Titles can be the hardest part.
I wrote the title to this post about 100 times. Each time, I thought it sounded too dramatic. This post isn’t meant to be dramatic, but rather a simple statement of fact and some words wrapped around it. It could be a lengthy post or I could keep it rather simple (something I am not known for), but it is a post of some significance for me and those that know me.
Now that I’ve been overly dramatic, let’s get to it shall we? To put it simply, I am no long a real estate agent.
Now before you read that last sentence again while you rub your eyes because you think you must have misread it, let me assure you, you saw what you saw. Of course, a statement like that deserves some explanation and I will now attempt to do so. I let my license expire at the end of April as I approached the deadline for renewal. It was a conscious decision with a tinge of sadness, but not without merit. I’ve had some personal issues lately and as I’ve been trying to take care of those, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I can not balance real estate and those issues at the same time without letting one falter. With that realization, I had to make a decision and with my family needing my attention more than real estate did, it should be easy enough to see which side I chose and why.
I am currently unlicensed, but that does not mean I will remain that way. I am putting the wheels in motion as we speak to sort out the issues and make my return to licensed status. I will miss real estate for the brief period I am gone, of that there is no doubt. In real estate I have found something that gets me excited everyday and makes me wake up thinking, “what will today bring?” I have a lot to learn still (and always will), but I know that I am a great agent and will most likely be doing this for most of the rest of my life. Leaving music, I wondered what I would find out there and real estate answered. I never knew just how much I would come to love it, but I definitely have.
In the meantime, I will still continue some of my blogging activity and be around my usual internet haunts when I am available. I hope you’ll all continue to say hello and talk for a minute or two of your day. Although, it makes it sound a lot like a goodbye (which it isn’t, this is more of a “I’ll see you in a few”), I’d also like to thank all of my real estate industry related friends and readers. AgentGenius has truly been a highlight of real estate for me – both for my own personal learning and growth as well as fun, good times, and friendship. You probably didn’t know this, but I have a desire to educate at some point in my career, so AgentGenius is always a great proving ground for me.
Wisdom from the masses.
Have you ever had to press pause? Have you ever stepped away from real estate for a moment? I’d be curious to hear from some of you out there about your experiences. I’ve had wonderful support from my office, other agents, and my clients, which have made the temporary transition much easier. Was it “hard” to get back into the groove or did you find yourself missing it so much that you dove back in with renewed energy? As I work to resolve things and get back to what I love, I wonder if there’s something that you’ve experienced that helped you in the past.
So without any drama, I say to you: I’ll see you soon, don’t be a stranger, and thanks as always!
photo courtesy of fbz_
Nanette Labastida
May 12, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Matt – you are always inspiring no matter what you write about! I am sure your decision and thought process coming to it are difficult yet clear and wise for what you need right now! i know you will be back because i know that “feeling” too of waking up to the excitement of all that real estate brings. it’s in the blood.
I haven’t ever taken a full pause, but i have gone on job interviews and even taken part time jobs a few times when i have felt this wasn’t working for me or my family, but yes, i did come back with renewed energy excitement determination and passion. good luck with it all!
Vicki
May 12, 2010 at 5:03 pm
I let my first license expire (long time ago, probably before you were even born) when I went back in the corporate world because I needed a steady paycheck. I always kept my eye on what was happening in my local RE market, and 10 years later I renewed it and have been full time ever since.
You have a lot to offer as a young, enthusiastic and smart agent. Through your writing, you come across as genuine (not the stereotype agent) and I’m sure your clients choose you because they recognize your sincerity and honesty.
If you really need to, take a break and catch your breath, but don’t stay away too long. We need more agents like you! 🙂
Dunes
May 12, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Matt I am very sorry to hear this news as I consider it loss for the Consumers in your Area and your Profession as a whole.
I have always appreciated the sharing of your thoughts and your honesty. Am wishing all things go well for you and your family….Best to you and Thanks
(I will be looking forward to hearing more from you)
Erica Ramus
May 12, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Ditto to what Dunes said, Rock Star Realtor! Hope to hear from you soon.
Greg Barnhouse
May 12, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Matt, you are still a “Rock Star” in my mind, and always will be. Your writing has been inspirational to me in getting my own career going. I left the corporate world for some of the same reasons you are suggesting. I spent so much time traveling and was always in Asia or Europe rather than being here with my family. So, I joined my wife, Diana, a couple years ago. While I don’t get paid what I used to, I spend so much more time with my family than I did before, and with both of us working together, we can spread the workload a bit so that usually one of us is around our boys. I hear what you are saying, though, as one can spend an infinite amount of time it seems in Real Estate, with our clients and all the transactional elements.
But, you will be back, I know. You are built for this. I hope you get everything worked out. If ever there is anything I can do to help you, even though I am in Dallas, it’s not that far . . . please let me know. Even this post was inspirational, even if just to know you are doing what is needed for your family. Thanks!
Mark Brian
May 12, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Well I hope this break will be a short one! I am sure you will be back in the thick of things as soon as you can and will be missed by your peers!
Janie Coffey
May 12, 2010 at 6:36 pm
wow, I know that what you need to take care of will get the attention, reflection and care that you put towards everything you do. I won’t say goodbye, because I know you aren’t really going anywhere, just taking a break from licensed status and I wish you Godspeed in taking care of your open items and a return to full time licensed real estate. HUGGGSSSS to you!
Jonathan Benya
May 12, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Matt, I hope you won’t be out for long! I love reading your writing, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting your return!
Ken Brand
May 12, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Hand over heart. Moves to hand over mouth. Matt my man, you know I/we wish you speed, grace and success on your detour. I’m not worried about you though, you’ve got the goods, simple as that.
Rock on, need anything give a whistle.
Cheers.
Michael Bertoldi
May 13, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hope you’re back sooner than later Matt. Said a lil prayer for you and I hope everything works out for the best.
Dan Connolly
May 14, 2010 at 12:16 am
Hey Matt,
When one door closes ten more open! I hope that you have great success in your next venture! Keep us posted on where your path may lead.
Kathy Jerzak
May 14, 2010 at 12:45 am
I have taken a few pauses here and there because of issues at hand that arose but have always been active as far as licensing. Just coming out of a pause and am really enjoying trying to make it work again.
I hope your issues at hand get resolved quickly and you will be back doing what you love.