In addition to his desire to own his own home, he was interested in real estate because he “knew computers and I knew that working in the business required good computer skills” and, almost as an afterthought, he mentions that “I enjoy working with people and helping them, and I believed I could be successful in a sales capacity.”

In an attempt to begin his real estate sales career, he contacted the north suburban office of a national real estate firm, but was told they didn’t take part-time sales agents.

The dilemma was obvious: Even though Irene was working full time, Val knew the risk inherent in leaving the security of his $27,000-a-year job at the time for the opportunity to earn a living as a real estate agent.