Sunday Reflection: My Success Was a Hand-Me-Down

I was 21 years old when I jumped into this business.

To say I was "green" would be an understatement. I had the drive and the discipline, but I didn't have the "know-how." They don't teach you the value of real estate mentorship in pre-licensing school. I didn't have the "broker-sense" that tells you how to win a listing or when a deal is about to go sideways. I certainly didn't have the thick skin required to handle a door slammed in my face while doorknocking for listings.

It was tough. There were days I sat in my old used car wondering if I was cut out for a career where "No" was the most common word I heard.

But I didn't fail. Not because I was a prodigy, but because a few seasoned veterans decided I was worth their time. They took a liking to me and wanted to help. They wanted me to stay in the business. So, I always did what they said—at least until I found my own way.

They didn't give me leads. They gave me their patience and they shared their wisdom. They let me listen in on their phone calls, and they listened to mine. They corrected my mistakes before they became catastrophes. They mentored me not because there was some direct benefit for them, but because they cared about the integrity of the profession.

For years after, I could still hear them cheering me on when I walked into the office with my first listing. They even gave me a standing ovation for my first sale—the kind of legendary office moment every veteran remembers and every new agent dreams of.

These people are my Sunday Reflection today. Some are retired now; many are gone. But I know they would love to know how long I stuck with it. Every time I sign a contract or walk a client through a tough negotiation, I’m using a skill that someone else took the time to teach a 21-year-old kid who was just trying to find his feet.

As I look toward Monday, I’m reminded that we don’t build careers alone. We build them through the kind of real estate mentorship that changes lives.

If you’re a veteran, find a "green" kid this week and offer a piece of wisdom. I bet they’ll make you proud.

Success is a hand-me-down. Try to be a link in that chain.

Until next time,

PS: If you have a question, comment, or something to share that is relavant to this post topic, please leave leave me a comment in the box below—I'd love to hear your take.*

*Please note that comments will not immediately post.

---

About the Author: I am a retired real estate professional with a career spanning 45 years. Throughout decades of market changes, I remained dedicated to the idea that real estate is about more than square footage—it’s about the human experience. Today, I write about the lessons learned from a lifetime of helping people find the place that truly feels like home, hoping that sharing these insights will help the next generation of agents better serve their clients and find fulfillment in their own careers.

(C) 2026 Jeff Sorg