I was recently asked if I was a full-time broker, as in do I really make a living only selling real estate in the Aspen market. Initially, that question caught me off guard, but after thinking about it, I realized it is a great question. It seems everyone has a license; your ski instructor, waiter, bartender, even your kid’s teacher.
Funny thing is, I never really thought about the amount of competition related to being the 661st* licensee in Aspen. After pondering the above question, I realized that a large majority of those obtaining real estate credentials do so on the off chance they may have a big transaction resulting in a big commission. Heck, one deal a year could be a good living, even in Aspen.
I once heard someone say, “Do what you love and the money will follow”. I never joined Douglas Elliman to pursue big paychecks. I am not naïve enough to think I can simply get my license and work a deal or two a year and call it good. I made this move because it was the culmination of my 30 years of vocational experiences, all of which uniquely prepared me to represent buyers and sellers of real estate.
The more successful of the 660 do not have some secret that sets them apart from the rest. My job is to work hard, creatively think out of the box, be honest, ethical, and continue to master my craft. This is what I love and what I am made to do.
I answered yes to the question.
*661 is an approximation and may not be the actual number of brokers in Aspen.
