While the lows are painful, the highest are exhilarating. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a signed contract, or a clear to close, then you have no clue just how energized and happy a signature or a few words can make you feel. Any doubts about the profession can be immediately wiped out, and you can fall in love with real estate all over again after you get to celebrate one of your triumphs.
1. You help people make life changing decisions, and you genuinely care
Your clients aren’t asking you to fix a leaky tap, submit their tax return, or paint their toenails. They are asking you to help them make a big bold move, both physically and emotionally, onto the next chapter of their lives.
It’s stressful, but you are there to hold your client’s hand throughout the transition. You have an excellent bedside manner, you ease the worry and pain, but most important of all, you help them make tough, yet well-informed decisions.
And for you, it’s also an emotional rollercoaster. Helping home sellers is intense and draining, but you make that investment in them, time and time again
2. You are multi-talented, wear many hats and juggle immense risk
Variety is the spice of life, and you certainly have that working in real estate.
- You have to be both a smart marketer and a strong sales negotiator.
- You need to know industry regulations and legislation.
- You have to be up to date on local economics and be financially savvy.
What other job has so many strings to its bow?
As agent Mariana Wagner shared “as a real estate agent, it’s not IF you will be sued … it’s WHEN. Dotting my “i”‘s and crossing my “t”‘s and keeping great notes has been the shield and sword against many a whacko. I SO appreciate the foreknowledge of keeping great notes in a situation that could be potentially sticky … real estate or not.
3. You get to solve mysteries
I love the unique perspective of Amy Curtis. She says “I like solving problems and real estate is an all-you-can-eat-buffet of problems to be solved.” She explains, “he likes newer construction; she’s drawn to vintage homes … What house will we find that they will agree on? It starts as a mystery, but you get to help solve it … and always do! Solving mysteries is one of the more fun things I do.”
And just like those ‘choose your own adventure’ books we read as kids, you get to choose your own clientele, and each one of those can be an adventure!
4. You’re tenacious and resilient
Your tenacity and persistence never ceases to impress. As a real estate agent, you’re always fired up, ready to face the day and tackle what comes your way.
If someone moves your cheese (as in the fable and best-selling book by Dr Spencer Johnson) you know exactly what to do. You’re no Hem and Haw.
And the obstacles to tackle and curve balls to catch are almighty when they come. It’s a high-emotion, high-stakes game, but you love the thrill of the chase and throw yourself in – body and soul.
- You work 7 days a week and are available all hours.
- You are self-motivated, organised – you have to be because you are self-employed.
- You work your asses off… yet don’t get your pay cheque for a month, two months, or more.
- You multitask and juggle numerous clients at once yet somehow don’t allow your career to consume your life or drive you bat-sh!t crazy!”
You enjoy the ruckus and fast pace of the game, and always succeed in making it across the try line. But the exhilaration comes from scoring that goal right before the final whistle blows. Back-slaps all round!
