I don't know why, but with Thanksgiving happening so early in November, it's really thrown me for a loop. Halloween snuck up on me, and a mere 3 weeks later, it's Thanksgiving! Yes, we have more time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and subsequent New Years), but I still feel as if I've been thrown a curve ball.
But then I thought of all the things I'm involved with, and the people I've helped, and I concluded there are worse problems to have. I love being a realtor. Some people may think that's a little nuts considering, but I'm thankful for it. And here's why:
I'm thankful for my clients. I feel like clients don't always realize all that a realtor does for them, but that is the job to be honest. So much goes into the real estate transaction, and your realtor is doing so many things on your behalf behind the scenes. I've done my job when a client says how seemless and easy their transaction was. It's supposed to be easy for them... if it wasn't, people wouldn't choose to make a move in the first place!
I get to meet so many great people, and I find that I take away something I've learned from each and every one of them. Look at how enriched my life has become because I've met them. And I'm glad to say that some of these clients have become great friends. I'm blessed.
Consider this too... I'm helping people realize their dreams. I don't think that every home is going to be someone's dream home, but I'm helping them buy or sell something that is their home. A home is a great place, and if you're lucky, it's one that's comfortable, warm, loving and happy. If it's not and you have to sell, well then by my helping you sell, I'm helping you close one chapter and move on to the next.
Speaking of dream homes, did I mention I get to see the most BEAUTIFUL homes? Homes that have gorgeous water views and spaces like theatre rooms and bowling alleys! I get to see gorgeous furnishings and the newest features like drawer microwaves, heated floors and hidden butler pantries. I'm currently obsessed with outdoor living spaces, with pools like that on Pool Kings with waterfall edges, coves, water slides and even lazy rivers! All in your backyard! Then there's outdoor kitchens, living rooms and fireplaces. I could obviously go on, but what other job would give you exposure like I get on a daily basis?
Over the weekend I showed a wonderful couple some homes, and afterwards in a discussion with someone else, they said how it must stink not working standard hours. I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm thankful that because my job is flexible, it allows me to be available for whenever I'm needed. Does an inspector need to get in to test the water? I can be there. If a friend needs a ride to a doctors appointment, I can be there. Even my dog Maggie is lucky because she isn't always home alone from 7 am- 6 pm every day, and she would be if I had an 8-5 job. And even looking at the holiday schedule, unless a client needs me, I can be off for my family on days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, or even Christmas Eve (yes one of my clients has to work on Christmas Eve).
And because of that flexibility, I have the opportunity to work for some great causes. We're collecting food items to donate to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Here's the page that can give you an idea of the kinds of items they desperately need. Our office in Eastport is also collecting new unwrapped toys for the Toys For Tots Campaign. The deadline is December 14th, because they are distributing the toys to the public December 15-18.
So the next time you feel a little stressed, take the time to be thankful for what you have. And if you're someone I've worked with, please know how thankful I am that I was able to help you and how I will always be happy to help you in the future.