937 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I think what they really mean is 'I wish I had more stability'. They can make their jobs more stable if they would only give it a go. Sometimes though, the emotions & drama are just a little much.  I've never had this many fall throughs, contracts that didn't go thru in my whole career. 
2:11pm • #108
147,395 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

What a great blog Jackie!  So many people think we make way too much money for not much actual work--let them try it!

So often I am tempted to ask sellers what their salaries are and if they feel they are 'worth it... we work very hard at this job and it's not easy !
2:28pm • #109
190,124 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Jackie ... There is a definite difference between W-2 and 1099 ... You are so right about being a Realtor is a serious business. Lots of hard work, unlimited hours, dedication and business knowledge go to make the 1099 look good! With smiles, Bo
5:50pm • #110
141,023 Points Attended Rain Camp

Dear Jackie,

Maybe people should say: " ... get a cushy job ...," because real estate is more like a practice. Think country doctor, midwife or priest, who are on call at any moment.
8:16pm • #111
JAN
20
198,694 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jackie, you couldn't be more spot on.  Yes, we do more than fill in the blanks in a purchase agreement.
7:02am • #112
JAN
21

Every morning when you get up you are essentially jobless. You have to work hard every day to make a living. No free ride here.

Even my siblings do not get it. Party on Sunday-NO. Pension plan-NO. 401K-NO, health insurance-NO.

So why do you do "it", they ask???

Cause I can make a huge difference in a families life style. "It" is one of the most gratifying jobs one could have. Nothing better than seeing a family enjoy their new house and the kids having a yard to play in. 

No GLAMOR, JUST  THE GRATIFICATION YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BEST FOR YOUR CLIENTS.
6:53am • #113

Excellent post, it is so very true.  It does take a special type of person to be a full time real estate professional. 

The "general public" may only see the "glamour", but your clients, family and friends all know the truth, it is hard work. 

I had a marketing firm prior to RE which was built one client at a time.  Real Estate is very similar in that way, but overall it is much more rewarding.  The tasks, follow up, negotiating and professional advice makes such a difference in an individual or family's life in so many ways.   That is why it truly is extremely rewarding.

 
11:52am • #114
JAN
22
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Steve, thank you and you are right. Have a great week.

Hi Lyn, I just had my first deal die but we got another buyer right away. That is the name of the game and we go through spurts of deals dying and then it's smooth sailing for a while. Have a great week.

Hi Mary, I couldn't have said that better and thank you.

Hi Bo, exactly! But we love it all the same.

Hi Dorte, I thought we did have a cushy job? :) You are right Dorte. We work many hours not knowing if a deal will fall through or a buyer decides to work with someone else. Have a great week.

Hi Pat & Steve, thank you and yes it would be nice if our jobs were that easy.

Hi Deborah, I think you said it best. Helping families achieve the goal of owning a home which is very gratifying. I can't see myself doing anything else.

Hi Matt, thank you. Most do not see behind the scenes and therefor think it's easy when it is not. Have a great week.
4:12am • #115

If 9-5, 5 days a week is called a real job, then what is our job? 7 days a week before 9:00 AM and into the wee hours of the morning on deals. I think ours is a real job, the other is an office job with a boss hanging over your head.
9:38am • #116
JAN
25
653,042 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Diane, I do not miss a boss hanging over me. Thank you Diane and have a great 2013!
3:17am • #118
1,023,170 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Some do not treat it like a real job and they do not get real pay checks.  you have to work hard in this business and be more driven than a clock puncher.
3:20pm • #119
APR
19
1,098,688 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Without the emotion, sounding snarky it is just a case that not everyone is cut out to wear the blue and gold "R". Commission piece meal wages that mean you get paid if you hustle, time manage and are good with people. But if you are not, then find a job that's 9-5 that you can be happy in. Simple.
5:34am • #120

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Me-frame Rainmaker_large

Jackie Connelly-Fornuff Century 21 AA Lindenhurst NY

Lindenhurst, NY

More about me…

Long Island NY Real Estate Agent

Address: 1596 Straight Path, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757

Office Phone: (631) 703-0201

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog