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2008 What a Long Strange Trip It's Been.....

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with RE/MAX Professionals 94238

A little over a year ago I posted here about all of the things I was grateful for. That post generated a fair amount of comments. It also introduced me to some wonderful people here on Active Rain.  Today I thought I would look back and see what has changed in my life. 2008 has been one of the most challenging years that I can remember. There have been some difficult hurdles to manage. There have been some wonderful changes that I would have never imagined possible.

 

The housing market has been challenging. No need to go into detail here as the market has been the major topic of most blog posts for the past six months.

 

My broker closed his doors. I’ve posted about that previously. This has been the most challenging professional challenge that I have had to manage this year. Having to change brokers without notice is a very difficult task. The amount of changes to marketing materials alone was staggering. I’m so tired of explaining to people why I am not with my past brokerage. I am thinking that I should have written a letter and simply hand it to people when they ask “What happened? I thought you were with” It sure would have made things easier for me.

 

I’m in the process of getting a divorce. Enough said on this topic. We all know how difficult this can be for everyone involved.

 

My daughter has come to live with me. This is both a wonderful opportunity and an adjustment that has been very interesting. I am truly enjoying having both of my children living with me. I have a new found appreciation for the hard work that all single parents go through every day.


I have reconnected with several of friends from my past. This picture was taken in NovemberScott Cowan and friends

when my good friends from college and I were able to get together. It was a wonderful night and it was like we had never been apart. Good friends are truly vital and it has been great to begin to reconnect with many of mine.  


 I am in the process of taking my real estate brokers license exam. In 2009 I will be opening my own brokerage Classic Homes Northwest. I will finally be able to run my business my way. The business will be niche market office that will provide the absolute best in real estate services for our clients.


Many other opportunities have presented themselves and I am currently working on taking advantage of as many of them as I can. I am excited that 2009 will be a great year both for me personally and professionally.

 

I wish all of you the very best for the holidays and for 2009 and beyond.

 

Scott

Matt Thomson
Fathom Realty Colorado - Littleton, CO
Helping you find success through real estate

Definately a big year, Scott.  Congrats on opening your own brokerage.  Huge decision in times like these!  Best wishes in '09.

Dec 24, 2008 01:50 AM
Scott Cowan
RE/MAX Professionals - Olympia, WA

Matt- Thanks for the kind words. It has been a goal of mine for years to open my own business. I am excited to be able to finally realize the goal. It's going to be a small one man operation until I get all of the systems in place to be able to handle the needs of agents. (if I can ever accomidate agents) In this market it's going to be a lot of work but then again being in sales in this market is a lot of work no matter what!

Dec 27, 2008 03:49 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Scott, naturally the title grabbed my attention....And I liked the "Grateful" metaphor you used in your opening line.

Lots of good, lots of bad happening in your blog.

Hang in there 2009 can only get better.

Dec 27, 2008 09:31 AM
Brande Bradford
Keller Williams - McDonough, GA
Realtor

Scott,  seems like 2008 did bring a lot of changes your way.  It has for me as well. One of the things we have in common is that we are both taking our Brokers test, yeah!  I really hope that 2009 brings you a lot of joy and happiness.  You deserve it.....Keep us posted on how it goes.

Dec 28, 2008 03:19 PM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

One last thing for 2008........

Remember, it's amateur night on the roads tonight.

Stay home and drink!

It'll help you forget 2008 faster!

Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2008 07:58 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Dude... what a year indeed!

I've had one of those years... (several ago now)... unforseen and sudden company change, both parents passing a way in the same year, a divorce, the car died, etc. etc... My Dad use to say, "It's character building. And, you're a big character. So, it's all going to be OK!" Or, like my neighbor Bill... "How's it going today Bill?"... Livin' the dream.

Doors close, others open... Good luck on your brokerage, and have a great adventure in 2009!...

Rene'

 

Jan 05, 2009 10:56 AM
Kim Wolcott & Krista Butler
Republic Mortgage Home Loans - Orting, WA

I wish the best for you and all the changes you are dealing with.  It was a crazy Dec for me.   I found out my dad had Lung cancer, was thinking my house was going to flood in Orting, and will change my teens school in this next week or so.  I am glad I have a job that allows me to work the hours I need to be able to do all this.   I know you will do well with your new company

Jan 13, 2009 04:50 AM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Good luck on Classic Homes....I have CLassic Realty here in College Station and my brother and I operate a home building firm Classic Homes here too.

Jan 13, 2009 08:18 AM
Monica Bourgeau
Portland, OR
Business Coaching

Here's to you and wishing you the best year of your life!

We just started our own brokerage last week so we can share experiences!

Feb 14, 2009 02:28 PM