I had a really interesting encounter the other day. I was at a function that was completely unrelated to real estate, and I was introduced to a lovely woman. She was a very vibrant 70 year old woman, a native of Los Angeles. She asked me what I did for a living and I was only too happy to tell her that I work in real estate and that I specialize in luxury condominiums on the Westside. Her reaction was dramatic. She grabbed my arm and said "You poor dear, you must be exhausted!"
As it turns out, she had been a real estate agent for a brief period in the '70s and she had been shocked to discover there was actual work involved. Like so many people, she had thought that being a real estate professional meant driving around in a late model car, talking on the phone (and back then you couldn't do both at the same time!) and cashing hefty commission checks. She confided in me that she had only lasted a few months, about the amount of time it took to realize that there was just too much work involved.
I was struck by the honesty of the woman and the irony that almost 40 years later there are still so many people who don't have an understanding of the work that is necessary to be a successful agent. We have already begun to see an exodus, agents leaving the field during this so called market "adjustment" period. I feel incredibly fortunate that I work with professionals who, like me, are in this business for the long haul. I love what I do; I appreciate the work ethic and energy that are necessary to be successful in this market. I can't imagine not being passionate about knowing the ins and outs of this business and embracing the "work". I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to meet my 70 year old friend; our encounter reminded me of how lucky I am to be a part of this business.
In Arizona, our exodus has been with agents going form full-time to part-time. Will they be back?...only time will tell. I know i ma working hard to build even though we are taking a hit to some degree. It is defintely a tiring job to be an agent....you either got it or you don't.
Jess Rankin, Pickering Group
P.S. I do spend quite a bit of y time these days working with agents on their business development, database and marketing trainings.
Jess,
Good for you for staying positive and building! I too believe in helping other agents. Mentoring new agents is really rewarding!
Thanks for your comments!
Coco
Linda,
Great to meet you here too. I am new to active rain but a veteran in the real estate world. How are things in Texas? Let me know if you are ever in LA and want a tour of the Wilshire Corridor and all it has to offer.
Thanks for reading!
Coco
Coco - I will for sure look you up if I come that way! My daughter was out there a few weeks back on a business trip and fell in love with the place. They went to Santa Monica and she thought she was in heaven! The traffic almost did her in, though!
Business in Texas is great. We haven't had the downturn a lot of the country has had. I just wish people would not watch the news and believe everything they hear! It has scared off buyers.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Linda,
You have a great Thanksgiving too! I'm so glad your daughter loved Santa Monica, the traffic can be intimidating, though. That's why I specialize in luxury condos - live in the middle of where everything is happening, then the traffic isn't an issue!
Coco