Have you ever thought about why you like being a Realtor? I like many aspects of being a Realtor among those things I like is one very unusual feature.
I like people so that is an easy transition. In real estate we meet a cross section of people from all walks of life. We get to see all types of structure...good and bad, but interesting. We get to see decorating concepts...and some that are very special in a twisted way.
I once represented a guy who used brown beer bottles and cemented them into the front of the house as siding. Can I share it took a while to sell! But people have some fascinating hobbies. So I get to learn all these unique and sometimes varying interesting things. 
I have purchased a few of the items from clients that they didn't want to move or were parting with in yard sales. One such item was a 1939 Philco radio with short wave. I bought it for $25.00. It didn't work...but I looked it over and found a broken wire to the power cord (before I bought it). I replace the power cord...plugged it in and beautiful music came rolling out of the 12" speaker! It has worked fine for over 30 years now. It is one of those items that people always ask about w
hen they see it. Dog was not included!
I purchase a microphone...not what you think. It is a 1915-18? microphone used in a speak easy. You have seen them in the old movies...the one with a the center suspended with springs. It still works but I have never wired it other than to test it. That too was one of my yard sale finds during one of my clients trash and treasure sales. I have been offered $1500.00 for my $5.00 purchase. He didn't know what it was, guessed it to be some old microphone.
This is a similar design but not the stage design like mine. Mine is 12" chrome plated and looks like the day it was taken out of the box! Mine mounts on a stand-up stand.
I just listed a condo where the lady collected figurines...they were every where...over 1200...her count! It was fascinating...and I could have retired, gone blind or ordered a new lenses for my glasses if I had taken the time to look at them all. Every surface was covered with the little darlings...her words.
I have a chair that was made in Europe over 160 years ago. My great great grand father brought it to this country. It was one of the few possessions that is still surviving his legacy, beside me and a few other descendants of course.
You have to marvel at what people collect. Trains, toys, little cast army figures, dolls, fishing tackle, coins, combs, photos, cards, buttons you name it somebody has a stash. Where else would you have the opportunity to see and learn so much about so many different cultures and items?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to expand my knowledge base with the help of some very open and sharing clients. I have one problem...I am to busy to take advantage of all they are willing to share. I have learned from Arabic clients, Asian clients, European clients, Indian client..from India, American Indian clients, Hispanic clients, African and African American clients too. They are willing to share their cultures, foods, religious beliefs almost anything you are willing to inquire they will answe
r.
I am always respectful of their beliefs and demonstrate it by my actions. I have had food prepared from all walks of life and nearly every culture...for me to sample. It is a blessing to be a Realtor and have such great fun and exposure...I sometimes feel I should be paying them for the knowledge I learn from them.
We truly have a profession like non other. We are invited into peoples homes. We are entrusted with the keys to their lives. It makes me smile when I think of the people that have shared so openly with me. My gift back was meeting their goals of buying and selling.
What an occupation! What have you learned while practicing your craft?
Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away!
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you're so right gary - its the constant change, the different people, conversations, walks of life, circumstances, paraphenalia..........that makes it so fascinating.! For a person who is easily bored it works! I too have bought some fascinating things from my clients.............one currently sitting in my livingroom is a 5' tall hand carved dragon! (it is looking for a new home) :-)