Real estate agents LOVE underdog stories. We root for the rookie agent who beats the top producer. The solo agent competing against giant teams.The part-time agent who closes a massive listing. The new licensee trying to survive in a market where interest rates, inventory, lawsuits, social media “experts,” and doom-and-gloom headlines are all screaming: “Good luck, buddy.” And if you’ve been in real estate for more than about 14 minutes, chances are you’ve felt like the un

When I first got into real estate nearly 30 years ago, I thought success meant being available 24/7. Buyer wanted to see a house at 8:45 PM? I was backing out of the driveway before they hung up the phone. Holiday weekend? No problem. Family dinner? Overrated.Personal boundaries? Never heard of them. I vividly remember showing tiny $50,000 condos on Easter Sunday. And yes… it led to a sale. But looking back? That commission check wasn’t nearly as valuable as the time I ga