Uncategorized December 2, 2020

From Ground Zero to 1000 Closings: How 9/11 Inspired Me To Become a Real Estate Agent

Sept. 11, 2001 is anything but a long-lost memory for many Americans. Anyone who has been to an airport or endured an emergency-evacuation drill needs no reminder of how its effects endure. For me, too, September 11, 2001 was a date that changed everything. Ultimately, it changed the direction and course of my life.

Shortly after the Twin Towers fell, the nation began to mourn the loss of so many lives. People began to take a good look at their lives.  Many of us, including me, realized that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. This hard reality made me start to question my career choice. I looked deep inside myself and questioned what my true passion in life was. Realizing my 15-year career as a legal secretary was not what I really wanted to do with my life, I decided to quit my job.

Quitting my job wasn’t an easy choice. My friends and family thought it was a foolish and hasty decision, but nonetheless gave me their support in following my dream to be a real estate agent.

In addition to the support of my friends and family, there were two things I kept in mind as I moved forward in pursuit of my real estate dreams. The first, of course, was the harsh reality of 9/11: that life is uncertain. The second was realizing that I had a true purpose: helping others to find a home to call their own.

It was a good thing that I was all in and very committed to doing real estate, because it was harder than I thought it would be. Going in, I thought it would be easy: no boss, make my own hours. What a piece of cake! I couldn’t have been more wrong. Just passing the real estate licensing exam felt like a challenge—I was shocked and elated when I found out I passed! After that hurdle, I signed on to be an agent with Sibcy Cline. I was ready for my first transaction! I hoped it would be easy and go smoothly….instead, it was almost my last!

My first sale: a multi-family home that was owned by my parents.

The first property I listed as a selling agent was my parents’ multi-family, and they insisted I be there for every showing. As it turned out, I also represented the buyers in the sale, which was a bit tricky for a first-time agent. I felt like I was thrown to the wolves!

Like most real estate agents, I will always remember that first sale. I came out on the other side even stronger and more encouraged about this new path I had chosen.

Now, 18 years later, I am still a part of the Sibcy Cline family and am humbled to say that I have closed 1,000 transactions. For all newer agents who might not know if real estate is the right choice for them, stand tall and proud and if you continue to believe in the work that you do, the possibilities are endless.