Hold the Pity Please
Happy Holidays! Tis the season of holiday parties, mingling, and, yes, talking about what I do for a living. So why do I keep getting this…
“Oh, you’re a Realtor…bummer.”
WHAT? Bummer? Hardly!
Yes, let’s acknowledge the big elephant in the room…the economy is lousy, the housing market is slow, and in many ways the Real Estate market is having one of the most difficult periods in memory. But that doesn’t mean that I’m sorry that I do this. That doesn’t mean that I wish I was doing something else.
I was talking to a friend of mine the other night whose sister bought a condo from me last summer. She still loves it and I still remember the excitement in her voice when I called to tell her the seller had accepted her contract. That is why I do this. Nothing can match that feeling of helping a first time home buyer find a great property.
Not all of the stories are as happy of course. Last weekend I consulted with a couple who are relocating to Houston because of the husband’s job. They need to sell or rent but are awful short either way and are facing some really tough decisions. I talked to them for a while, laid out all of their options and painted some pretty tough pictures. The next day I got an email from the husband thanking me for my time, and the information, and saying he looked forward to working with me. I hate that he and his wife have to make these choices, but I am glad that through my knowledge and professionalism I can help provide counsel for these two as they go through those decisions.
Even in a down market we as Realtors take pride in our job. So please, when you see me at a party, talk to me all you want about the tough market. Ask me where I think it will go next year. Grill me on where rates are or how a short sale or foreclosure works. But don’t offer me pity for a job I love.
For my part I promise not to mock your Santa neck-tie.
