I believe that the dream is still very much alive - 13K agents in my one market is a testament to that.

However, the 20% who survive in the business realize that it is hard work and wealth can only come from that hard work but, it's a good ways down the road!

I find public sentiment to be split between a few ideas about us- there's (1) those who view us negatively- think we are overpaid & a step above a used car salesman & there's (2) those who envy the ability to work from home, make easy money & dine out often & lastly there are (3) those who are intrigued; who want to know what I know about the market, the neighbors, etc. The public sees you through whatever lense they are looking through. 

I never got into RE to get rich, I saw it as a means to achieve the life style I desired Richie Alan Naggar . Not a lifestyle of glammer but a lifestyle where I could spend plenty of time with my wife and kids and still pay the bills.

In a rapidly appreciating market like we've had/still have, yes it is rampant.  In a normal market, not so much because people realize "Work" is involved.

Wealth was not the biggest reason for me. I had retired from a corporate career and wanted to work for myself.

I provide a service to my clients, but I never wanted to be everything to everyone. If I really wanted fame and fortune it would not have been in real estate.

Many quit due to the ignorance to the minutia of our industry. HGTV I'm sure has mislead tens of thousands in.

I think the misconception that it's a relatively easy way to make money while having a flexible schedule is a problem.  Few realize the work involved.  We brought a lot of it on ourselves with our "Million Dollar Producer" banners and such.  Did the public think WE made that Million Dollars?  Probably. 

you get out of it what you put into it.... learn it and apply it.... you can soar with the eagles, if you do it properly....

Hopes and dreams are still present. So is reality. 

1 yes

2 no

Yes, I beleive there are still some out there who beleive being a realtor is easy money and we are all wealthy!  NOT!  It takes hard work and long hours.. and a lot of new agents get a rude awakening and soon drop out..

I think the general misconception that being a licensed real estate agent is easy money may be propogated by unrealistic TV. The reality is very few are making the big bucks!

For me it is not so much about dreams of riches as it is about dreams of building huge teams of high achievers.

It is hard to isolate the reason for approaching 1.4 million REALTORS® but the needless recruiting by brokers desparate for any transactions to keep them afloat is I believe to be a big problem. I also don't think that they are as truthful as they should be about the pitfalls and expenses. It puts a sharp focus on the Utah student questions about how to choose a broker. There are great ones out there and I think my future answer will be choose one that offers you cold and clear reality.

1. No

2. No

It's the same now as it was 50 years ago, the only things that have changed are the real estate laws & regulations, the technology and the prices.

I don't think so. I think this year some pundits are throwing around the recession thing which might stop many newbies.

The allure, does not include the hard work, the time spent/invested in growing your business.   

Yes, the allure is still there. 

1.  I do not know.  It was not why I got into real estate.  

2. I do not believe it is true.  At least not for most. 

Lots of money is a dream that can be realized if you concentrate on success first and are willing to pay the price.

1. The allure is still there for the many new licensees.

2. Yes...for some people.

Richie,

It depends on the individual and their desires to follow through.  I have seen newbies out earn high producers...A

Our area realtors after 10 year decided to get a benefited job. Stock option, free lunch, vacation, 401K. If they pay college juniors $100,000 to learn what the work place is like, how many will hang around  in retail?   There is always Tesla looking for hard working workers..... Free snack.... No training. Get busy push the numbers just like RE.

Great point of discussion Richie! 1. Yes, there are newbies dreaming of fast money by chasing the money and then there are those who understand that success takes time and settle in for the long haul. 2. Depends on amount of money saved, motivation, sphere of influence and tried and true methods implemented.

Starting with the second question: Yes the money is good, if you're lucky, for a while. Or if you're good, consistently.

We love to apologize for our ability to attract and earn great wealth so the public doesn't think that we are selfish greedy bastards, by reminding them how exhaustingly we toil.

What we do takes a lot of work. But it takes more knowledge and intelligence and creativity and resourcefulness. Acquire that, and it's still true.

Lotta Busy Backsons (Rabbit in the Tao of Pooh) fronting they're so very busy when they're really just adrift. For them, it's not true and never going to be true.

I just wanted to wear cute shoes and show pretty houses. Then. Now, Sketcher WalkFits, big dirt and dusty buildings LOL. In between bloody Marias, friends, dog, manifesting and rocking.❤🎸😎🐶🎶💋🥃

Dreams still play an important part in successful businesses.

Reality: 90% of ALL new business's fail in regards to being profitable. For 10% number two may be true.

Reality: Real estate business is not different. The harsh light or disappointment turns the sweet words bitter.

The real question to ask is if those looking at real estate are simply looking for opportunity or are they in it for the shoes?

Then question two must be what is the deciding factor between options like these:

Agent
Loan officer
T-shirt decorating business
Lawn/sprinkler business
Amway/Mary Kay
Commissioned cold caller.
The allure is really misdirected because the smart action must be based on scalability. A newbie really hasn't such vision. Those really hitting it big in real estate figured out how to NOT DO THE WORK which equals scalability.

1. Yes

2. No (not sure it ever was true for most)

Unfortunate when the prime motivation for choosing to be an agent, or to have a dream, is the money.  Immediately this puts you in a tough spot with clients and all kinds of potential stress and personal problems.  If it happens... good for you .. as long as you still manage to have "quality" of life at the same time.

I mean, what's wrong with making a decent or adequate living and helping people find their own home? .. is that not a dream worth getting excited about?  

I've seen lot of miserable agents on all ends of the money making scale... loosing marriages, etc.. and for many agents they end up in a constant state of anxiety.  Either they are anxious when they "are" busy.. and then "anxious" when they are NOT busy. 

Where and when is there an off button?.. If you do not find that "off" button the business can crush you with too much or too little.  What excites me is "quality" not "quantity"... and I think be a healthy perspective.

No.

I have had some call me and ask about this industry, and they DO bring up the amount of money that they COULD make.   This that is why they don't stay in the biz, they don't know how hard it is to continue making a good living.

I like to say if you work your tail off you can still make a good living.

Anyone who works hard and has more than the average person is looked upon with some jealousy

Yep, i just talked to an agent like that. His property, his rules, he is a broker and he owns the property too. He got a license to make money, the rest is not even relevant. 

Well many think it is easy and many more find out how hard it is