40 Years in Real Estate: A Lot Has Changed, But Some Things Never Do
October 1, 2026, marked a milestone for me—40 years in real estate! It’s hard to believe how quickly those years have passed. When I started my career on October 1, 1986, I certainly couldn’t have imagined how much this business would change, the opportunities it would bring, or the wonderful people I would meet along the way.
As I reflect on these past four decades, I realize that while nearly every aspect of how we conduct real estate business has changed, some of the most important things have remained the same.
Where It All Began
I remember my first day in real estate. Massamont Real Estate had just opened an office in Greenfield, in the white building across from what was then Burger King (now China Gourmet) on the Mohawk Trail. That was October 1, 1986, and the beginning of a career that would take me in directions I never anticipated.
I spent many years with Massamont before joining with several colleagues to establish Benchmark 100 in the early 1990s. Later, four of us formed Key 100, where we were all partners.
As the years went by, my business partners began thinking about retirement and slowing down. I, on the other hand, was gearing up!
In May 2007, I opened FITZGERALD Real Estate with one listing, beginning another chapter in a career that continues to keep me busy today.
From MLS Books, typewriters and Carbon Paper to Smartphones and Video Tours
If you’ve been involved in real estate for a long time, you’ll remember how different things were in 1986.
We didn’t have the internet, online listings, or smartphones. Instead, we relied on printed Multiple Listing Service (MLS) books, with just one black-and-white photograph of each property, black and white newspaper ads for marketing, postal mail and landlines for communication.Contracts were prepared using triplicate forms and carbon paper on typewriters. To learn about new listings, we called the REALTOR® association office and waited on the telephone answering system to hear the new listings for that day.
Then came the fax machine! WOW!
It may seem hard to believe today, but the fax machine was one of the biggest technological advances in our business. Suddenly, we could send contracts and documents across town or across the country in seconds. I remember how quickly everyone rushed to get one.
Of course, the internet changed everything.
Today, buyers can view dozens of color photographs, floor plans, videos, and virtual tours without leaving home. New listings can appear on their phones within seconds.
The speed and availability of information have transformed how buyers search for homes and how sellers market their properties.
And while technology has made so many aspects of our business easier and more efficient, it hasn’t replaced the importance of personal service, experience, and understanding the local market.
Giving Back to a Profession That Has Given Me So Much
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been the opportunity to become involved in the REALTOR® associations at the local, state, and national levels.
I began serving on committees and the board with the Franklin-Hampshire County Association of REALTORS®, eventually becoming its president in 2000.
Following the merger that created the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley, I continued serving in many leadership positions and became its president in 2012.
In 2015, I had the honor of serving as president of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®.
I served on numerous committees, boards, and leadership teams, over approximately 25 years, including 13 years on the state association’s executive committee and a Director on both local and State associations for many years.
Those experiences gave me opportunities to work with dedicated professionals throughout Massachusetts and beyond, learn more about our industry, and advocate for issues affecting homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
I also learned something important about leadership:
After serving for many years there comes a time to step aside, encourage new people to get involved, and help mentor the next leaders.
Although I’ve stepped away from many of those formal leadership roles, I continue to stay involved in industry issues and legislative matters that affect real estate.
The People Make the Difference
When people ask what has kept me in real estate for 40 years, my answer is simple: The people.
I’ve been fortunate to work with wonderful clients throughout my career. Many have become longtime friends, and I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.
I even have clients referring their grandchildren to me!
Those relationships mean a great deal to. me. They remind me that real estate is about much more than buying and selling property. It’s about helping people through one of them most important transitions in their lives, whether they’re purchasing their first home, raising a family, downsizing, dealing with a lost one, life transition or moving on to their next chapter.
Forty Years of Change—and Still Learning
Over the past 40 years, I’ve experienced three major real estate market cycles, changing interest rates, shifting economic conditions, and tremendous advances in technology.
Every market brings its own challenges and opportunities, and every transaction is different.
One of the things I enjoy most about real estate is that there’s always something new to learn. Even after four decades, I continue to learn something every day.
That’s part of what keeps this business interesting and why I still enjoy what I do.
Some Things Never Change
When I look back to that first day in October 1986, it’s remarkable to think about how much has changed.
We no longer rely on printed listing books, carbon paper, or answering machines to find out what’s new on the market. Technology has given us tools I never could have imagined when I started.
But the fundamentals of this business haven’t changed.
People still need trusted advice, accurate information, local market knowledge, and someone who will listen to their needs and help guide them through important decisions.
And for me, the most rewarding part of real estate continues to be the relationships I’ve built along the way.
As I celebrate 40 years in real estate, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the clients, colleagues, friends, and community who have been part of this journey.
Thank you for your trust, your referrals, your friendships, and the opportunity to do something I truly enjoy.
After 40 years, I still look forward to what comes next!
Corinne Fitzgerald, REALTOR®
FITZGERALD Real Estate
Serving Franklin County and Beyond
413-320-9509 | [email protected]