Hey there y’all,
Today, I’m going to take you on a wild ride through my unexpected career path, one that started with a simple need for notarization and evolved into something much more.
The Return to Florida
In 2019, my family and I returned to Florida, eager to dive back into American life. We enrolled our kids at Tarpon Springs High School, known for its unique offerings like Greek language studies and a nationally competitive marching band. The excitement was palpable.
The Notary Quest
Soon after settling in, I needed documents notarized, but what should have been a simple task turned into an odyssey:
- The Search: Google searches, unanswered calls, and a wild goose chase to a self-storage facility that was definitely not a notary office.
- The Solution: Finally, a local hero came to my rescue, but not before I had seen enough ads for notary courses to spark an idea.
A Notary is Born
Frustrated by the lack of available notaries, I decided to become one myself. I took the course, got commissioned, and started offering my services. This led me to loan signing, where I was thrust into the world of real estate transactions.
The Loan Signing Life
2020 and 2021 were bonanza years for real estate, with low interest rates driving a refinancing boom. I found myself:
- Driving across Central Florida, juggling up to nine closings a day,
- Facilitating the dreams of homebuyers and sellers,
- And inadvertently, witnessing the financial disparity at the closing table.
The Realization
At one memorable closing in South St. Pete, I watched as a real estate agent fanned herself with an $80,000 commission check. That moment was my epiphany—I was sitting on the wrong side of the table.
The Next Chapter: Real Estate
- License Obtained: I pursued and earned my real estate license.
- The Big Brokerage: Initially, I joined a large firm but felt like just another number.
- Finding Home: Discovered a local brokerage with a real estate agent who was making waves in our community. I joined her company, and it fit like a glove.
The Creative Twist
- Photography and Beyond: I stepped in as their temporary in-house photographer. This role expanded my skills to:
- Drone piloting,
- Video recording and editing,
- Creating 3-D Matterport tours,
- Designing floor plans.
Everyday Adventures
No two days are the same in my life now:
- One day, I might be guiding clients through potential homes,
- The next, I’m crafting compelling property listings,
- Or perhaps, I’m capturing breathtaking aerial shots with my drone.
Let’s Connect
Now, I want to hear from you:
- What’s your journey been like? Has life taken you in unexpected directions?
- Do you have a story about a career pivot or a hobby that turned into something more?
Share your stories, your transitions, your dreams. Let’s inspire each other in this community where every path is unique but leads us to where we’re meant to be.
Looking forward to your tales,
David