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Dear Diary, my passion is... Real Estate (insert heavy sigh here).

By
Real Estate Agent with Broker Associate PenFed Realty 0496522

When I was a teenager I thought being a Realtor would be the coolest job in the world!  I didn't personally know any Realtors.  The only examples I saw were attractively dressed professionals driving big shiny cars and living in beautiful homes.  They set their own work schedules and helped families achieve the American Dream of homeownership.  What is not to love?

I came from very humble beginnings.  My parents worked for ‘the man' to earn a steady income and had no entrepreneurial aspirations.  The thought of working for 100% commission was a nightmare to them and they instilled that fear in me.  That being said, my dream of becoming a Realtor would not be realized for many years.

Fortunately I started working in the electronic components industry and became a manager at a very young age.  It was a career that afforded the ability to take real estate investment and business management classes.

I decided to become a loan officer.  It led me to help families facing foreclosure (even when it wasn't a way of life).  I began working for an appraiser to become an apprentice.  One day it occurred to me, while I was explaining to a Realtor how I came to an appraised value, I am better qualified to sell homes than the Realtor on the phone.  I asked myself, "What are you waiting for?"  So I decided to dive into the world of real estate sales and never looked back.  Some would say I went about it the long hard way and they would be correct!

I am a Texas Real Estate Broker, coach, mentor, salesperson and business owner.  It would be a challenge for me to calculate how many investors, families, and agents I have helped achieve their financial goals while realizing my own.

My career permits time to do other things I am passionate about as well.  I am a wife, mother, domestic engineer, daughter, sister, volunteer and a friend of many.  What other job could afford someone the opportunity to do all those things?

My second choice would be a head chef in a five star restaurant.  I wouldn't have time for much else, however.

Yes, my passion is real estate!  I was right, it is the coolest job in the world.

And every now and then I get to do this!

Show All Comments Sort:
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

It matters not that you may have taken the long way, you are here now. Not every road is the same nor should it be.

Feb 22, 2009 11:40 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Mel, Loved your post and your passion and can relate.  I volunteer for the elderly as well...something my "old" jobs would not have allowed time for.  And I too, LOVE what I do! 

Feb 22, 2009 11:56 AM
Mandi Perkins
Pioneer Title Agency - Pinetop Lakeside, AZ

I went into real estate after being pushed by my husband and grandma. One of which financed my business when I was given the opportunity. The other works as my partner in the business. I am grateful to them both. It is a job that I love!

And by the way you are a spectacular person!

Feb 22, 2009 12:45 PM
Cristal Drake
Circa Properties - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Great entry Mel! Your story sounds so much like mine...going about it the hard/long way. I think that makes you even better! You are well rounded because you are the entire package and understand it...full circle! You rock!

Feb 22, 2009 02:01 PM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Mel - when I was a teenager I wanted to be in a band, and I was in several. And, although I am a Realtor today (yeah, it is cool), I still want to be Jimmy Buffet when I grow up. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Feb 22, 2009 11:33 PM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Very nice and cute story.  My dad did not want me to be a Realtor also.  He wanted me to take over his Accounting office, YUK! 

Feb 23, 2009 12:19 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Mel!  You have GOT it going on girl!  You are truly fortunate to have the mortgage and appraisal background that you have in this business--why would ANYone use another agent when there's you?!  Cute post and best of luck in the contest!

Debe in Charlotte NC

Feb 23, 2009 08:26 AM
April Hayden-Munson
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield Wisconsin Real Estate

Hi Mel!  Great story.  I've seen this photo before, this time I can tell you have a beautiful French Manicure.  Nice!  What I'd give to go to the warm sandy beach right about now.  Sigh.

Feb 23, 2009 09:19 AM
Charlie Harden
Columbia, SC

Melody, glad to hear that you are doing your passion!  Also glad to know that '09 is already showing good signs!  Now, move over and let the rest of us have some space on that beach!

Feb 23, 2009 10:35 AM
Erik Hitzelberger
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY
Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

Mel - Your passion is eveident in all of your posts.  I am glad that you figured out what you love to do and are actually doing it. 

Feb 23, 2009 03:24 PM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

I started laughing at the *SIGH* Clever post and an enjoyable read! You have an excellent background that gives you an edge over many in our business and coupled with a biting wit and sense of humor makes you even better! We have something in common, my second or third choice would have been CHEF!

PS are you and your family still headed to Austin for a run in the spring?

Feb 23, 2009 10:47 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Melody

I love it!  You are adorable...A breath of fresh air!!!!

Feb 24, 2009 12:13 PM
Gina Teague
eXp Realty - Colleyville, TX
(817)602-0985 Realtor, Grapevine, Colleyville, Sou

Melody,

I've always had such admiration for your desire to learn.  You ROCK, Mel!  It has been my pleasure to watch you succeed at everything you have taken on.   

Feb 24, 2009 01:27 PM
Terri Visser
Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC - Redmond, OR
CRS - 12 Years Selling Central Oregon Real Estate

You may have went about it the "long way" but how much more knowledge you came into real estate with than most.  Your clients are lucky to have you :~)  We really do have the coolest job in the world!

Feb 25, 2009 04:31 PM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

Mel, I came from humble beginnings  as well and no matter how successful I perceive myself to be, it's always in the back of my mind, along with how very much I owe my Mom Dad and God. All can be lost in a single moment so we have to embrace each day and really savor those days at the beach!

Feb 27, 2009 02:36 AM
Laura Watts
Positive Properties, LLC - Laurinburg, NC

Mel-Wow, what a great post. If all the agents had an attitude like that, we would benefit so much more.  I wish you were in my area...

Feb 27, 2009 03:19 PM
LYDIA LAMOREUX
ZipRealty - Volente, TX

Melody-You forgot to mention that you're a Domestic Goddess. Sounds like you're one of the women I admire. Success breeds success, and I'm working hard on mine.

Mar 04, 2009 01:35 AM
Terry Miller
Miller Homes Group - Tyler, TX
Miller Homes Group and Tyler Apartment Locator

Great post, both inspiring and down right funny. Thanks for the lift.

Mar 05, 2009 09:11 AM
Cameron Wilson
Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

Mel, Your passion for real estate and life shines brightly. Good luck in the commercial effort.

Mar 07, 2009 02:52 AM
Jim Valentine
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Gardnerville, NV

Melody - Thanks for the great post, I love this business too.  The challenges are greater than I've ever experienced but I'm up for the task and ready to go.  I frankly don't know what I'd do with a real job!

Mar 09, 2009 09:07 PM