I understand you reasoning about calls, weekends, etc.

But I see 2 things…

- write offs; can’t do this when you work at a “regular” job.

- also, lets say the median price of a home back in 1990 was $200,000 and today it’s $550,000. 3% back then would be $6000, and today, 3% would be $16,500. If I did my math right, this is a 175 % increase !!! Tell me one other profession (other than professional ball player) that’s had a 175% increase in 15 years. ALso, is my realtor providing me 175% more service – I don’t think so!

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. You have managed to sum up in a mere 3000 words of poetic song the glamour that is real estate. And for the record, I have never eaten Pop Tarts at an open house but admit that, pre-Broadband days, I was guilty on occassion of patching into the neighbor’s unsecured wireless network to “fill my shopping cart” while passing the time. And I resent the circus reference. Circus people are seen as eccentrics on the fringe of society, people who must use flashy, slick promotional leaflets to promote their acts, transients who move from one location to another seeking a new audience to entertain and capitalize on before … oh wait… never mind.

Medusa

Sure, in your profession there are many hardships and hurdles such as the nonexistent weekends and holidays, the absence of sponsored health care insurance, the endless and ungrateful negotiations, clients wound tighter than a watch, out of pocket advertising dollars, etc, etc.
But isn’t there a whole other side of the coin here of bennies and unsung perks that go along with the daily grind? I took a moment to reflect on my observations and thoughts and only thought it fair to submit these for your review.
What about the freedom and flexibility you have when hosting an open house when its pouring cats and dogs outside or people are watching the Chargers instead?
You have carte blanche to rummage through the pantry and look for the perfect snack that will help ease the pain when its only 1:30. Of course it goes without saying the refrigerator becomes an all you can eat smorgasbord. All of this at your fingertips without the possibility of anyone coming in while you’re unwrapping a Pop Tart. How sweet is that ! This will save oodles of time on your way home in that you won’t have to stop for dinner. Your loved ones will have to fend for themselves however. That, is a major plus in anyone’s favor. Let’s move on.
How about the gratis physical fitness that comes along with manhandling one of those “Open House” signs into the soft, velvety smooth soil of San Diego ? Watch your upper body and calf muscles go the distance as you sculpt yourself reminiscent of a Greek Goddess. Other than Medusa, this is something that you need to keep in mind when moaning about the split commission.
Ever consider all of the good things that can come your way when you have to stop by the Home Depot in Mira Mesa to pick up a spare key, a light bulb or a garage door opener for the absent minded client? Digest the beauty of multiple lanes of traffic coming and going as you catch the red light at the intersection of Westview Parkway and Mira Mesa Boulevard. Let your mind wander for the 8 minutes in which you have nothing to do until you see a green dot up above. You can buy tomorrow’s Union Tribune, have no choice but to share the teenagers excruciating bass and heart pounding beat of an artist that would make a sailor blush. If you’re really lucky, eye contact is always a treat as well. Help your fellow man by contributing to the triumvirate homeless monopoly that stand at attention on every median strip. Dig deep and forget about replacing the fliers which are waiting for you at the printers.
You blog reminds me of the guy who follow the elephants in the circus with the shovel and broom. He gets offered another job and says proudly “no thanks, and get out of show business.”

- Nelson