Who knew drool and pbj stains would spawn a career?

Ok I fibbed. Just a little. For drool and pbj were just a "twinkle in my eye" when I began my real estate career ten years ago.

Have you ever been in a job you actually enjoy but you're under appreciated, under paid or down right under supported with the tools you need to build your organization in the way you had envisioned? Yes, you can relate?? OK some of you can. No worries... that's old news. 

It was that place, that point where moving forward in your career is actually more painful than the frightening, "what the hell am I thinking" move into a commission based business with no health insurance, no clients, no scheduled monthly pay check and no real vision of the future. You see, that decision was made after a year and a half of internal deliberation. "Can I do this?" I thought. "Will I succeed?"

In January of 2004, I jumped with both feet in (and with the surprising support of my husband) to pursue a bigger future. One where I had the freedom to be my own boss and set my own schedule.

I began to dream. I enjoyed the process of buying my first home and I began to dream this same dream over and over again for each one of my clients. One of my first clients I ever worked with shed tears over a decision to purchase her first home. I admit, as a rookie to real estate, and a rookie to tears during the process, I was scared. I had to help her pull it together so she could see clearly and make a decision based on her dreams. I took her through the Wendy's drive thru for a Frosty  (true story) and after she calmed down and looked at the home again through different eyes, she saw her future there with her husband. 

This isn't the only dream I've been apart of over the years. It certainly isn't the only tears I've been around to watch through the home buying and selling process. And I'm glad it isn't the only dream I've been a witness to. Each home viewing, each contract, each home inspection, each final walkthrough and each closing represents a step taken in fulfilling a dream. 

For many, the dream starts at home ownership. For others, it's starting a family, becoming a doctor, living near grandchildren, volunteering in the community or helping a son or daughter attend college. 

For me the dream began at becoming my own boss and setting my own hours. It quickly changed to helping others fulfill their dreams. and In 2008 my job as a Realtor took a different direction. Being my own boss and having a flexible schedule allowed me to stay home with my newborn baby, nurse him most of the time when I needed to, and see him through trials and tribulations with school. My next little miracle was born in 2010, and for 5 years now, my dream has evolved. 

You can say I dreamed of drool and pbj stains. And you are right. I would not change any minute of my journey and I know many of my clients would not change theirs. As they continue to spend the next days and years in their new homes, I will spend the next days and years with the family I dreamed of and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me. Thank you real estate and thank you God for my wonderful life! Dreams do come true.