Time to think about the next chapter.
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The personal stories of one realtor’s battles and triumphs in the highly-competitive Bay Area real estate market, seeking to illuminate and humanize the very real ups-and-downs of homeownership.
Here come the holidays with all the excitement and chaos they entail (gobble, gobble). My grown kids have kindly volunteered to take Thanksgiving off my hands this year, limiting my role to setting the table and baking desserts. As both my boys are far better chefs than I will ever be, I’m only too happy to hand over the reins to the next generation. In fact, I welcome their contributions . . . .
Have at it kids; it’s all yours.
As the year winds down, and as we turn our attentions to 2027, I’ve thought a lot about the concept of passing the baton. With the clear understanding that I’ve been blessed, AND have had more than my share, AND have experienced more than enough, I have made the decision to retire in December. (The safari is my going away party.)
Turning the page means being grateful for all that came before
After more than twenty-plus years in real estate, I’d like to pursue the next chapter … whatever and wherever that may be. As such, I’ll be transferring my practice into the highly-skilled hands of my long-time partner, Sarah Abel, and her talented daughter, Kate, who has become an invaluable asset, as well as an integral part of our team. It’s been my honor and my privilege to have helped so many people achieve their dreams of homeownership along the way, but I’m ready to step aside to allow room for younger Agents to now fill the void. (I’ll be missed for about 20 minutes.)
I take great pride in knowing that I gave this career my all, while keeping my integrity intact, whether representing Buyers or Sellers, in both up and down markets. (I was there for the 2008 financial meltdown.) I’ve worked for some fantastic brokerages (and Brokers) along the way, forged great friendships through the years, mentored younger Realtors®, and watched COMPASS grow to become the leading real estate firm in the US. Having successfully earned my keep (and then some), I can now happily step aside while others confidently take the helm.
“Good for you, Julie,” you’re thinking, “but what about the Christmas toffee? I’m REALLY gonna miss the candy.”
Not to worry; before leaving for Africa, I’ll drop off boxes one final time. (Look for them in your mailboxes and on your doorsteps.) And even though this chore will effectively put an exclamation mark on my years of dedication and toil, I hope to remain a trusted resource for you and yours should you need anything real estate adjacent.
That being said, I’ll no longer handle the day-to-day tasks of bringing properties to market or shepherding them through escrow. I won’t be prepping homes for sale, landscaping gardens, designing websites, hosting public opens, showing properties to prospective Buyers, setting up and collecting A-frames around town, negotiating contracts (or people), or writing “The Perspective.” (Perhaps, I’ll write something else?)
“So what will you do with your new-found time?” you may be wondering.
I’ll figure it out.
I’ll focus my attentions on overdue projects at home or at the cabin, rent a van and tour the US, visit Jill in Europe more often, and spend time with my family and friends (not necessarily in that order). Perhaps I’ll remember what it’s like to have a weekend to myself, to enjoy time at the Lake, or to simply putter around the garden.
I’ll hopefully read more, sign up for cooking classes, explore nearby towns, and learn to play Mahjong, pickleball, or golf (AFTER my knee replacement). I’ll no longer be a slave to my phone, and I’ll delete EVERY app that is sales related because I firmly believe there IS life after real estate. In short, I plan to discover what the next chapter looks like. (All suggestions are welcome.)
Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives for the past two decades. Thanks especially to those of you who’ve read The Perspective, who’ve followed me through the years, and who have put your faith and trust in me during some of your most challenging transitions. It’s been an incredible journey for which I am truly grateful.
I wish you all a joyous holiday season, and a Happy New Year. Please stay in touch. Watching your families grow and start their own lives has been the very best part of the job and I hope to cheer you on from the sidelines.
How can we help you?
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Not just Realtors, but consultants in all things house and home, we’re here to educate, explore, examine and refer . . . In short, you may count on us to take care of your home as if it were our own and anyone who knows us, knows we take pretty darn good care of our homes.
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