my Wife

My husband and I decided to buy fixers and flip, so I thought we could save some money by me being the agent, and loved it so much went full time.  Never looked back.

I was single and 45 years old. I needed a career change. With a Phd and two Master's Degrees behind me I didn't want to go back to school. It was either the finance industry or real estate. I suck at numbers so real estate won by default!

This is a second career.  Before you're allowed to be a permanent resident of Naples you have to produce your real estate license.

Evelyn Johnston it's by choice! I was looking forward to do something other than IT and a friend in Real Estate suggested - I'd be perfect for Real Estate! Rest is the history.

My Mother talked me into quitting my 25 year  retail job, move to Albuquerque and join her in real estate.

Evelyn Johnston My Wife was an agent. If you can't beat them, join them.

I thought I would be able to work flexible hours so I got my RE license.

Good morning Evelyn. I often ask that question as an ice breaker.

Make it a great day!

Good morning Evelyn. It wasn't much of a decision for me. I wrote in my High School year book that I was going into the real estate business. I figured that would give me the opportunity to buy real estate on a regular basis.

Evelyn - I sort of fell into it. I was in corporate finance for about 20 years, then got into lending for 2-3 years. I discovered that I didn't like the lending side and thought I would try working with clients to help them buy, sell, or invest in properties. I discovered I really enjoyed this role.

When I moved to Kauai and the market was good for investments. After handling several contracts for my friends I thought I really should be making the commission on these sales. 

A great question.  I think a lot of folks had another career before becoming a Real Estate Agent.  When I move from the west coast to the east coast, I had to make a new career choice.. and real estate looked very attractive because it would "force" me to learn the area.  

I became a real estate broker while still in law school and that confirmed my career path.

Fatigued of the Law.

I wanted my own business with little start up capital.

Over 35 years ago my wife's aunt suggested I and her 18 year old son go to a C21 meeting and check it out.

I never had no idea for the first couple years what I would accomplish

I needed to put food on the table.

The desire to change my office location from Seat 1D (several times a week)!

There are many reasons. I could write quite a bit about this, but I'll spare everyone. 

 I decided to become a reator 22 years ago because my wife and I were appalled how realtors treated us while working with them to buy a home. My impression of realtors was very low. I figured if someone got into that field and treated people fairly, they'd do well. 

I wanted to be one because you drive around drinking coffee at peoples house all day. Fill out papers, slam a sign in the yard and you get the WHOLE commission! LOL I was wrong.

My retails stores went out of business in 1989. I was doing nothing for months and I found myself with an addiction building, Knots Landing reruns. I knew that I had to act or lose my mind and real estate looked good. True story.

I started working for a man who had his surveying license, real estate license and appraisal license.  I managed all three businesses.  He encouraged me to get my license so I could do more.  And then he hired a man in a position equal to mine.  When I found out "Bill" was making more money than I did, I questioned it.  "Bill's a guy" was the answer.  I went into sales full time and never looked back.  No glass ceiling here.

I loved teaching.... however, the pay was absurdly low....teachers were always on vacation....and I knew it was time to find another career.... I knew nothing about real estate so I thought I'd take the licensing course and loved it....