Two years. How quickly time goes by. Today is my two year anniversary into the wonderful world of real estate. Initially, I was baffled by what I considered to be the industry’s loose professional standards, success without merit (seemingly so), and what appeared to be utter, blind luck on the part of some ‘top producers’. How have I changed my mind since then.
There aren’t many industries in which if you don’t produce results, you don’t eat. Period. No gimmies, time outs, or breaks. We have all seen too many get a free lunch, a pass through a life of effortless mediocrity – particularly painful to see in the military/government sector, sucking on the taxpayers’ tit. There are too many free passes in today’s America. Yet real estate as an industry is completely cold, uber competitive and unforgiving, a paycheck being the only worthwhile reflection of hard work – and very often, even when you ‘work hard’, the results are minimal if any. Although the low entry requirements (“hey, do you have a pulse and can you blink your way through an entry exam”) will continue to allow a questionable level of buffoons into the industry, the harsh realities of the real estate usually weeds them out: Either you sell or you look for another job. Sure, there are plenty of agents who are complacent being average and are doomed to a career of sub-ordinacy. Sure, some agents have luck, whether it is by family/friend connections, etc. but that does not typically equate to a successful real estate career. Sure, some agents boast of having been in the industry for 30 years, yet this is an industry in which time in service in it of itself does not translate into prosperity – or even expertise.
But to be successful in real estate, well, that takes an individual whose work ethic is only matched by his/her determination and perseverance. The best in real estate, such as Jeff Brown, are among the best in ANY industry. Success in the real estate industry reflects hard work, intelligence, and expertise earned through years of having boots on the ground, prospecting and doing the things that competitors are not willing/able to do: work harder and smarter. And I love that! Two years down, and now I’m very much looking forward to the next 20+.
Eric Estate says:
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I’m glad to hear that it can be done, and successfully so, as well, because I’m just beginning my journey into Real Estate
March 9, 2012 — 5:29 am
Jeff Brown says:
Hey Alex — Rule #14 in the Agent Handbook says: Said agent, after two years of full time work, shall, without exception, retire their Newbie badge permanently. It’s acceptable to display the badge in perpetuity — at home. 🙂
Geez, Alex, two years in this hell hole of a market, and you’re still standing. This is me tippin’ my hat in your direction. You won’t know this for awhile, but your first coupla years will turn out to be as valuable as five. Big time congrats, BigGuy.
We haven’t talked in quite some time. Don’t be a stranger.
March 9, 2012 — 7:48 pm
Alex Cortez says:
Thanks for the comments.
Jeff – I can actually equate this fairly well to my time in the military/government sector, the first couple of years were a mere indoctrination and the real-world learning came later. Real estate is a great industry and I’m proud to be a part of it. I was in your neck of the woods a couple of months with the family, pretty place, great beaches, wonderful people… Will catch up with you next time I’m in the area.
March 10, 2012 — 1:28 am
Lily Tracy says:
Congratulations on staying strong during these two years. Real estate is a rough business and one in which the go-getters can really shine. I was a little confused by your military/government reference. I can understand being mad at the government, but the military personnel not so much. Putting your life on the line for your country is not what I would call a free pass. Maybe I misunderstood. Regardless, congrats on the first two and I wish you luck in the years to come!
March 11, 2012 — 8:00 pm
Greg Swann says:
Congratulations, Alex. In Arizona, 93 out of 100 new licensees fail within the first two years — do not renew their licenses — so I’m guessing you are in an elite company in Hawaii. Here’s wishing you every good thing on earth!
March 12, 2012 — 11:55 am
Teyona says:
Congratulations! 2 years is indeed fast if you are in the midst of success. More and more years of success for your company.
March 14, 2012 — 6:51 am
Jon Karlen says:
Congratulations, Alex!! You’ve beaten the odds. This is a great business. Most just don’t have what it takes to ride the wave of highs and lows.
March 16, 2012 — 8:34 am