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If I coulda, shoulda, woulda.....

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 DRE# ER40011786

This month's challenge is asking us to write a post on if we had to start over in our career, what would change.   Thanks Carol Williams and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400  for hosting the challenge this month.

It all started with a rather heated decision, with my second husband talking about who should go to real estate school to obtain a license.   We both worked at Safeway, and he was the pasteurizer and had not read a book since leaving high school.   So, we decided I should be the one to attend.

Several of the teachers were open to interviewing to join their companies.   I did choose one of the teachers.    She was a teacher at a real estate school, so that should be a good start, and she was.   She wasn't the best at mentoring.   For some reason, I never started a CRM nor kept in records of my first clients in these years.   I am sure I missed some repeat business by not staying in touch.

After three years, I chose the other teacher I really enjoyed and admired.   Her and I got pretty techy (compared to other agents/brokers) and ordered a website.  This was in 2000, so we were a bit ahead of the game.   Unfortunately, did not think of a "location name" for my site.   I got my domain with my name.    Had I been thinking out of the box more, I would have gotten "Relocating to Denver", or something like that.    I do get many relocation buyers even without that URL.   This broker today is like my sister, and I love her to death.   We always called each other - "Can you put your broker hat on"?    It got to be funny, but we have always been there for each other.

Her and I were rebels and decided that having a "bricks and mortar" office was not necessary.    And, many in the industry began that same thought process in the following years.

I wish in my many years I had the choice NOT to have to work with everyone that came my way.   I have been single, and had a mortgage to pay, so had to forge through every transaction, even those very difficult clients.

Luckily, cannot think of much I look back on and have regrets, it has been a great ride!    I have been blessed over 29 years, enjoying wonderful clients who have become friends, and will miss when I leave Colorado and retire.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Joan Cox
Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
House to Home, Inc.

Serving the Denver Metro area including all suburbs


Helping Buyers and Sellers achieve their real estate dreams, one house at a time!

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720-231-6373  
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Comments(20)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Joan... you should always have your url with your name. I often have former clients who google me that way and contact me through my website. My name url points to my GreatHomesInCharlotte.com. CRM's were just not a thing when we started in this business. I remember feeling like I'd died and gone to heaven when I discovered Top Producer in 1998. Of course, you also had to have a computer for a CRM... and most agents I knew didn't have their own in the 1990's.

May 17, 2025 05:49 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Joan - looking back and reflecting can be difficult, but I believe it can be an exercise that proves beneficial.  In the short term as well as the long run.  Go, Joan, Go.  🏃‍♀️

May 17, 2025 06:43 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I have so many great clients in different areas of the country. Sales have never been my problem. Investing time in agents who I should not have bothered with...that cost me some dollars  :)

May 17, 2025 06:44 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Oh Boy Joan Cox If we only could get back al the coulda, shoulda, woulda moments in our lives...lol

May 17, 2025 06:52 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

What a powerful story—thank you for sharing it so openly. It's amazing how a conversation at Safeway turned into nearly three decades of building relationships and serving your community. Here's to many more years of good service and relationships.

May 17, 2025 09:53 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Joan,

I liked reading your post and your story....we all have one. I'm not one to look back very often at the coulda, shoulda, woulda moments! I like to think I've learned from my experiences and live for what is now and the immediate future. I know that life is precious and you never know what tomorrow will bring so I'm enjoying each day that I'm granted!  

May 17, 2025 11:34 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Joan Cox   That sounds like 2 very lost opportunities that would have definitely changed your course, but fortunately you still did very well for yourself.

May 17, 2025 12:03 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

HI Joan- think how far you've come. Back in 2008 when I met some agents in Boca and talked to them about blogging and joining AR, they didn't think they needed to blog or have their own website. 

May 17, 2025 01:11 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Joan Cox Looking back, I think you made some good choices.  We learn from our mistakes, and it does not seem like you made any serious ones. Choosing a domain name way back then, there was not much knowledge about them, when  I picked mine as  the world wide web was new

May 17, 2025 02:00 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Your path got you to where you are today - in a position to consider moving far away! Kudos to you!

May 18, 2025 06:48 AM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

Thanks for sharing Joan! We certainly do learn by reflecting on past practices and Real Estate has certainly changed since we started back in 1999.

Have a great week! 

Sincerely,

Grace

May 18, 2025 01:51 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt reflection, Joan Cox—your honesty and journey are truly inspiring. I love how you appreciate the ride, even with its challenges, and it’s a reminder that every experience shapes us. 🚀💙 Wishing you the best in your retirement and all the new adventures ahead!

May 18, 2025 04:34 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Joan:

It's been quite a journey for you, and perhaps not entirely the path you anticipated, but look where you landed. And now you are planning to move to Portugal.

Jeff

May 20, 2025 05:09 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Reading your post is like reading a history book about the real estate business.

May 20, 2025 06:13 PM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Hi Joan Cox   Thank you for sharing your story!  I will have to share mine which started in Colorado Springs back in 1992.  Have a great day!

May 21, 2025 12:57 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Joan,
I think, to a large degree, we all learn as we go. We shouldn't look back with regrets, but be thankful for the lessons that carried us through.  Thanks for sharing!

May 22, 2025 06:32 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Joan Cox ,

Appreciate your entry in this month's contest.

'Put your realtor hat on' is excellent advice when working with a friend!

May 22, 2025 08:48 AM
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners Bowen - Port St Lucie, FL
Your Home Adds Value to You

Joan- thanks for sharing some of your real estate journey. It looks like your path took you where you are today. When I look back, I try not to stay in the past for very long. I stay in the present and press forward.  I enjoyed your post.  Joe

May 24, 2025 05:22 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Joan. Nobody in real estate has a straight road in their career. All come with I could, woulda, coulda perceptional detours. And you are no exception except you choose to do it you r way and that for you gas been successful. Kudos to you! Enjoy  your day.

May 24, 2025 05:39 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi Joan,

You have been always a great writer. I remember how much I admired your web-site and expression in the early days of blogging. I still do. I enjoyed reading your challenge entry post.

May 24, 2025 08:42 AM