The most important thing to me right now is that I truly love what I do.  I plan on being in this business for many more years to come.  If I didn't love my job, I would be doing something else right now with the market being what it is.  However, we are so fortunate here in Spokane to not experience the price hits they have had in other parts of the country.  Our market here is never one to follow the national trends anyway.  Yes, we have experienced a slow down and about 5.5% depreciation but the buyers are still very active here.  I have my ABR and am working on getting my GRI.  I feel that professional designations make me a better agent because I believe that knowledge is just as important as hard work and honesty in this business.  I don't specialize in just buyers or just sellers.  I actually enjoy working with both.  Although, first time home buyers do bring so much more excitement into the deal and can be a lot of fun to work with.  It is so satisfying when I hand a new home owner their keys.  What's not to love!  I can't imagine doing anything else for a living!!