Sign O’ The Times – Gives Me A Sign

Yesterday, the world collapsed.

Ok, so maybe I’m being dramatic, but for me…it did. You all know, I’m still rather new to real estate and my past, well…I wouldn’t call that a “job.” I’ve never worked in a corporate type setting (unless you count the time I worked for my dad one summer). Most of my jobs have been of the cooking variety or music. It took some getting used to for me. Having an office was actually an exciting part of the new career for me. Going into the office, seeing other agents, drinking horrible coffee, answering a multi-line phone – these aren’t things you do opening for Metallica in Germany. For me, this was uncharted territory and it definitely added something new to my daily life. It helped me progress quickly, learning more than I thought I could, gaining insight from Reggie, and feeling like I was part of something bigger. I love the office.

I blogged about it yesterday over at ActiveRain. It was a members only post, so in case you’re not a member, I’ll sum it up here. My broker stopped by my office (private office, not a cubicle) and announced we were packing up the office. Just our upstairs offices mind you, but packing them up none the less. Rent is high in our building and we were taking a beating on the monthly lease with less coming in the past few months. I was crushed. I felt like it was a bad omen…a bad sign. My head whirled with thoughts of “is my broker stable,” “can we survive,” and “is this the shape of things to come?” Those thoughts raced through my head through out the rest of the day as I dismantled my office and packed my stuff. I felt like I was being kicked out or worse yet…fired. It was a really odd feeling for me as I’ve never had to leave an office.

A few hours later…

Most of those thoughts were initial reactions…panicked thoughts. My brain rushed to sort it out and made snap judgments that sent all sorts of negative thoughts through my head. Would I now need to find a new broker or at least consider the possibility? I like my broker, I like the people I work with, and I like what I get from the experience. I didn’t want to even consider it, but in my first hours of mulling it over, it definitely was something to think about.

So where’s the positive in all of this you ask? It came out of nowhere and settled into my overworked mind. Here’s the facts: I like my broker and think his training is excellent. His office is always open and he always answers my calls. He looks over every bit of paperwork to make sure we’re all doing what we need to so that we don’t all get sued into the ground. He knows just how to push me. He spends extra time with every agent to see how we’re doing and what he can do to help us grow. He really cares. He gave me my first crack at real estate and it even comes down to how our splits work. I don’t get nickeled and dimed every step of the way, I get paid on time, and he is constantly showing me ways to increase my income over time. What is bad about this situation?

The answer is nothing.

I’m very happy where I am and although I fear some agents may leave us, I think we will only become a tighter unit in my office. Sure we all work independent of each other, but we do all work together. We believe in what we’re doing and have a broker who believes in us. Maybe we are struggling a bit, but I do know that my broker will have my back through it all. And I will have his. I am not tying myself to a sinking ship, but rather placing a vote of confidence in a man that truly pushes me to be the best agent I can be…and not just for his bottom line, but for the good of real estate in general (and yes, I do believe that about him). With his guidance, we will make it past the material-ness of having our own private offices for a bit and come out leaner, meaner, and stronger. Instead of feeling beat up about it, I have come through the last day with a bigger sense of purpose and a dose of new confidence. Perhaps he’s just done it again…and figured out just how to push us all to bigger and better things. Whatever it is, those of us that answer the call, will be rewarded down the line.

This is what a broker should do for you…these are the feelings you should have when faced with the question, “do I want to work with this broker?” When you have confidence in them and are energized by them, you know you’ve found the right place. I like my home. I think I’ll keep it.

photo courtesy of Chregu