Very often we come upon those in this Real Estate forum that need to have a spotlight shown upon them. When they fly by, duly note their uniqueness and contribution to all our members. They stand out because they make each of our days just a little brighter. I think I have spotted one and wanted to make you all aware of her.
Her name is Carol Culkin and she is a hard working successful Associate Broker with Century 21 - Anita Ferri Realty out of Poughkeepsie, NY.
I think of her as my Realtor's Realtor. This is because if you read Carol's posts I feel like I am living the day in the life of another Realtor. I feel like she may be my shadow, boosting my own activities during the week. She balances her stories about dealing with clients, listings, and houses, with home life as a Realtor, Mom, and wife.
Basically, to me she is just so funny and always makes me laugh. Very good for her cause those are the folks I like to hang with and bring attention to.
A sampling of some of her recent thoughts that I appreciated included country vs. city type attorneys she encountered, being honest with sellers on accurately pricing listings, finding dead flies and moldy refrigerators in houses, thinking her husband was a stalker looking over her shoulder reading her blogs, hanging out in her car outside her office to get away from the stress of her office staff, being a rah rah team captain for one group of Realtors in her office in a listings contest, having mid week Hump day nights out with the girls or friends for balance and to take the edge off, and even whether to drive buyer clients in your own car or have them follow you in theirs. For me, I felt I was riding in the back seat of Carol's car soaking up all these observations and common sense wisdom along the way.
Carol is at her best when she talks about the impact of her real estate career on her family. From the family waiting till 9 p.m. for her to get home for dinners with them all either with a cook or to eat pizza, family is an integral part of Carol's life. Can you see I am paying attention to what you write Carol?
Her most endearing story to me was her 80 year old mother asking her if "Really State" is keeping her busy. Here is the photo of lovely Mom and handsome son.
Carol is also the master of self-deprecating humor. She is always poking fun at herself like when buying three pairs of shoes one day and her "dilemma" in picking which ones to wear the next day.
They don't make many of us finer than Carol, and I just wanted to say I definitely appreciate her as my Realtor's Realtor.
Virginia: I'm glad you have read Carol's postings as well and saw what a great job she does in telling her stories. You do feel like you could just meet her on the sidewalk, never having met her before, enter a Starbucks and just click and have a great conversation.
Gary ~ I am so very touched that you took the time to highlight ME. What a huge honor! As I moved to the bottom of your post and clicked on Bette Midler, I had a little tear in my eye. What you didn't know is that's a sentimental song ~ my daughter's pick for the dance with dad at her wedding last September.
And, it's funny Gary ~ sometimes as I get through the moments in a day, I'm telling myself that somebody should be in the backseat of my car with a video camera because there are moments when I feel like a character in a sitcom...hey, maybe you should be that camera man!
As far as good attitude goes, I never thought of myself as a good candididate. I really have good days and bad, like everybody else. But at the end of the day we can only sit back, reflect and realize we can't change what happened during our day. The good thing about this business is that everyday is different. So, when I have a bad day I know the next day will probably be much better. For every bad experience, I believe it's only a temporary problem (which in most cases, things can always be much worse). Seeing the humorous side of things makes life a little less stressful. I am very lucky everyday to be entertained at home by my son and husband who are always being so witty and funny. Sometimes I get annoyed when I'm in my serious and very focused mode, and then they come along and make me laugh. But, then I tell myself - "I needed that". Like you are always advocating for people to take time for themselves. I think I am an advocate for just taking time to laugh - at yourself, at situations, at life. A little humor goes a long way!
Carol: I'm glad your family keeps you on an even keel and doesn't let you take yourself too seriously with your "driven" self. I think it's great to focus on success but turn that switch off at some point in the day/week. I think between the family making you laugh (and you making me laugh) you found a little of that down time with your Hump day celebrations. I really like that Bette Midler song too and you inspire me with your life. I hope more people find you here in the Rain because you have a lot of great sharing for us all to partake of. Have a great Mom's Day!! : )
Gary, Thank you for this post... After I visited her blog I have to agree that she is a special lady... that special that I added her profile to my tribute to Mother's Day post and added her to my associates. I will go and read hers post on regular bases.
Arina: You, being the "special lady" that you are, never cease to amaze me with the levels of kindness you come up with. That is so extraordinary on your part to add her to that special Mother's Day post you created. Visit Carol's blog regularly as you cruise around Active Rain. Like yours, it is a fun one to read, and great sharing from the day in the life of a Realtor perspective. As always, you are a precious jewel to all of us who know you here.
Gary, This is just so cool - I was just showing my family your post about me and then read all the other comments. I am so touched! Thanks Gary. And, thanks to the other AR members for the kind words and taking notice. And all this time, I thought I was just expressing myself by just being ME.
Carol: So nice of you to share everyone's thoughts about you with your family. Of course your family already new the specialness that is you, and from your words to us along the way we knew you had a lot of special folks surrounding you too.
If you like her Gary, I'm going to go read her posts. Thanks for the recommendation. However, Because I'm up this early- I hope it puts me to sleep. lol
Judy: You are up too early to be reading. But maybe this is when you find your "quiet" time. Carol has posts that I think you will find enjoyable to read, as are so many of what you write too. Happy Mothers Day Judy.
Diane: If you like a down home, humorous perspective of a day running around as a Realtor and also sometimes how that is affecting your family, Carol's short snippets I think will be refreshing for you. She is special, as of course, so are you too. Happy Mothers Day.
Sally: The direct appreciation of someone and acknowledging that is wonderful. Then even icing on the cake is the second hand compliment. Have you seen that, like someone else saying Sally is wonderful on another blog? Downright makes you soar!
Karen: She's an interesting writer for sure and very lively! : )
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
Gary - I have read some of her posts and I know exactly what you mean - it is like a friend talking to you over coffee.