I've been called many things in my day; Bartender, Photographer, Officer, Server, Counselor, Youth Worker, Landscaper, Lifeguard, General Laborer, Manager, Supervisor, Writer, Intellect, Tall, Best Friend, Enemy, Sarcastic, Nomadic, and Erratic. As time goes on, I've come to not only look kindly on these "labels" but appreciate the gifts and freedom God's given me to do, say and act completely fearless of the future. From all of these, none has stuck and felt as right at "Real Estate Agent"!!
It was 2008. I was working as The Manager of a group home for kids with Autism. I was dealing with a chaotic world, surrounded by employees with a very low work ethic. In the evenings and on weekend, I was Bartending at an Irish Pub making questionable decisions and rubbing shoulder with the wrong kind of people... Nomadic as I was, I needed a change. I had always had an interest in Real Estate and dreamed of one day owning and flipping my very own house. I signed up for the OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) Phase 1 course to become an Agent. Looking back, I wasn't "in it". Thinly spread as I was, I wasn't giving the books the attentions they deserved. I bought a home and put the vision of coming an agent to bed for a while.
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| My First Home! |
... a few world travels later, career changes and moves, I wound up in Jail!
(I'll clarify don't get nervous!) I was living in British Columbia, loving life. I had rented out my home and was living the West Coast Dream! I had applied to the RCMP, and failed the entry exam by 0.01%. (Try to imagine how stoked I was to read THAT doozie of a letter) On the bottom of the rejection letter were some suggestions on how to better prepare for the exam, one being : "get a job in the Justice System " Seemed like a good idea at the time, so I applied to become a Corrections Officer at a Youth Detention Centre.... (hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it?)... 3 weeks later, I was back in Ontario; in Hamilton of all places training to become a Corrections Officer. 5 weeks of training came and went (but not easily) I was fitted for a uniform and thrown into the dragon's den.
In the interest of Self-Preservation, I'll leave the details of this job to a face to face talk if you like.
... The vision and desire to become a Real Estate Agent had never been so rampant. I picked up the Phase 1 book where I had left it 2 years ago, and couldn't put it down. I mauled through the course as quick as humanly possible! Work, Study, Work, Class, Overnight-Shift straight to class, Work, Sleep, Study... repeat. I WAS DONE!
David Ibrahim, Sales Representative @ Century 21 The Heritage Group.
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| The First Home Office |
I hit the ground running!
Month one, I was named Highest Grossing Rookie in the office.
Month two, two sales down.
Month three.... you get the idea!
I found my vocation. Finally a job that combines every aspect of life that I love and i'm great at!
As an agent, I think my job is more than searching the Internet for listings, it's more than being a negotiator and business man.... It's a way of life, my passion. Admittedly still a very new agent, with much to learn; I quickly realized the value in being a good human being! In the Real Estate world, who you are is just as important as what you know. Are you generally of good demeanor? Do you have a positive outlook? Do you love helping people? Do you mind going the extra mile for your client? Will you persevere where most would quit? Love variety in your daily activities? Want to learn a new industry? Want to be your own boss? Do you love taking pictures and being creative? Have a eye for design and marketing? YES YES AND YES!
Months later, a meeting of the minds occurred, my Real Estate Inspiration: Cousin Johnny.
I was working for Century 21, he was working for another company... we joined forces and created was is affectionately known as iHomes Real Estate.... (ready for the shameless plug?)
Check us out online at;
iHomes Real Estate
I told you a shameless plug was coming, you should have expected it. So... now you know the history.A once nomadic and aimless man become successful Real Estate Agent. Sound like a Simon n Garfunkel tune!
I'm truly Blessed to have found a career that blesses others, gives me the opportunity to learn a new trade, all while being myself and meeting people. Even better is the privilege to work with my family, I really couldn't ask for more.
I hope to keep this blog updated with new properties and listings, events and information on the ever changing real estate market, helpful tips and probably a fair bit of humor to set off the day.
Follow me to the promised land fellow readers! :)
David Ibrahim
