When you think of America, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s appreciation that we live in the land of opportunity, or the many freedoms we enjoy, or perhaps it’s something more patriotic like Independence on the 4th of July and our stars and stripes? For many people, the best way we can describe the essence of this great nation is still with the cliché, “As American as mom, baseball, and apple pie.”
But I’d like to add one more item to that list of things that are quintessentially American: Realtors.
Your first instinct might be to chuckle and dismiss this as a stretch, but after decades of working as a mortgage professional side-by-side with scores of real estate agents from just about every real estate brokerage, I really believe this to be true.
In fact, with approximately 2 million active real estate licenses in the United States according to the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) working at more than 86,000 brokerages, sales professionals that help homeowners buy and list homes are a significant part of the workforce, economy, and even fabric of our society.
So to pay tribute to all the hard working, diligent, and caring Realtors out there, here are my 10 reasons why Realtors are as American as mom, baseball, and apple pie:
- Realtors help build communities.
What’s the difference between a unified, cohesive, and thriving neighborhood compared to just a collection of houses on the same street? The difference really comes down to caring; people who care about their neighbors, the people on their block, their local schools and parks, and all of those in the communities they live in. In fact, the true fabric that makes up America is strong communities, and Realtors are a critical part of weaving that tapestry by helping create strong communities, not just collections of residents.
- The pillar of diversity.
Go to any neighborhood in any city the United States and you will real estate agents working tirelessly to help its residents, no matter rich or poor, what nationality, religion, creed, background, or race. For that reason, real estate celebrates and encourages diversity like no other industry – one of the pillars on which America was founded!
- No one works harder than Realtors!
As Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” and there are no one works harder than Realtors! It may look like a vacation because they’re always smiling, chatting, and hanging out with wonderful people, but in fact, real estate is one of the most challenging and labor-intensive professions you could undertake.
- They embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.
There is nothing more American than the chance to control your own destiny and real estate agents have intrepid entrepreneurial spirits, just like our ancestors that settled this country and then made it great. Always eager to embrace an entrepreneurial lifestyle on the go, I once heard a Realtor say that they worked 80 hours a week so they didn’t have to work 40 hours a week for someone else!
- Real estate agents serve – and represent – the common man.
Real estate agents come from every background, walk of life, and prior career you can think of, but usually they are average people from middle or working class backgrounds who somewhere along the way fell in love with the profession of buying and selling houses. Likewise, the Realtors I know LOVE working with first-time home buyers, young couples, novice investors, and even those going through some financial hardships just as much selling luxury homes – making them true champions of the common person!
- They give back.
I have NEVER encountered a more charitable and giving group of people than real estate agents. From fundraisers to food drives, donations for the needy to golf tournaments for good causes, and constantly volunteering to serve their communities, the Realtors I know have huge hearts.
- Don’t forget about summertime, holidays, and backyard barbecues!
It’s no coincidence that real estate agents are busiest during the summer season, often work on U.S. holidays when everyone else get’s vacation, and are always showing up and networking at barbecues – three things that are truly American.
- They personify sacrifice.
Real estate agents take on a whole lot of roles that they’re not compensated for, including advisors, admin assistants, home decorators, counselors, psychologists, and amateur contractors. They also work long hours without the promise of a guaranteed paycheck and always are willing to go the extra mile, making that extra phone call, going out to show homes in the pouring rain, and working overtime on nights, weekends and holidays just to please their clients. Their family and personal lives might even suffer for the greater good. Sometimes, their job is thankless but WE recognize and applaud Realtors for all of the sacrifices they make!
- Realtors work hard…and play harder!
Most real estate agents I know are stuffy and serious, planted at their desk with their nose in their computer day and night. Just kidding! In reality, Realtors are some of the most energetic, dynamic, hilarious, vibrant, and downright fun people I’ve ever been around! I can’t think of another industry where social events, outings, and genuine friendships are such a big part of business as usual. If you don’t believe me, take your Realtor friends out for a few glasses of wine, on a ski trip to Tahoe, or attend one of their Christmas parties!
- Real estate agents nurture the American dream of home ownership.
The American Dream has always been about opportunity, the chance for regular people to achieve great things with hard work and dedication, ensuring that their children and the next generation will be even more prosperous and successful. Over the course of U.S. history, there has been nothing that helps us achieve that American Dream more than home ownership, the gateway to a better life for all people!