That is the question. To be a Realtor or not to be.
For a dear friend of mine, the answer is not to be. A true veteran of real estate in my local market, I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am that she will no longer be a fellow Realtor.
She has weathered down markets in the past. She has ridden the wave of incredibly strong markets. This time, though, she decided she had had enough. She's moving on to another type of business completely. Because she's my friend I will whole-heartedly support her decision, but my heart is heavy.
Its scary that someone whom I look to for advice and support has decided not to stick with her chosen profession. I hear that little voice of doubt saying, "and YOU think you can make it???"
But I'll tell you - I've gotten pretty good at tuning out that little doubt-y voice.
Since opening our brokerage in 2006, I swear, half the battle has been to keep a positive attitude and just believe that I CAN BE SUCCESSFUL. I've had to learn skills I never knew I would need. And the most important one is recognizing the opportunity in ANY market and working it.
No, short sales aren't fun. But they still need to be listed and sold.
No, REO's aren't fun. But they still need to be listed and sold.
No, telling past clients that they have no equity or are upside down isn't fun. Explaining to buyers that they can get a cheap mortgage and buy an inexpensively priced home only if they have stellar credit isn't fun. But I've learned to do these things. A lot of these sellers and buyers still need me. I try to help them find a way.
I thank God that I've been able to keep my attitude positive. It really is powerful. I thank God I've been able to find the opportunity. It really is out there.
So for me, the question is: To be or not to be? To be a Realtor? Yes, of course. I positively love what I do.
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