Well, I pride myself in being a "full service" Realtor. Tell me what you need and I'll get it done. I just received an Easter photo from two of my very best clients which reminded me of the importance of match-making . . . and I'm not just talking matching the client with the home.
About five years ago I met a young pilot living in Atlanta whose dream was to buy a Pensacola Beach condo on the water. Unfortunately, the prices had been escalating and even the most modest condo was out of his price range. I encouraged him not to give up and that I would keep my eyes open for him.
As sometimes happens, a few months later an opportunity came up. Due to divorce, a couple needed to sell their beach condo quickly. Unfortunately, the husband - a do-it-yourself kind of guy - had torn the master bath out of the condo in an ill fated attempt to renovate. Well, we all know what that means for financing! Since I remembered this young pilot telling me that he had some construction experience and wasn't afraid of a "fixer" I called him and we quickly worked out an arrangement where he would finish the renovation in return for a deep discount on the condo. I called him and he flew down from Atlanta that evening. It was a bit stressful for all of us, but in the end he got a great price and the sellers were able to move on with their lives.
This client really made an impression on me. So much so that I began talking him up every chance I got. I happened to be at lunch with another Realtor one day when she said something on the order of, "Wow, you really think a lot of this guy. When am I going to meet him?" Well, HELLO Robin . . .
Fast forward five years and meet the family - two children and five (COUNT THEM - FIVE) real estate transactions later (Yes, my friend is no longer practicing real estate as I am their Realtor. Anyway, she's much too busy raising their beautiful daughters and managing their growing real estate holdings.) This, my friends, is why I LOVE MY JOB. (For the record, my friend tells a much funnier version of this story on her blog StrivingForDevineLove@blogspot.com )
Are you a full service Realtor? Let's hear your stories!
Robin Sherman, MA, Broker Associate, CRS
Coldwell Banker United, Pensacola Beach, FL
Great story Robin! It should be full-time from the heart or go pack groceries!
Robin,
What a very heart-warming story. I'm glad they hit it off and now have a family.
Rob - You should blog that one!
Stephanie, Charles and Sara - Thanks for the comments. Robin
Hi Robin,
It is always refreshing to meet another real estate professional who loves their clients. Please continue on posting inspiring blogs such as this.
Catherine
Robin,
I hear you on this. Great article.
Wendy, Catherine and Doug- Thanks for your comments!
Not very often . . . but every now and then I will find myself with a client that - try as I might, I just can't feel the love. When this happens and I have had as much as I can take, I graciously tell them I know of another Realtor who would probably be a better fit. I have one of my competitor's cards in my top drawer for just such rare clients. And you know what, most of the time these clients become lovable pretty quickly.