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Grateful for 35 Years in the Real Estate Business

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate AZ Broker BR030809000

 Wow!  It's hard to believe 35 years has flown by and I can honestly say I am grateful for my entire real estate career!  I think I've told this story before but my first 'gig' in real estate began at the tender age of 5!  Yup age 5!  My folks took me along to view possible new homes for the family.  And low and behold the agent was a lady who had a blue coat and hat on, just like mine ( well kind of).  She asked me if I'd like to be her assistant for the day.  She told me how to describe each room to my parents (which they loved)!  And low and behold they bought the house I wanted them to buy, a gorgeous FLW home.  It was so cool, even at my young age I knew that 'IT' was the one!

Fast forward many years, plus college and I ended up beginning my career by buying and rehabbing old homes.  I loved doing that and I learned so much. Along the way I used my design background and began 'thinking' about getting my real estate license and doing both, side by side. I lived in the Country Club Area and knew the top local broker and knew it would be a great fit for me.  Once I pulled the trigger I learned quickly that I would have to chose one career or the other as there wasn't enough time for both in my busy life. I chose real estate, knowing the design background would come in handy as it has all these years.

Along my path I so enjoyed continuing education and thought it would be a good idea to become an instructor. And then..... I opened up my own brokerage!  That's when the real learning started!  Not really, but I swear I got a PHD in something during all those years!  I took our crew through the foreclosure/short sale mess and somehow made it through it all.  True grit is what I call it.  Those of us that stick with it and know there's a solution for everything - figure it out!   Those who've been down this road are probably laughing now......I sure am!

So, it's time after 35 years for me to say adios to real estate AND welcome in my new life.  I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing yet but I know that Gary and I will continue to have a lot of fun together along the way with all the wonderful people in our lives.  I am so grateful to be in the place to be able to retire and simple enjoy life.  I look forward to so many things.......and so it begins .........

 

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Comments(38)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

WOWZA!! 35 years, Anna! While I knew most of your story, I loved hearing it all together in this post! Love the pic of you and Gary and that feature photo of you is beautiful!

Thank you for sharing your gratitude with us this month, Anna! Sending you big hugs and positive thoughts for health & happiness.

Nov 30, 2024 08:07 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Yup 35 years is a long time and then on the other hand it's not Debe Maxwell, CRS ! And I'm sure you know I could have written a book on my re journey but ......not now! It's the holidays and I've got things to do!  You do know I'm one of Santa's Elf's, right?  Busy time for us!

 

Again.....love this challenge and so appreciate you hosting it!! 💛

Nov 30, 2024 01:45 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Of course you one of Santa's elves, Anna "Banana" Kruchten! I love this challenge too - it brings out the positive in people and I SO enjoy reading all of the posts! 

Nov 30, 2024 04:19 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Miss Anna "Banana" Kruchten - I can so relate to your words: 

"Those of us that stick with it and know there's a solution for everything - figure it out!" 

We sure do, and I agree, there may be a PhD or two or three earned in the process. 

Congratulations on a successful 35 years in the business and your decision to retire and enjoy life!  🍌🍌🍌💙💛

Nov 30, 2024 08:39 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist I knew you'd know what I meant by that! Brokers get  'it'.  And yes, agreed, we've earned a number of PHD's!  But who's counting at this point!!   Thank you so much!  I am happy to have made  the decision and so look forward to having fun along the next journey with Gary.  Hope to see you soon!

Nov 30, 2024 01:47 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Anna "Banana" Kruchten you continue to be an inspiration to many. Hopefully you will join the ranks of Carol Williams as an industry observer. Happy retirement.

Nov 30, 2024 10:18 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Anna "Banana" Kruchten ,

I love your grateful post and good to hear you are happy and ready to "let go" and take the plunge into retirement! You are amazing and an inspiration to all of us! Congratulations on 35 very successful years in helping others in real estate! Enjoy your new found freedom!

Nov 30, 2024 02:13 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX !  Thank you!   And absolutley I'm ready to start playing more (with Gary) and friends and enjoying life to the max  - of course I've always done that.  It's just different now!  We've got several projects going on now and hope to finish that all up before the holiday!

Dec 03, 2024 09:49 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Enjoy your retirement!  I think a year in real estate is like dog years, so you've actually put in over 200 years of work in the field :)

I've just finished my first week as a non-engineer, and my first pension check stub arrived in the mail today.  Strange times :)

Nov 30, 2024 02:55 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I retired after 40 years as a Realtor.  Each and every year was a blessing.

Nov 30, 2024 05:12 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I remember when you made the decision to retire Myrl Jeffcoat !  And it does feels good, doesn't it!   Thanks so much for the  feature in Old Farts!  I made it to Old Fart Status!! LOL

Dec 03, 2024 09:55 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Anna, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

Nov 30, 2024 05:23 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Nov 30, 2024 07:17 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Kathy Streib thank you darling for featuring me in your Sunday Post!  I'm a little late to the party as we've been dealing with a big plumbing issue and thankfully the guys got it done yesterday.  Finally I'm back in the rain!

Dec 03, 2024 09:56 AM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - the number of years, 35 sounds like a long time, but life goes by quickly. Doesn't it! You lived your life making decisions on property at the tender age of 5 and that's all it took. It cemented something in you to continue on that path to good fortune. I'm glad you got the love of your life, Gary too. 

