Hello, My Name is Laura Rubinchuk, and I am a Real Estate Agent. Cue to the Firing Squad.

Many of my blogs have been personal stories that have happened over the past few days. This one won't be any different! After the softball game on Friday night I was recruited to play in, we headed to Old Town Alexandria for dinner to commiserate.

During dinner, some said, "Laura, what do you do?" When I answered that I am a real estate agent, I think half the table almost fell off their chairs. Partly because most people around Northern VA my age are Federal employees, and partly because most of the group worked at the Patent Office. After this announcement, for about a half hour, I had nonstop questions. Here some highlights:

Q: "How did you get into real estate?"
A: "When I was looking for a place to buy, I got along really well with my agent. I was so miserable in my federal contractor job, that he said 'why not give this a try?' I have always been interested in real estate investing, so after this gentle shove, my love affair with sales began."

Q: "Do you get reimbursed for your gas?"

A: "I wish! We pay for everything basically. I do get to deduct my business mileage on my taxes - that's the one nice thing!"

Q: "My agent did ****, was he right?"

A: "Every agent does things a little differently. So I would trust your agent!" If there was an "easy" button for this one, I hit it, because I immediately changed the subject!

Q: "Where do you work mostly?"
A: "Mostly I work in Arlington and Falls Church. But I have done business in Woodbridge, Reston, Alexandria, and other places in Northern VA. I go where my business takes me!"

It's funny how much people don't know about the Real Estate profession. Mostly because they haven't gone through the process of buying and/or selling. I happen to be an open book, so when clients ask me about the business, I answer honestly.

There's a lot to real estate, both buying, selling, investing, and from the agent's side. If you're ever interested in knowing more - feel free to ask!