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My broker/husband hollered "It's Coldwell Banker" and we're
here to tour your home (just to be on the safe side).
A woman appeared upstairs at the railing in just a towel and asked, "What
are you doing?"
The broker explained the situation, only to have the lady in the towel
say it was the home next door that was for sale.
We all offered apologies and the broker added she certainly had a lovely
home from what we saw of it.
Months later, the same broker listed that home and sold it, all because
of the impression he gave of himself and our office.
Having what I thought was a confirmed appointment to show a property,
I proceeded to the home with two clients (sisters in their late 70s).
I opened the door and upon entering, I heard music. In my "fire-call"
voice, I announced myself. Hearing nothing but music we proceeded on into
the house.
In a short time, a gentleman stepped out of the bathroom wearing a big
smile and nothing else. I stopped so short; one of the ladies ran into
me. The man simply said "Oh, hello."
One of my clients said, "Oh, my!" and the second one just stood
there. I wasn't sure if I should laugh, cry or throw up!
We left quickly, knowing an obvious mix-up had occurred with the agent
who had set the appointment.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS
I was showing properties to a single woman. She wanted to leave her
purse in my car so she didn't have to carry it in to every house we entered.
I locked my car to keep the purse safe.
I showed her a particular house and she was not too enthused about it.
Returning to the car, I found to my dismay that my keys were locked inside.
So, we go back into the house, call the locksmith and 1½ hours
later the locksmith arrives.
This lady was forced to spend soooooo much time inside this house that
she bonded to it. She mentally moved in her furniture! We went back to
the office and wrote up a purchase agreement and she closed within 30
days with cash.
BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Long before we had multiple listings or computers we worked cooperatively
with other agencies. I heard through some friends that a competitor had
listed a home in my area and, being new to the real estate business, I
called to see if I could show it.
Keep in mind that in a village of 900 people, houses are called by the
name of the owner and not necessarily the current owner. The Webb house
could have changed owners five times but would still be known as the Webb
house.
The listing Realtor was gracious and said I was welcome to show the Webb
house but she did not have a sign up yet. The owner was supposed to leave
the door unlocked.
When we arrived at the house I thought it was a little strange the owner
had left the sprinkler on and it was blocking the steps to the house.
I was also surprised that the house was a little "unkempt."
However, it was a very nice home and totally underpriced! After showing
the home and convincing my buyers what a good bargain this home was, we
sat down at the kitchen table, right there in the home and wrote a full
price offer.
As I headed back to my office with the offer I was quite pleased with
myself and maybe somewhat smug because I had written a full price offer
and felt that if they had listed with me I could have gotten them more
money. Their loss!
After leaving me, my buyers stopped at the co-op where the owner worked
and told him they had just purchased his home.
What a surprise to the seller; his home wasn't for sale. It seems I had
transposed some numbers on the address and the actual listing was next
door and was a real "couldja home." You know, "couldja
love your man enough to live there with him?"
As soon as the owners heard what I had done they threatened to call the
real-estate commission, because I let someone see the home when it wasn't
clean and shiny, not because I had sold it and it wasn't for sale. It
took several apologies and a dozen roses for me to get out of that one.
Imagine to my surprise when, three years later, they called me to really
list their home.
LEARNING PATIENCE
Part of my job as an auctioneer is sitting down with the family and reviewing
the list of saleable items to be put up for bid. This husband-wife team
worked with me for a while.
My patience began to wear very thin when I asked a question and no one
answered. I looked at the husband and found him fast asleep.
Smiling, I repeated the question. No answer again. I looked at the wife
for the answer. Yes, she is also fast asleep.
Now what do I do?
My patience took a great test that day. I just sat down and eventually
they woke up to finish the business at hand.
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