Anxiety & Real Estate
Did you know? I'm a licensed Real Estate agent in the state of Michigan. I got my license last year. It had been something that I had talked about for years. It started back in 2008/2009 when I worked with someone who was an agent/broker and he had suggested I get my license. It had interested me. I thought it would be a cool job, matchmaking people with their dream home. I never ended up doing it though. I was too busy, I didn't have the extra money to take the class in order to pass the test. I started my masters. The list goes on. I actually took the class and passed the test at the end of 2018. But in order to actually get your license, you have to have a broker. And I didn't find mine before the end of the year.
Last year I sold and bought a new house. Wasn't too bad. My brokerage (Key Realty) has a lot of training information and forms and documents. Everything is stored on a site that I have easy and quick access to. A few questions to my broker and really I was all set. I had made 2 successful transactions in my 1st year as an agent. I wasn't sure where I wanted to take this, especially since real estate is about making connections and networking. Which is my weakness. I'm working on it though. And have decided that I'd like to do 3 transactions this year. Because, why not? I'm a mom, now living in my own home, just me and my toddler. I'd love to help another mom find a home for her and her kids. I struggle with anxiety and depression. I understand how difficult it is to make phone calls and answer questions about what I'm looking for in a home. I had an agent when I bought my first home in 2016. It was difficult having to make phone calls with the agent, with the mortgage company. It can be exhausting for anyone and more so for those of us struggling with anxiety/depression.
I just decided on doing 3 transactions this year. I wasn't really sure I wanted to pursue real estate purely from the social interaction I would have to have with people. But, I feel like I need to be a model for my daughter and do things regardless of the fear I have. To show her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. It's really a mind over matter life. It's going to take a lot on my part to be more intentional to pass out business cards and to market myself. Since I really haven't made it very public that I'm an agent. But it will be a fun learning experience and I hope to learn more about myself.
So, let me try to sell myself a bit here... If you know someone who is looking to sell or buy a home, send them my way! I'd be more than happy to help.
Any tips for someone with anxiety in real estate? Do you have a job or career that requires you to go out of your comfort zone? Tell me about it.