This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Million Dollar Listing is NOT Real Life!

I will admit that I watch too much reality TV and I do watch Million Dollar Listing.  But let me get one thing straight, it does not depict the real life of a real estate agent!  We do not all drive $100,000 cars and live in multi million dollar co-ops in Manhattan.  Being successful in real estate is a job and it takes a great deal of work.  From getting the word out there, to constantly communicating with your sphere, to getting involved in the community you have enough to do just to get business.  Then once you get the business you need to provide services and attention to make sure all of your clients receive the attention they deserve.

I sit back and watch some of the antics from throwing drinks at each other to lying to clients and sabotaging each other and I cringe.  As a real estate agent in New Jersey I now have to dispel misconceptions about how people from New Jersey act (Jersey Shore and Real Housewives of NJ) but now I get questioned about Million Dollar Listing.  Don’t get me wrong the agents on these shows are obviously successful because they can afford the luxuries of nice cars, clothes, and homes and they are attracting a clientele that can afford million dollar homes.  The issue is with the somewhat ease they appear to get this business and the lack of time they appear to be putting in.  I assure you that these men are putting in hours, days, and weeks into selling these properties and go to great lengths to get it done.

This brings me back to my life as a real estate agent in Bergen County, NJ.  On a typical day I can be showing houses, writing blog posts, filming and editing video blogs, interacting with my sphere on social media, attending open houses, meeting with clients, participating in a local event, negotiating contracts, attending inspections, or one of the many other things we do daily.  Real estate is a great profession that helps you meet new people, get out in the community, and get out form behind a desk to really help someone accomplish a goal.  It has been a very rewarding part of my life and I am grateful for it.  So next time you flip on Bravo take much of what you see with a grain of salt and enjoy it for what it is: entertainment.

Find out what's happening in River Dellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?