The Reality of Real Estate:

Debunking the Myth of Flexibility in the Industry

When I first got into real estate, I had this idea that there would be flexibility in my schedule. I could set my own hours and work when I wanted to. But as I quickly learned, that's not really the case.

In reality, your schedule as a realtor is completely dependent on your clients. You have to be available when they are, which means working evenings and weekends, and being ready to show them homes or take them to open houses at a moment's notice.

The real estate market itself also plays a huge role in dictating your schedule. In a fast-paced, competitive market like Seattle, where I'm based, you have to be prepared to move quickly. If a property comes on the market and you don't show it to your client that same day, it might already be sold by the next day. That means that sometimes, you have to drop everything to show a property, even if it's not convenient for you.

As a new realtor, you don't have a lot of flexibility because you're still building your business and don't have the resources to delegate tasks to others. But as you grow and become more successful, you can create more flexibility for yourself by hiring assistants or partnering with other agents.

However, even the most senior and successful realtors will tell you that there's not a lot of flexibility in this business. Clients always come first, and you have to be ready to drop everything to help them. Even if you're on vacation, you might have to take a call or write an offer if it means securing your client's dream home.

In conclusion, if you're getting into real estate with the expectation of having a lot of flexibility in your schedule, you might want to think again. This is a demanding and competitive business, and you have to be willing to put your clients first and work hard to succeed. But for those who are up for the challenge, it can also be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.