For years I have wanted to start a blog. I mean why not? Everyone else is doing it right?
Since it's my first blog why not take a moment to start the Real Estate humor off right with the story of how I came to the Real Estate market. Although the story I am about to tell is true, the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent.
My first job was a file clerk for none other than the company my mother worked for at the rightful old age of 15. It was a pharmaceutical/medical supply firm with a knack for retirement homes and interpersonal drama. I moved my way through the ranks and became a 3rd party insurance processor in Accounting. Each day I learned something new about the wiser generations before us but I felt there was more to life than watching people who had worked so hard, spend every dime they had on prescriptions and supplies.
It was 2002, I was now 22 years old with 2 children and a nasty divorce. My best friend had just got her Real Estate license and was making a name for herself in the Real Estate market. Upon inquiry of how to get my license she suggested I go to work for her Broker in Charge (Miss Daisy) as an assistant to make sure Real Estate was what I wanted to do.
When I told my mom I was thinking about a career in Real Estate she replied "Well it's about time". Then my mom informed me that she knew the love for Real Estate had always been in my blood! So apparently the embarrassing story goes: As a young child I would ride in the backseat of our Pontiac Bonneville staring out the window at the houses. Mom said as we would pass a house that was vacant I would cry. When asked why I was crying the answer was always the same, "the house just looks so sad with no family to live in it. It's all alone". Yeah yeah I know corny huh? None the less houses always interested me. I could say archetect at the rightful old age of 4 because I always wanted to know what he or she was thinking when they designed this house. I mean really 4 bedrooms and only 1 bathroom?
I started work that first day hopeful and excited to be Ms. Daisy's assistant. Upon entry into the office I was greeted at 7:50 a.m. that I was 20 minutes late. She expected I be to my appointed time 30 mins prior but I would only be getting paid for the time I was appointed 8-5 with an hour lunch break. Thinking back now about it, I get a chuckle! Even on my first day she was preparing me for the some of the quirkiness I would entertain the rest of my career.
If you have ever seen the movie "The Devil Wears Prada", she was just like the "Dragon Lady" in that movie. Focused, driven, successful, with; an eye for detail and piping hot coffee along with her daily agenda (with maps) on her desk and waiting when she got in. Blood sweat and tears she taught me everything I know. As I watch new agents come into the market daily and most times subsequently leave within a short amount of time, I remain thankful. While she did drive me crazy, without her I would not have been given the proper tools to do my job effectively. She taught me how to properly take photos, how to "beat feet", how to map out my daily agenda, how to carry myself with clients, stay up in a down market, budget, and most importantly how to make sure that in the course of my career, I do not lose sight of why I am doing this job each day, my CLIENTS.
Representing and helping my clients each day gives me the satisfaction of knowing I am, in fact, making a difference which leads me to the excitement tomorrows oppurtunities will bring. I cannot imagine now going back to that cubicle with no windows, watching people spend every last dime they have (or don't have) just trying to survive one more day. I love the feeling I get when my buyer's have found "The ONE". The excitement on their faces, the anxiety of the new step they're making, and subsequently the look of pride and the gleam in their eye that they have made it! They have made the American Dream! Then my sellers anxious about the sale, anxious about getting a buyer, anxious about the unknown and the level of trust they put into me to use my experience and knowledge as a guide. This is their home. This has been their life. This home is no longer their future. The excitement of starting a new chapter and leaving the past behind.
What an amazing feeling! Thank you so much for reading my first blog post. I hope it was entertaining! Stay tuned for next weeks post- Sure to be insightful while remaining mildly entertining.
**JoAnn is a full time Real Estate agent in the Beaufort County, Hilton Head, Beaufort MCAS, Parris Island area.
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