Vicki Goorchenko ABR, CRS, GRI

You hit the nail right on the head when you said your number of transactions was the same but it's the effort expended to acheive those results that is doing us in. I get the same question about businsess, and that same expression, and my answer mirrors yours. I just closed 2 transactions last week. My listing took 3 escrows to close (and it wasn't a short sale) with the firt 2 falling out after 17 and 25 days respectively for "a change in lender guidelines". Neither buyer could secure their "pre-approved" loan. Finally a buyer arrived with 20% down...and that is like gold! The sale where I represented the buyer took the same kind of turns. My buyers are a computer consultant and a CPA...you know where I am going here as both are self employed. They started out as 80/10/10, stated income, months ago, and ended up with gift funds to close at 20% down on a house $100,000 less than the first. What a reality check. So in all, to close 2 deals, I was involved in 5 escrows and it stretched over 4 months. The good news is, I closed 2 deals! This is our new world. Guidelines continue to change, banks go out of business and we push on trying to keep our clients from stressing out while we stay up late and get up early to do everything we can to keep our businesses on track and stay alert to the changes in our industry. I treated myself to Sunday off and ended up doing absolutely nothing! My only advice to you is to make sure you make time for yourself (try just an hour away from business) and be always grateful for the business you have and the opportunity we have to serve our clients. I believe in giving you receive and we are planting seeds now for an awesome business when Real Estate rebounds. Hang in there. I love your writing! Vicki Goorchenko Keller Williams Realty Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

I agree with Ralph...it's your passion! It's why you do what you do. And it's what draws people to you and gives you the business you have. But it can also be exhausting! In my So Calif marketplace, we don't really have a sales season like you do. We have activity year round and I sometimes envy places in the nation that have an off season....what would that be like? Our challenge is to create some counter balance in a lifestyle that can be all consuming if you let it. With focus and time blocking, you can regain some personal time, providing you have the courage to do it! For you, your 'balance' may be 'work hard for 3 months and then play!!' ...just a different flavor of balance! I enjoy your column-don't give up writing! Vicki Goorchenko Keller Williams Realty Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif www.LiveAtTheBeach.com

Kris- you nailed it!! I've always said it takes ADD to be a Realtor, and being a mom will jump start your path to success. Who else can multitask their multitasking!! You made my morning :D I am going to print out your article and keep it close, so when I get all crazy, I'll remember I'm not the only one! Have a GREAT day and go talk to someone!!