" I'm so sorry "

Kristen:   If I didn't focus on the positive it would be hard to keep going.  Isn't that true of any profession though?  I think so. Thanks Kristen.

Debbie:  The perks are what make me happy.  Thank you!

Tim and Pam:  Thank you for your nice comment, I do appreciate it. One foot in front of the other is always best.

Rita:  I hope she does, and I hope she understands now that even in dark days we find our rainbows where we may.

Evelyn:  Thank you :-)   It wasn't the response I expected either, but glad I had the chance to educate a bit.

Anthony:   You're welcome :-)  When I wrote it I had many real estate agents in mind - folks from AR popped into my head, folks like you.

Tim:  A "down" market is always down for one side (seller or buyer) but it is what it is and I'm happy to be working in any market.

Stacey:  I'm sure you've heard many times that you're "brave" or "why would you do this now?".  I think you're smart and gutsy and ambitious.  Have a fun time, you're going to love this career!

Elaine:  Wow.  That really turned her head, and it appears it also made her re-think (or should have) her approach to this industry.   You did a great job in showing her that it can be done.  What she did with the education you gave her is something else...thanks so much for telling me about your experience with her.

Ed & Cindy:   I can just hear that conversation.  (It does come out like people think you are ill!)  Someone asked my youngest son (He's 24) if Mom is still in real estate.  He said yes, they said "Why???" and he replied:  Because she loves it.  The kid gets it.  I bet your immediate family does also :-)

Trevella:  Thank you.  I really am glad I had a couple of minutes before the "personal business" so that I could do that and educate her a bit about why we do what we do..

Dave Hamill:  In my life before real estate I had a job that I liked.  Not loved, but liked.  I always felt there was more to life though and jumped ship so to speak.  So glad I'm still swimming off the boat:-)  Thank you Dave.

Rosalinda:  It's during those exasperating times when we should smile and tell people why we enjoy what we do.  Turn a negative experience into a positive one for all concerned.

Diane:   I'm still trying to figure out what the "freedoms" are :-)  I think I have less flexibility now than I did 12 years ago!   Thank you :-)

Michael:   Thanks!  I think this post hit a chord with all of us because we know why we do what we do and need to get the word out locally to not feel sorry for us.

I never know who to thank, as the people who decide the features don't send us an email letting us know they did so.  Thank you very much to whomever made the decision to feature this article and show the positive side to what we do.

Charles:  You made an interesting comment.  Here in Michigan we are past that (overpriced homes) and on to the next phase..getting them sold.  Most sellers here get it, and don't overprice their homes.  Have an enjoyable 4th quarter!

Joanne:   Loved your comment.  Yes, make everyone feel like a winner!

Sheila:  Those refresher courses help.  Not only refresh our business, but us.  Thank you.

Marcy:  You are absolutely right.  Many industries are challenged, especially here in Michigan.  I'd bet we'd hear the same things from others:  Love what I do..

Marcia:   What a great idea!  Let me know how it goes ok?

Valerie:  Oh, I had to take it in a different direction.  I felt so sorry for her feeling sorry for me!  Had to reassure her that really, I am ok, and I am still passionate about what I do.

Kristina:  You know, maybe she had talked to other agents who moaned about their jobs.  That could have been the reason behind the reaction.  Who knows...glad I could let her know though how I felt.

Audrey:  If I dwelt on the negative I'd lose my mind :-)   Can't do that, glad you can't either :-)

Amber:  (I'll go back and fix the link..sorry!)   Love your line "I sell houses". That does put it in a positive light and gets to the point.

Anna:  You're welcome :-)

Christina:  I'm a half full person also :-)  Except when it comes to ice cream, then I need to be all the way full!

Roland:  I hope it gets better soon, for the consumers sake.  But in the meantime, I'll keep doing what I do.  Thank you.

Kay:  Putting it in writing was a first for me.  Just seemed like the right thing to do at the time..

Jeff:  Bingo!  Say it with a smile because we are smiling in our hearts.  Yes, you're good at what you do and it comes across your caring for people.

Terri:  I couldn't have done that.  What would that have accomplished?  Nothing...I truly felt the need to let her know that I am passionate about what I do and why I do it.

Debbie:   Thank you.  Tell your daughter "Hi" from me and I hope she enjoys living here.  It really is a great area of our vast country, despite what the media says.

Ann:  Love those Moo cards!  (That reminds me, I have to fix the link AND order more cards)  Thank you Ann, hope you get an opportunity also to remind those around us why we do what we do.

Eunice:   I loved your response to the person that felt sorry for you.  Thank you for telling me about it!  By all means check out the moo cards.  They are so much fun to create.

Diane:   Moo cards are nifty and fun to create.  Give it a shot!    (I could easily spend a small fortune at that site, and they are not expensive at all!)

Neal:  We have many agents in our office that were working when the troubles came up in the 70's.  (HIGH interest rates, etc.)  They've all said that this is easier and more manageable.  When I hear that I know I'm grateful that I am working now and not then.

Brett:   No matter what this nice lady did with my cards I at least know that I tried to do away with the misconceptions that are out there.  We do what we do because we have a passion for it and we do reap rewards that aren't monetary.

Connie:  Thank you :-)   Positive affirmations keep us going, don't you think?

Renee:   And many more non-monetary bonuses!  Thanks Renee.

Larry: One person at a time.. you got it!

Terri:   Thank you for taking the time to read this and comment.  I do appreciate it :-)