There are many reasons why we are in the business and we need to remember each and every one of them. When real estate markets are changing, we sometimes focus on what is happening at the time, especially when it isn't positive, instead of focusing on what put us in this crazy business in the first place. You can probably add much more to this list, but these are the highlights from my career:

Money

Let’s be frank—the amount of money that we can earn is unlimited. The harder and smarter you work, the more you make. Period. You can also be first to know of good “buys” on the market where you can make your money grow. Investing in your own product is one of the largest benefits that we have, yet few of us actually take advantage of this. Rethink your strategy if you have not invested in real estate. You make great money in this business and you should put it back into what you know is an outstanding long-term investment. Just put 10% of every commission check aside for investing in real estate and you will have a fabulous estate for your retirement.

Freedom

You are in total control of your time. You can have it all and be a terrific Realtor. Budgeting your time for helping at your children’s school, enjoying a favorite hobby, and spending long weekends away are the perks of this business. The key to having this freedom is being focused on what is important in real estate during the time you are working. If you spend the majority of your time on paperwork instead of prospecting than something is very wrong and you will not be able to have the freedom that is so wonderful about this business. Make every minute count—prospect!

Dreams

One of the most fulfilling reasons for being a Realtor is helping people enjoy the American Dream of home ownership. It is so rewarding handing a young couple the keys to their first home; or helping a growing family move into a larger one; or empty nesters move into their cozy retirement home. We help people accomplish their dreams and goals!

Friends

You will make friends for life of many of your clients. We are in a position in this business to meet many people—some just click who have the same interests as you do. It is one of the biggest bonuses to find people who care about you the same as you care about them.

Sense of Accomplishment

There is a certain amount of pride that you feel when you are able to list a property at the correct price; when you are able to get the seller the best price for his property; when you bring a buyer to the “right” house and they purchase it; but, also when you stick to your prospecting and get an appointment. We have so many times when we know that our compensation is in direct correlation to what we do. You want to pick up the phone and call; you want to knock on that door; you want to send that note to your past client; you want to get that mailer out. Every time you accomplish a task that you know will bring you results (whether long run or short run) it fills you with more desire to keep doing it.

New Challenges

Every day there is something new to be learned about the business. The laws change constantly; there is a new sales technique that worked well; you have a new marketing idea that you haven’t tried before; there is a new twist to a sales contract that you haven’t had to deal with. No two transactions are the same. Every one has its learning curves. It’s exciting to be learning every day. Our business never gets boring!

We need to remember every day why we are in the business of selling real estate. Create your own list and refer to it from time to time so that when the going gets a little tough, you keep going. Why did you get into real estate? Are you enjoying all the benefits that you thought you would? The truly successful agent is the one who knows why they are in the real estate game.