Making It As A Novelist -- Johnny Ray Finds It's Much Different Than The World As A Realtor

May 25, 2008 - PRLog -- THE MAKING OF A NOVELIST

What becomes of top Realtors do when the market crashes?

Some take a large cut in pay.  Some lie to themselves − the market will turn around soon, I just need to keep hanging in there. Some change their title from Realtor to − waiter or waitress.  Some become writers.
 
Writers?  Well, that is what I decided to do after over thirty years in the business. Yes, I am now reinventing myself as Johnny Ray, the Novelist.

Is there a big difference?  Perhaps.  In real estate you talk to maybe several hundred people a day, as a writer you become a hermit, talking to no one.  In real estate only a few really make the big bucks − the same is true of writers.  It takes years to make it as a writer − true: however, if I remember right, I did not make any money in real estate for years either.  It takes a very high level of skill to make it as a writer.  The same is true of a Realtor.  However, in both cases, name recognition is still the key to success.  

The one area that makes the change interesting is the stories a realtor accumulates over the years.  Trust me − there is no shortage of these stories that need telling.

Both require hard work. In real estate a sixty hour week is the norm.  The same is true of writing.  A normal day consist of two hours of writing, four hours of editing and polishing, two hours of research, two hours of promoting, and two hours of contacting agents, editors and publicist .  

The frustration of my clients when I was a full time realtor is what makes the change so refreshing.  Like so many other realtors, yes I have kept my license active and hope for better times.  But, after having a taste of writing, it might be hard to ever talk me into returning to the arena. A brief story of how the real estate market has changed, written from the point of view of the client will make the point.

Thanks for – nothing

.  In making any financial decision, it helps to have all of the facts.  Well, welcome to the world of real estate.   So, the first thing you do is contact an agent.  Then you learn that you first have to sign a real estate agency disclosure.  Depending on the house, the agent could be representing the seller, or he could be representing the buyer; and, in some states he could be representing both.  So that things do not get too simple, the agent could just be a transaction broker and represent no one.  And under the rules of confidentiality, the agent might not be able to tell you anything.
However, needing to buy a house, you sign the disclosure document and start to work with an agent.    The first question you are asked is, “Where do you want to look?”
To which you reply, “We are new to the area; where do you suggest?”
Under federal laws you are told, “We can not suggest, it is considered steering and we do not want to get in trouble breaking laws.”  The agent hands you a map and waits on an answer.
You locate an area you have heard of and say, “I have heard of this area, how are the schools?”
“Everyone has different opinion about how good a particular a school is.  There are many web sites that you can check out, if it is important to you.  Also, if you see a house you like, it is your responsibility to check out the proper zoning.”
Okay, this is getting interesting.  “Can you tell me about the crime rate in this area?”
“I wish I could: however, you are welcome to go to the internet to do some research.”
Then you ask, “Can you tell me the racial mixture of the area.”
The response is the same, the agent does not want to get in trouble and lose his license.
In desperation, you pull out the ad and say you would like to see this one.  It looks older so you ask, “Do you think this house is in good shape.”
You are then informed that the agent is not a builder, and it would be good to have your own home inspector and that there were many to select from in the yellow pages.
Not being from this state, you have some questions about the contract wording but know it is no use in asking since you would be told that the agent is not a lawyer.  Also, it is interesting to note one paragraph at the bottom of the listing information where the agent is not responsible for any representation they may or may not have been made.  The same would be true of an opinion on the value; the agent is not an appraiser.  
On the way to the house, you ask, “How large is the house.”
The reply is simple, “It is a large house.”
Thanks.  At least it is something. “How many square feet is it”
“Since many people measure square feet different, you are welcome to measure it yourself.  You know some people measure from outside wall, and some people from inside walls.  Also, some count closets and garage space, etc, and some do not.  I am sure you can understand,” he says with a smile.
The house is directly in front of you now, so you decide to ask one more question, but want to make it very easy for the agent to answer.  “Let me ask you one more question, does the lot run all of the way to the back?”   Smiling broadly, maybe now you can get at least one answer – yes.
Wrong!  “You will have to check with a surveyor on that one,” the agent says returning the smile.
Now, let me ask − is there really some much difference from being a fiction writer than there is in being a Realtor.  Just kidding!

Johnny Ray’s web site is located at www.sirjohn.us and his e-mail is sirjohn@wwisp.com  He is an avid speak and welcomes your invitation, especially if you pay good.  I mean, pay well − whatever − it does take a while to make this change.