I know I'm not the only one to hear these words at some point. And I'll even admit to having said them a time or two before to other agents I know. Recently these words were directed to me by my sometimes demanding daughter. Now let me point out that my loving and, I might add, very supportive daughter is 18 years old and in her first year of college. However, I have been a single parent for many years, and she's used to my being involved and attentive with her school and social activities. Over the years, my career was on the back burner. Don't get me wrong, I've always worked outside the home, but the hours were such that I was able to be home with my daughter. Now that she's in college, the workaholic in me is emerging again.
So, one evening, after a full day of running around with clients and checking on properties, as I'm sitting at my desk working away, and my daughter is again demanding my attention, I hear the words, "Mom, what do you do all day?" The piercing dagger stare I obviously shot her made her quickly qualify her comment, with an explanation that she knew what I did when I was out showing properties or meeting potential clients, but what she didn't understand is what I do at my desk. What "work" do I do at my computer?
As I proceeded to explain to her that I run comps, send and return emails, make and return phone calls, prepare contracts or other related paperwork, update listings, process applications, marketing, negotiations, deal with maintenance issues, bookkeeping, order supplies, etc., I was reminded that most people really do not understand what a real estate agent "does". This, of course, doesn't include those times when we clean (think Annette Benning in American Beauty), garden, or do whatever else is necessary to sell or rent that house.
Am I complaining? Not on your life! I love what I do and I am extremely thankful that my business is picking up to a point that my daughter asked that question. It seems like a few short months ago, my phone wasn't ringing and I was desparate for work. That being said, it is work - hard work.
So . . ., what do you do all day?
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