I haven't always been a Realtor, although it might have been an easier path to go into the family real estate business right from the start. My Grandfather founded Town and Shore Real Estate Company in Norwalk before it became DiScala Associates and morphed into a commercial real estate company. But I was more interested in psychology.
I was the first in my large family to go off to college and get my master's degree. I loved being a psychotherapist, and as a profession it was a good fit for me. Coming from a large family with questionable boundaries and overly expressive temperaments, I developed a good skill set for helping people. I am told I am a good listener and problem solver, as well as compassionate, honest, and kind.
At some point along my own journey, I quickly realized that these same skills could easily be applied to the real estate profession. It occurred to me that for most people, buying and selling houses isn't just a task, rather the underlying motivation is often fueled with emotion due to some specific life event: marriage, divorce, job relocation, downsizing, extended family needs, all of which bring emotion to the process.
My previous profession adds a layer of expertise in helping people manage that emotional energy that comes with making all of the decisions related to a move. Not always, but often, people just want a calm voice in the storm and a steadfast person that they can trust. Sometimes the relationship becomes more important than the sale. That might sound counter intuitive for a sales person, but I have found that the importance of that relationship is underscored in the repeat business and referrals that my clients give me and I can't think of a nicer compliment.
