When I pass away.

Pauline Simpson When you are no longer having fun.

The retirment bell tolls when it does. The last ring will be obvious

When you no longer want to sell real estate and can either do something else and/or have sufficient resources to retire.

Richie Alan Naggar nailed this one!

It is different for each person. When health or other priorites become more important and you can afford to do it, go for it.

I've been to a lot of memorial services for real estate agents, but only one retirement party!

I am with Michael Setunsky  on this subject.  A

Whenever you've had enough Pauline. If you no longer have joy, time to pack it in.

That depends on you - for me it will be when I just can't do it anymore or it's no longer of interest to me

Michael Setunsky gave you the perfect answer.

I think if you plan properly, you can retire and continue to earn income from wherever you are living....  that's what I've created for me.... and I haven't been in a property in 12 years....but make a great income.

We get to retire?? 

What makes you ask? Why even think in terms of retiring? 

When you have the funds for a comfortable retirement.

I might retire when I run out of energy, but I suspect that will be a very long time from now!

I'm ready-thanks for asking! I think I will go in about 5 years, or when my tolerance level completely wears out.

Pauline Simpson - what? retirement? why?

I do not see that happening with me soon....

Hasn't even crossed my mind. 

I will be involved forever! There is a woman in Texas who is in her 90s and going strong - That is my role model

That all depends on the individual. I'm not sure I will ever completely retire. I like to have something to do. My broker has been in the business for 40 years and he says almost the same thing. 

When you stop enjoying it! As long as your long term retirement plan allows for you to stop.

Retire?  Never!

Oh, Pauline Simpson I didn't know Realtors retired?  I thought we did this until we died because we LOVE what we do soooooo much! Am I wrong?

When you longer enjoy it.

For me it is not about the money, I have more than enough to quit after 27 years of this. When I wake up with no fire or passion then it is done, but only with a sale of my company as an exit strategy.

I don't think of real estate as having a 'retirement' age - HA!  The gentleman that sold us our house is now in his early 80's, and is still a realtor, though he's cut back on activities (still does Open Houses), and is now part of a Team.  Seriously Pauline Simpson, I think when health or desire for real estate as a career is over, then that might be time. 

I know some agents who are in their 70's & 80's that are superstars & selling. I don't think I have ever been to a retirement party for an agent. It's up to you when you are no longer enjoying the business.

Pauline Simpson I get the feeling that real estate will retire me when my time is up.  I've thought it had happened several time and then the phone rings.  Just like the golfer that throws his or her clubs into the lake.  Then one of the partners asked if he wants to play tomorrow so he dives into the lake.

When you no longer enjoy what you do.

 You will know when it's time.   Just make sure you have sufficient financial resources.

I've retired from a previous career - I was no longer enjoying it - that's when I'll stop

I do not think I will ever retire, maybe just slow down.

It depends.

When your patience level drops below being civil with the public.

10 years ago for me

Two weeks after being pronounced dead!

I remember hearing that agents don't retire they just become listless.  

What is your exit strategy? If you accomplished all your goals and set financially  to leave, it does not matter what age you are. 

It depends on numerous factors.

When you don't need the income any more. Or you find something you like better.

When you are ready to do something else, or unable to sell real estate anymore.

Some never do retire