From Metro Detroit to Sunny SoCal: A Realtor’s Journey

👋 Greetings, everyone! I’m Charles, a seasoned realtor with over 19 years of experience. Recently, at 55 years of age, I embarked on a new chapter in my career by relocating from Metro Detroit to the sunny shores of Southern California. (Some would say I was chasing a girl. 🤭) This move has brought about some remarkable changes, both in my profession and lifestyle, which I’m excited to share with you through this blog.   🏠  Differences in Real Estate Practices One of the first things I noticed was the contrasting real estate practices between Michigan and California. In Michigan, purchase contracts can be as concise as 12 pages, while in California, they often exceed 35 pages. Without a transaction coordinator, it’s easy to miss something. Additionally, title and escrow processes are separate here, unlike Michigan, where they’re managed by a single title company. These are just two of the differences that I’ve been adapting to and have become an intriguing part of my journey.   🤗  Welcoming Community The warm and welcoming nature of the people in Southern California has been truly heartwarming. I’ve been fortunate to encounter individuals who are not only friendly but also eager to help newcomers like myself get adjusted. This sense of community has made my transition here incredibly pleasant.   🌴  Better Quality of Life Southern California offers a distinct improvement in the quality of life. The roads here are a dream compared to Michigan, with no pesky potholes to navigate. And speaking of nuisances, the mosquito population is nearly non-existent. The views are breathtaking, and the overall energy feels amazing – it’s as if the sunshine has a positive impact on everyone.   ☀️  California Weather One of the most delightful aspects of life in California is undoubtedly the weather. With temperatures ranging between 75 and 90 degrees and an abundance of sunny days all year round, it’s been an absolute joy. This climate allows for an array of outdoor activities and adventures that are sure to keep anyone entertained.   🤔  Conquering Internal Challenges In the midst of this exciting journey, it’s crucial to acknowledge the internal challenges that accompanied this significant change. I want to share with you the personal hurdles I’ve faced, as they are an integral part of this transition.   Fear of Change: Leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of Michigan was no small feat. I had grown accustomed to the routine, the successes, and yes, even the failures. But I had bigger goals in mind, and those goals required stepping out of my comfort zone. With change came uncertainty, and along with it, the fear of failing. Questions like “Can I do this?” and “Am I too old for this?” began to creep into my mind.   Imposter Syndrome: Doubt can be a formidable adversary. At times, I found myself questioning my own abilities. The nagging feeling of being a fraud or the fear of being “found out” haunted me. It’s a phenomenon known as “imposter syndrome.” Despite my years of experience and accomplishments, self-confidence sometimes gave way to self-doubt.   Acknowledging these internal struggles is important because they are part of the journey. They are the obstacles we must overcome to reach our destination. But here’s the thing: fear and doubt are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. They remind us that we are pushing ourselves beyond our limits and striving for greatness.   Every day, I’m learning to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth! I’ve come to realize that age is just a number, and experience is a valuable asset! (Shout out to my closest friends who have been convincing me of this!) I’ve sought inspiration from those who have embarked on similar paths later in life and found success. And, most importantly, I’m reminded of my big goals, which drive me forward and keep me focused on what truly matters.   Last but certainly not least, when making a shift like this, i was reminded yesterday of how important it is to be mindful of who you hang around and the conversations your engaged in. People who only talk about doom and gloom and what's wrong in the world will only pull you to their way of thinking. It's important that we surround ourselves with people who are and have been successful in where we want to go and who we want to be! Make it a regular habit to audit your circle. ❤️⭕️   In sharing these internal struggles, I hope to convey that this journey isn’t just about external changes—it’s a transformation from within. It’s about conquering fears, silencing doubts, and believing in oneself. It’s about embracing the unknown and striving for excellence, no matter the age or circumstances. This is the essence of my adventure from Metro Detroit to sunny SoCal.   🌅 Closing Thoughts: I invite you all to follow along with me on this exciting journey as I share more about life in Southern California. Whether you’re a fellow realtor, a friend, or a family member, I encourage you to explore the opportunities and experiences this beautiful state has to offer. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures as I strive to make my mark in this sunny paradise!   Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey from Metro Detroit to sunny SoCal!