Good question, Velda.

I am relatively new to the business, so this is fresh in my mind.

Real estate totally taps into my skills, talents and former experience. Having been a teacher and a Library Media Specialist, I enjoy working with people and technology and I love to continue learning everyday.

I love the "out of town buyer" niche.

Velda,

I think it took me about 2 years.  I found that I enjoy helping people.  I have had pre-forclosure listings where we were able to sell the property before the sheriff showed up and all of the negotiating was done by the realtors and attorneys.  The seller was so happy to have escaped a bigger nightmare.  I especially love the feeling when I help buyers find that perfect home for them.  It is a sense of doing something good for someone that keeps me wanting to do this and the money 's not bad either. :)

I started in Property Management and did that for four years before switching to strictly selling. Althought I like selling, I think I am actually better suited to Property Management.  I have made friends over the few years and love these relationships so I will continue to do it, but it may not end up being my career.

Tony is in his third year and wants make it his career.  He is really good with clients and has a way of working with them that is really good.  We have been trying to switch him out of the other job and into real estate full-time for the last 1 1/2 years - the market just won't cooperate.

My husband (agent now for around 8 years- I have been in the business for 4) got me into the business.  He got into real estate due to his dads business which is post tension construction (cables found in the foundations of homes across the nation).  He was a paramedic (still is but volunteers due to sad pay rates) and decided to give it a try.  He is also into computers so he loves the new direction this industry is taking.  He is not really into the details that real estate takes concerning the long phone calls and office work so we teamed up and I feel in love w/ the thrill this business brings.  Our main business is still the construction using post tension so I am not one of those agents that has to live or die by a sale.  I choose who and when I want to work.  I do a lot of referrals to really good agents in my areas since I work 3 markets.  This business is kind of sad occasionally and I pride myself in being an agent who does not need to be pushy or car salesman like. If you need our services we are here and if not find that works as well.  I am glad to say that most of our clients are still inc contact with me and more so considered friends then just Joe Blow that bought a house from me a few years ago.

I guess to sum it up our experience really has nothing to do with the money, which of course it great.  I just really like finding a home that will give the person buying or selling it the pleasure or purpose they they need to enhance their lives.  I try to stay ethical and make it stress free for both myself and the client.  Cash is always a big bonus but I have found myself buying a ton of services out of my commission for people who I know cannot really afford that home warranty or whatever else they may need in an effort to make the transaction work for them.

www.Galveston4sale.com

www.SanAntonio4sale.net

www.LasVegas4sale.net

It never occurred to me that I would not be in real estate for the duration. It's still just as exciting and interesting to me now as it was when I first started . . . I'm in my 7th year.

It surprises me to see myself write this, LOL  . . .

My husband is the one with all of the doubts, not me.  I took a temp job in an office last summer and that's when I knew that I could no longer be bound by 4 walls following someone else's inane rules. That was 2.5 years in.

Beyond working for my client's best interest, it's all about the freedom and flexibility.  I can, and have, worked from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 in the evening a few or weeks in a row, but it's MY choice.

This is the third business I've started.... never even considered anything other than the long haul.

Start with a solid business plan and enough capital to carry you till you can turn a profit (even if you have to borrow it to start with).  There is no room for doubt when starting a new business venture.  If there is doubt, that means there needs to be more planning and preparation before beginning.

Real Estate... It's not a hobby; it's a profession!

I am four years in.  I will gross over 100K in Gross commissions this year. It is crystal clear today...  I am in for good.  

I knew from day one, when I joined a big producer's team as an assistant, I would like this business.

I knew from month 4 when I left that team to join another... I like this business and can list.

I knew from 18 months when I left that team to go out on my own...

I knew from year 3 when I had 6 deals pending and cash flow was good.

I know - Today,  having closed a bunch lately, with 7 more deals pending.

Of course, we won't talk about all the times in between.

I think I "quit" a dozen times....  At least I thought about it, but never did.

It's a tough business to get started in.  But once you get started, it is so rewarding...

I LOVE what I DO and cannot see myself doing anything else....