for steering me away from this career. I was seriously thinking about becoming an agent, but thanks to the lovely folks on this board I have thought better of it. I am jaded in the fact that I have always been what I think you folks would consider a great customer. I have always pre-qualified my new home purchases with my personal mortgage broker, knew exactly the area I wanted to move to and then and only then found an agent to handle my documents, listings and so forth. Between my wife and I we have bought half a dozen homes over the years. The process has always been the same. It's usually been fairly painless and our agent has rarely done anything more then pull listings for us and showed us the homes we were interested in. We have never looked at more then 10 or so and we usually go to them first before calling our agent to get us access into the home. Recently I thought about becoming an agent because it didn’t seem like it would be all that difficult based on the kind of buyers we are. I see now that it isn’t “us” that’s the problem, it’s the "others" that are your problems. I had no idea people wasted so much of your time. Having read many of the threads on this board, I think I will pass on the opportunity and find something else. Thanks I suppose

As I am rather new to these boards I can’t take any credit for your decision but I think you are looking at this the wrong way. There are surely many people that can make you life more difficult than it has to be but the fun is in the challenge! I can think of very few businesses that one can start (in my mind that is essentially what you are doing) where the money you make is only limited by the time and effort you put into it. I personally find it quite satisfying to know that I am helping people achieve a dream. I know it sounds cheesy and don’t get me wrong I am a BIG fan of capitalism but when you bust your tail to get that family in that house that they never thought they could get, well that’s just awesome. Its not going to be easy, there’s going to be long hours and you may not always get what you fell you are due but I really do feel the rewards and potential income well than make up for it. But good luck in what ever endeavor you embark on.

You are being VERY practical prodaytrader. I hear new agents come through my door all the time saying "My agent didn't do anything so I thought I could do this" or "I've bought & sold so many of my own houses that I have the experience needed". Once they get in they realize how hard it really is. It's not about showing people property, wasting time with them and/or knowing how the house buying process goes. You OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS. You have to know how to run a business, be disciplined & self motivated, know where & HOW to get business, have sales & closing skills etc. It is SO much more than just showing property.