A Second Career

Like many, I started my real estate journey after retiring from a long career in a completely different field. I wanted to keep making a contribution to the world, but with my kids pairing off and having their own kids I knew I would want flexibility to spend time with them. Real estate seemed like the perfect fit! Boy was I wrong–with no limits on when I had to be ‘on the clock’ I was on the clock ALL the time! That is, until I joined the Cape House team. Here I finally found an arrangement where I can do a lot of business, but still be able to give my precious family my undivided attention. 

Balance Is Key

Case in point: The Cape Cod spring market is ramping up, and where am I? Happily sunburnt and exhausted in my Orlando hotel after my third round of Disney World with my grandchildren! My knees cracked getting on and off every single ride and I think I used every bathroom in the place, but I didn’t worry for one second about my business. At home, one of my Cape House teammates was meeting a contractor at a property for me, and between rides I took a quick phone call to negotiate a purchase for one of my buyers.

Time for Everything

The grandkids (who never seem to run out of energy) are off to the pool with their parents while I take a minute to do a little work, and grandpa is out cold on the couch resting up before dinner. While I still believe that the happiest place on earth is actually my own couch, being here at Disney with my precious family knowing that my business isn’t missing a beat is truly priceless.

A Team Makes All the Difference

Real estate can offer incredible flexibility for people who want to earn a living and still have a life, but it’s a myth that you can have that kind of balance without adding structure and support. If, like me, you’re heading into the grandparenting phase of your life and thinking about a career in real estate, I highly recommend joining a supportive, high performing real estate team so you can enjoy the best of both worlds!

BONUS CONTENT: 2025 Disney Hot Takes for Grandparents:

• Make a reservation for lunch and let the characters come to you instead of waiting in line to get a picture with them. It costs a fortune, but it was totally worth it to get off our feet for a little bit

• Animal Kingdom things that are worth the time and money:

• Lion King show

• Gorilla Trail

• Explorer Handbook to fill with badges picked up throughout the park

• Magic Kingdom comments:

• Carousel of Progress doesn’t seem to have been updated since I first enjoyed it at the 1964 World’s Fair

• It was comforting to notice that the character costumes are extremely clean–Minnie Mouse smelled like Tide!

• The best parade location is in front of Tony’s restaurant on Main Street. They will let you sit on the curb and then you can walk right into your 12:40 lunch reservation!

Mary Ann Politi retired from a long and successful career in education in 2014, became a Grammy in 2015 and started her real estate career in 2017.