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Top Ten reasons to get out of the business

By
Real Estate Agent with YourStories Realty Group MA# 9517963

YourStories RealtyThe top ten reasons to get out of the real estate business line up with the top ten reasons to get out of any business.

1) I am in it for the money.  If you are in the real estate business because you think, know, that a lot of money can be made you are in the wrong business.  Yes, it is true, a lot of money can be made, but not without the sincere professional efforts of a dedicated agent.

2) I can make my own schedule.  Yes, this is true in real estate you can make your own schedule, but if you think you don't need a schedule that you keep to, you are in the wrong business.

Show me the Gold3) It is easy work.  Yeah, right!  Any profession that demands as varied and deep an understanding of various types of information as real estate does is never "easy".

4) I am a "people person."  If you like people you just might not want to be in the real estate business.  As an agent you are directly in line for abuse when things go wrong. It is your fault and they are going to tell everyone.

5) People like me.  Well, read numbers 4 and 3.  It is guaranteed that people will not like you when you don't give them exactly what they want, when they want it. Don't get into this business because people like you, they won't.

6) I have been hired onto a good team. While surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals working at the top of their game is crucial to success, it does not dictate your personal success.  You need to develop your own skills and abilities. This is your work, not theirs.

7) I am good at marketing.  We all know that marketing is crucial for a successful real estate business. Internet marketing is even more important, but if this is your only skill you will be whistling down a lonely path.  

8) I was hired by the top Agency.  Well, every agency says they are the top agency. Every agency has statistics that show how they are the top at this or that.  It is never about the Agency, it is always about the professional.  

YourStories Realty9) I am a hard worker.  This is not everyone's mantra, but there are agents who come into the business with a hard working attitude.  While this is important it is more about working smart and consistently than working hard.

10) My manager has promised to train me.   Your manager's job is to get you in the door and producing.  Once you are in the door and doing some of the things you are supposed to do, they are off recruiting and promising to train the next recruit.  Being a professional is about your goals, focus and consistent efforts. Without that you are just another warm body paying rent to your office.

The real reason to be a real estate agent is because you love what you do. You are willing to put the time, effort and energy into constantly getting better, smarter and more knowlegible.  There are far more downs than ups in real estate at the beginning.  While it may not be easier, I can think of nothing I would rather do in my life.

 

 

Posted by

Larry Lawfer, Realtor®YourStories Realty, It's all about you,

Larry Lawfer

Partner

Realtor®, Director of Marketing

YourStories Realty Group powered by Castles Unlimited®

837 Beacon St

Newton, MA 02459

larry@yourstoriesrealty.com, 617-774-8292

Comments(163)

John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Very commonsensical yet needed advice. Everyone needs to stick their finger into that 110v outlet every once in awhile for a little recharging. 

Dec 30, 2013 06:19 AM
Amy Houston Helm
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage - Hampstead, NC
Open the Door to All Possibilities

Fabulous insight.  When you ask agents "Why are you in the real estate business?" you get all of the above responses.  You have to love the job with the good and bad and if you aren't in it for the money, then you are quickly out of business.  

Dec 30, 2013 11:37 AM
Debbie Cook
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring and Takoma Park Maryland Real Estate

When I was a new agent and before I think I thought every one of the things on your list were true!  HA HA HA LOL - Now, after 25 years in the Biz I know none of them are true - especially the EASY one.  Great post.

Dec 30, 2013 10:41 PM
Deleted Account
Fort Myers, FL

Great post!  They are great reasons to get out of the business and they are right on target!  I guess I should stay in the business!

Dec 31, 2013 03:53 AM
Dave Leiderman
Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva - Ocean City, MD
ABR, SRS, SFR - Realtor - DE & MD Beaches

One of the best posts I've seen yet.  So many get into real estate with "pie in the sky" dreams.  It ain't that easy.  Its a real commitment.

Jan 02, 2014 04:40 AM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

@John thanks for your comment, yes a jolt of common sense.

@Amy,  I had fun writing this because it is what people think until they actually do the work. Thanks for stopping by.

@Debbie, Congrats on the 25 years. I have no doubt you have many stories to share. Thank you for commenting here.

@William, our industry needs more great agents. Stay focused my friend here in the Rain.

@Dave Pie in the sky thinking usually ends up with egg on your face, methinks. Thanks for your comment.

Jan 06, 2014 05:26 AM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

so true! Thank you for the post

Jan 06, 2014 08:17 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Amazing, Larry.

Jan 06, 2014 10:58 AM
ReadySetLoan Team
ReadySetLoan Condo Team LLC - South Windsor, CT
Residential, Commercial & Condo Financing Experts

Hi Larry - I found you through Kerrie's Rain Bucket and I am so glad that she included you.  This was an absolutely FANTASTIC post that I am going to spread through my social media channels.  I am not following you and look forward to reading more outstanding articles.

Jan 17, 2014 11:23 PM
Thomas F. Scanlon
Borgida & Company P. C., CPA's - Manchester, CT
CPA, CFP

Larry,

Great post. It was so spot on. The reality is that any self employed person better like what they do. Otherwise work becomes a four letter word.

Have a great 2014.

Cheers,

Tom

Jan 18, 2014 03:26 AM
Randy Shamburger
Movement Mortgage - Greenville, SC
FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Mortgage Expert

Hey Larry this is a great post. thanks for taking the time to put this together.  

Jan 18, 2014 04:04 AM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

I am planning a whole list of top 10 blogs

 

Jan 18, 2014 07:10 AM
Suzanne Otto
Six Twenty Designs - Lansdale, PA
Your Montgomery County PA home stager

Awesome topic Larry. Regardless of your profession, these are things people should ask themselves when thinking about a career.

Jan 18, 2014 11:43 PM
Giorgio Danso, ABR®
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Fairfax, VA

This is great post.I'm sure it also serves as a reality check for many. Thanks for posting.

Jan 24, 2014 01:01 AM
Rick Frissell
HomeXpress Realty - Valrico, FL
aka "The Red Baron of Real Estate"

Larry, I saw the title and said to myself, "Right when everything is going good there is a list of why I need to get out."  Fortunately, I reviewed the list and I can still stay in the business.

Jan 24, 2014 02:31 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Larry - I have to admit that I disagree with large chunks of your post. Some of these reasons are why I've been successful in real estate for 17 years now, and why I've continued despite challenges.

Jan 24, 2014 04:51 AM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

@Jason, clearly Texans don't get Northern tongue in cheek.  The title was a hook, a joke. It's never funny if you have to explain it.

Jan 24, 2014 05:11 AM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

WOW I think I fit all 10 of those reasons luckily I havent left yet and its year 21 lol

Jan 24, 2014 09:02 AM
MaryBeth Mills Muldowney
TradeWinds Realty Group LLC - Braintree, MA
Massachusetts Broker Owner

I applaud your honesty about a business that is TOUGH and yet can have many rewards!

Jan 18, 2016 08:02 AM
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

Thanks MaryBeth Mills Muldowney it is all about the big picture taken in small chunks on a daily basis. Go forth and be prosperous.

Jan 25, 2016 07:30 PM