I'm not the only one to say how lucky we are to have you on ActiveRain. You give a lot of yourself, no matter the season, reason, etc., No aches or pains about it, you are forever a legend. 

Thank you. 

Dec 01, 2024 04:34 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP you know I remember thinking in my first year that I only 'wished' I had the knowledge another agent I knew had already after 5 years in the biz. And here I am.....35 years later!  Kind of funny thinking of that now!

Thank you for your kind words!  It's been my pleasure to be a part of the rain community!  Rainers Rock!!!  A legend........not sure about that tho!!!

Dec 03, 2024 09:59 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Anna. As you and Gary begin your retirement journey, JoAnn and I are cling in on 10 years retired. We are still not sure what the journey holds except we are back in Chicago from Florida and recently moved from downtown to the distant suburbs. One thing I will admit is that time flies and we don't know where it goes. Enjoy your journey. 

Dec 01, 2024 05:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Wayne Martin you probably didn't know this but Gary retired in 2020 so he's way ahead of me!  But I'm catching up fast!  We've got lots of fun plans but for right now we're finalizing a few projects and enjoying getting ready for the holidays.  Lots of  good coming in 2025!!  Woo Hoo!

Dec 03, 2024 10:01 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Wow! Welcome to the world of retirement. Yes, you will no longer be working as a real estate agent but you will continue to enjoy life...just in a different manner. Retirement is not the end. It is a beginning of a new chapter. As you already know. Congratulations!

Dec 01, 2024 10:45 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hello Anna,

Welcome to the whimsical wonderland of retirement. It's a place where time takes on a new rhythm, and the possibilities for adventure and joy are boundless. It's a time to let loose and indulge in the simple pleasures that make life extraordinary.

If you decide to hop on that motorbike and feel the wind in your hair, don't forget to protect your precious noggin with a trusty helmet. After all, retirement is about savoring the moments and ensuring they last for many delightful years to come.

The true essence of "retirement" remains a mystery waiting to be unraveled. But why bother when there's so much more to life? Congrats, my dear Anna!

Dec 01, 2024 11:05 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Congratulations on handing in the license but in reality, as long as people know how to reach you, they will call for advice.

Staying on this platform will keep you in the game as well as 'talking to friends.

AND, I can cherish the moments we shared sitting with you in AZ.

Dec 01, 2024 12:25 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 yes they'll keep calling me because most of them are good friends of ours!  In fact they'll be coming to all our parties too!  It never ends!  Bring on more fun!

And I totally have every intention of staying active in the rain!  Absolutely!  So many great people!

And Ed......lets' meetup again!  That was fun when you too came  riding in on your horses here in PHX! 🐎🏇

Dec 03, 2024 10:10 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Anna "Banana" Kruchten let's see since your first gig in Real Estate was at age 5 and you have been in Real Estate for 35 years, that means you should be celebrating you 40th birthday very soon.   ☺️

Dec 01, 2024 12:25 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL now that's funny George Souto ! To have the knowledge and experience I have now at age 40......that would have been cool!  And BTW my birthday is coming up soon- Christmas Eve!  I'm an angel!

Dec 03, 2024 10:11 AM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Congratulations on your long, wonderful career, Anna, and even more congrats on your retirement! I wish you a healthy and fun retirement!

Dec 01, 2024 12:59 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you Marney Kirk I look forward to lots of fun and adventure as normal around here!   That's our 'way of life'....in the desert!!!  LOL

Dec 03, 2024 10:13 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Anna "Banana" Kruchten  I remembered you mentioning it before, but I did not take you seriously, this time I think you mean it, Endre

Dec 01, 2024 09:35 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hmmm you didn't take me seriously Endre Barath, Jr. ?  Now you do!  I meant every word of it and have for awhile!  It's play time kids!  And I hope that means we'll get a chance to meetup somewhere along the trail!

Dec 03, 2024 10:14 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Anna "Banana" Kruchten  With so many technical difficulties, I missed this post. I am glad our Kathy Streib  featured this post as I enjoyed it. You have been on my mind so much I do need to call you my friend 

Dec 02, 2024 10:15 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sorry to hear you've been having tech issues Hannah Williams - if they're not fixed maybe ask a Q & A and somebody can help you out.  We'll have plenty of time to catch up!   And of course go shopping!  It's been forever for me so I've got some catching up to do!

Dec 03, 2024 10:16 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

35 years is amazing, way to go!

Dec 03, 2024 08:23 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Doug Rogers it's been an amazing ride for sure this past 35 years!  And honestly I know for a fact the fun will continue on and on!  Because that's the way I roll!   Thank you!!!

Dec 03, 2024 10:17 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Anna:

Wow, 35 years. Congratulations on having such a wonderful and successful life journey, and on making your decision to retire. No doubt there will be lots of fun and adventures for you and Gary ahead! And we look forward to hearing all about it.

Jeff

Dec 03, 2024 05:14 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff thank you so much!  It has been a very good run of 35 years and so many wonderful people along the way! And oh yes, we are in the planning stages now......for the holidays and holy smokes how did I ever have enough time to work too!  So many fun things going on !  Love it!

Dec 04, 2024 09:33 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

The real estate business has been very good to me as well. I love looking at what is new and what is old!

Dec 07, 2024 07:38 AM