10/02/2025
As I stand in the twilight of my illustrious Real Estate career, I am compelled to share my insights and dispel the myths surrounding our profession. Many people perceive us as spending our days basking in the glory of exquisite homes, envisioning a glamorous career. I recall my early days working in Wading River, fresh out of college, at Little Bay, where people would often remark, 'Oh, that's so cool you're working in the Shoreham-Wading River area. You're so lucky.' I would ask them why they thought I was so fortunate, and they'd respond, 'Because all those houses are absolutely gorgeous. It's like every house was decorated by Martha Stewart!' While it's true that we occasionally list and showcase properties that should be featured in magazines, that's only a fragment of the bigger picture. There's so much more to our profession than meets the eye. We invest countless hours, days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years, guiding clients through their journey to purchasing a home. Specializing in new construction has often required me to wait two to three years for permits and houses to be completed. Moreover, piecing together deals can be far more complicated than one might imagine. Sometimes, we must find a buyer for our client's existing home, enabling them to purchase their dream home. We also navigate sensitive situations, such as divorce or estate sales, where communication can be challenging, and we must rely on intermediaries like attorneys. It's essential to remember that our profession comes with its unique set of challenges; we don't have the luxury of a weekly paycheck. Our income is solely commission-based, contingent upon closing deals. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this aspect. Throughout my 42-year career, I've always approached my work with love and passion. I've had the privilege of helping countless first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams, and witnessing the joy on their faces as they receive the keys to their new home. As I reflect on my journey, I can confidently say that every year has brought new obstacles and challenges. Our profession is constantly evolving, with new forms to sign, new ways of conducting business, and adapting to unprecedented circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. The current market shift, largely driven by governmental uncertainties, with high interest rates this presents yet another challenge to overcome. And yet, despite these hurdles, I remain committed to my craft, driven by my passion for helping others achieve their dreams. FYI - I'm still at it ❤️