posted on April 13, 2005 03:36:21 PM new
Hi everyone, I have been away from this board for quite some time and now I have a crazy idea in my head. I'm looking for some advice, thoughts, suggestions, etc. I'll try to make this as short as possible. I quit my job of 18 years in August 2001 to sell on eBay full-time. I had been selling part time and was doing quite well. 911 happened and people were afraid to receive mail. I got very discouraged and got a job. I now work for a Real Estate company as a secretary but am a licensed REALTOR. Since I am making much less now than I did at my former job I have this crazy idea to quit the secretary job and sell on eBay full time and sell Real estate part time. One of my reasons for this idea is my mother, who is 74, and not in good health. She lives with us in a mother-in-law apartment attached to our garage. I would love the chance to spend more quality time with mom due to her age and health. Also my father, who is 70, lives in an apartment and needs constant supervision. I am his only caregiver. My husband works hard as a concrete finisher and is a good provider but not much help to me taking care of mom and dad. I'm not complaining about that because I could never work in 30 or 95 degree weather like he does. I know he works hard and is tired. Am I a total lunatic for such an idea? Thanks! BArbara
posted on April 13, 2005 04:39:29 PM new
Since you already work in a real estate company, you should realize that there is no future in PART TIME real estate. You're either in it 24-7 or you are doomed to failure.
I can empathize with your situation with your parents, as I went thru it with mine several years ago. My wife is now going thru it with her mother.
If you've been successful doing eBay part time, and can handle the supply-demand of full time, why not give it a shot?
posted on April 13, 2005 05:07:34 PM new
Hi Max40, thanks for your reply. I know what they say about part time real estate and I guess I should have clarified my statement. There are people in the office that would like to use my skills (not that I have a ton) to do things for them like doing their postcards, showings, open houses, running errands, etc. If I make a sale from floor time on weekends it would be great but I would not rely on the Real Estate part of it for steady income. I would also not rely on the people in the office because I know I would not be needed everyday. As I said in my first post I did pretty well on eBay and it was something I loved doing. Plus, it would let me be home to take mom to the doctor, grocery store, Wal-Mart (she's a big fan of that place), etc. and also check up on my dad and try to keep his apartment clean. He's a pretty free spirit when it comes to spending his money and he doesn't get much so I try to monitor him as much as I can. I am going to have to think about this awhile before I make the big leap. Thanks again. Barbara
