Episode 3 - Real Estate Tales from a Dumpster Dive
Let me set the scene for you: it was a chilly day after Thanksgiving, and I was saying goodbye to my old, beloved iMac. The screen was cracked, it was beyond repair, and I had to let it go. So there I was, lugging this 23-inch monitor down three flights of stairs (because of course the elevator was broken) to the loading dock of my office building.
I psyched myself up, tossed it into a massive dumpster, and—crunch! The sound was weirdly satisfying, and I thought that was the end of it.
And then I heard it.
A tiny clink.
I looked down at my wrist and realized my keys had just fallen into the dumpster along with the iMac. Cue the panic. I stood there staring at the dumpster, feeling completely overwhelmed. I had two choices:
Stand there and feel sorry for myself.
Roll up my sleeves, climb into that dumpster, and get my keys.
You probably know where this is going because, well, I’m me. I wasn’t about to let a dumpster defeat me. So, I climbed in.
Real Estate Isn’t Glamorous—But We Get It Done
As ridiculous as it sounds, this moment made me reflect on real estate. Let’s be real: real estate isn’t the HGTV fantasy people imagine. It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. And it’s full of moments where you think, How did I end up here?
From dealing with deals falling apart at the 11th hour to navigating clients who ghost you, being a real estate agent is all about finding solutions in the chaos. Sometimes, we just have to dive into the mess—whether it’s a literal dumpster or a metaphorical one—and figure it out.
Three Lessons From My Dumpster Dive
As I stood there in the dumpster, laughing at the absurdity of it all, I realized how much this ridiculous situation mirrored the qualities we need to succeed in real estate. Here are my big takeaways:
1. Adaptability Is Everything
Things rarely go as planned in this business. Deals can hit unexpected snags, contractors can cancel, and walkthroughs can reveal problems you didn’t anticipate. The best agents know how to pivot and solve problems on the fly.
That day, I had to assess the situation (and the dumpster contents) and adapt. Whether it’s diving into dumpsters or scrambling to save a deal, adaptability keeps us moving forward.
2. Resilience Is Key
In real estate, you can’t let every challenge knock you off course. I could’ve spiraled into frustration when I saw my keys at the bottom of that dumpster, but instead, I took a deep breath, regulated my nerves, and focused on what I could do next.
The same goes for our work. Deals falling apart? Client ghosting you? The ability to stay calm, centered, and solution-focused will always serve you better than giving in to frustration or panic.
3. Laugh When It Feels Like Too Much
Sometimes, you just have to laugh at the chaos. That day, standing in a dumpster with my snow boots and determination, I couldn’t help but crack up. Sharing the moment on Instagram made it even better—knowing others could laugh along with me.
The same applies to real estate. When everything feels like a dumpster fire (and let’s be honest, it often does), finding humor can be the thing that keeps you going.
Real Estate Agents: The Ultimate Problem Solvers
At the end of the day, this career is all about problem-solving. Real estate agents are scrappy, determined, and resourceful—we don’t let challenges stop us. Whether it’s hauling a deal across the finish line or, yes, climbing into a dumpster for your keys, we figure it out.
And that’s what makes this career so rewarding. It’s not about avoiding the mess; it’s about thriving in it.
Your Turn: Write It Down
Here’s my advice for you: start documenting your stories. Over my 20 years in real estate, I’ve dealt with enough chaos to write a whole book—and I wish I’d written it all down.
Whether it’s a wild deal, an unforgettable client, or just a moment that made you laugh out loud, take a few minutes to jot it down. You’ll love looking back on these stories someday—and who knows, maybe you’ll write your own book about this wild career.
The Bottom Line
Real estate isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The messy moments, the challenges, the unexpected dumpster dives—they all add up to a career that’s as fulfilling as it is unpredictable.
So, the next time everything feels like a dumpster fire, remember this: you’re not alone, and you’ve got what it takes to figure it out.
Want to hear the full story and more lessons from the chaos? 🎙️ Listen to this episode of the Happy Agent Co Podcast now!
