I woke this morning to another beautiful Lowcountry day. Excited about celebrating the 4th on the rivers of Beaufort, I reached for my favorite beach bag. A small blue box fell from the shelf as if a small reminder...
Inside this box is a letter from a dear friend who on May 7, was serving in Iraq. We had been writing back and forth throughout his tour. We chose handwritten letters simply because he couldn't "hold" an email.
I set aside my multi-colored beach bag and sat on the floor of my closet. I opened the letter even though I have it memorized word for word. Just as it did one year ago, it stalled my breathe and pained my heart.
He wrote:
......."You never expect it to happen. Not to you. Not to any one of your friends. You are young and strong. Invincible. But when it finally comes, there is no way to stop it. Nothing you can do or say can make it go away. Your friend is hurt. Bad. The reaction is always different. Sometimes he's laughing. "Holy shit hahaha. Cant believe they @#$%#$ got me." Sometimes he apologizes, as if it were his fault. As if there was something he could have done. Sometimes he cries, calling out for someone to help. Sometimes hes quiet. Not moving. When its happening the training kicks in. You tell him hes going to be fine, regardless of the injury. The corpsman provide aid and he is taken off in a helicopter to a place where he will be taken care of. Healed. Fixed. Your buddies going to make it. There isnt a doubt in your mind. Once hes gone, the questions start to arise. Why? Why him? What did he do to deserve that? Why now? Later on you get the news. He's gonna make it. Thank god. He's gonna be @#!$%# up but hes still alive. Still here. But sometimes... that good news never comes. Sometimes you get the word that he didnt make it. That your friend is gone. You dont believe it at first. He was just there. I just saw him. He spoke to me earlier today.... but the realization soon creeps in. The hurt is so big. So painful. Some take it better then others. Some cry. Some shake with anger. But each and every one of you feels empty. Sick. Sad. ...'
This was one of his longest letters, words pouring over five pages. He wrote of what he had seen, what he had done, and how he wished none of it had ever happened.
His request of me...
......." Laugh, smile, please don't cry Cherimie. What ever small worry that seems so big in your life, trust me, it isn't. I keep a picture of you and Jackson as a reminder that normalcy still lives somewhere in the world. You are my dearest friend. It is for you, for my family, for my country that I wear these boots that seem to have molded to my feet. Run around barefoot, Cherimie. Don't worry about your hair or your clothes...smile at everyone...and don't let one tear fall. Eventually I will come home, God and Corps willing. Pretend you don't see the change and I will pretend it never happened....."
He is home now, safe. Please take a moment and thank those who wear the boots that seem molded to their feet, so that we can eat hot dogs, watch fireworks, and enjoy lazy days on the river......
I am beginning to wonder how I ever made it without texting. I am certainly saving my vocal chords more these days, using acronyms as if they were going out of style, and "lol" and ":)" are my new best friends.
My clients text me...ALOT, and that is ok with me. I am able to answer their questions quickly and effectively even while they are at work. My clients can also go back and review our conversations when needed.
It is also a great way for me to keep records of the numerous issues that arise during the day. I agree that this texting thing is new ground but so far..so good.
I couldn't resist this picture of one of my favorite clients texting away....
Recently Marine 1 Realty listed 31 Chesterfield Drive. More importantly, Marine 1 Realty also put it under contract in less than a week. Now, that isn't a guarantee that your home will sell so quickly; however, it is a testament to our ability to asses a property and find a buyer.
Marketing, strategic advertising and staging are all crucial factors in selling a home in today's challenging market.
Employing a real estate company that knows the needs of buyers is also incredibly important. Each day Marine 1 Realtors are briefed on active buyers. We brainstorm properties, prices, and communities that may match. This process has been extremely successful.
Our most recent success story is this beautiful home on Chesterfield Lake. During the sellers interviewing process we emphasized our methods of attracting buyers for active listings. We explained our pricing strategy and the necessary steps to reach her (seller) goals.
After interviewing several other companies, she called Marine 1 Realty. The next day we showed it to one of our potential buyers and...
Our seller client is so excited. Our buyer client is overjoyed. Marine 1 Realty was able to put these clients together to reach each of their goals.
If you are considering selling your home, make sure you interview a Marine 1 Realtor. Our market knowledge, experience, and active buyer clients gives us the ability to get the job done!
It has been a VERY difficult few months for me. I am not one to go in to details, and it is the details in which the difficulty has found a home. But...I am ok, my company is booming, my tomato plants are taking over the world, my tan is in place, and my coffee pot works just fine.
I have found friends in people I hadn't previously suspected to be kindred spirits.
But...there has been a mystery about my inability to sleep soundly at night. I believe in forgiveness, I try desperately to live my life being kind to all of God's creatures (even those that may be better stuffed), and yoga is my friend.
So why do I wake up so tired???
My friends, the answer is below. Have a Happy Friday, and may Your Sleep Be Sound!
After almost 300 posts, it is evident that holding my tongue isn't one of my stronger points. It should also be evident that I expect mountains from myself and those around me, especially in the real estate industry.
In the past two months I have made two referrals, which after thorough research, seemed to appropriately arrive in the laps of professional Realtors. WRONG!
**This is clearly one of those moments when I know I should most likely close my laptop, grab a fishing pole, and curse to the tides so that I don't regret my words later. BUT....life is short..right?? **
Just as most of you, I work hard, extremely hard for each and every client. When it comes a time to refer a client to another Realtor, normally, I don't have bouts of regret, depression, or verbal battery; however, my past two referrals have been nothing short of an embarrassment.
In both cases I began my search on Active Rain, just as I have so many times before with much success.
Maybe the stars were no longer aligned in my favor or possibly the humor of the gods needed tweeking, who knows!?
One ended with my clients calling me almost in TEARS after the agent not only showed up an hour an fifteen minutes late (keep in mind my clients made a five hour drive just to find a home) but according to my clients the Realtor seemed slightly intoxicated,. YEP. I said it.
(inhale Jesus, exhale Satan)
The other wasn't much better. Matter of fact, my clients in this particular situation decided against the area ALL together because of their experience with the Realtor. Seriously people???
I hand delivered TWO qualified, ready and able buyers only to have them treated so poorly.
My reputation IS my job. My clients trust me to direct them to professionals. I failed miserably. I don't like to fail..period.
Has it come to this? Do I need to do background checks before referring? Should I ask if they plan on drinking while touring properties?
How do you find Realtors you trust with your clients??
What happens when quality construction, by a reputable builder, meets style and affordability?? Homes sell, and they sell quickly. Today we are placing yet ANOTHER Carolina Village New Construction Home UNDER CONTRACT.
I couldn't be more excited about my joint efforts with NBM Builders. We met just months ago to devise a home that not only would meet the rising demand for affordable homes, but exceed expectations as well as the competition in the below 200K price range.
Buyers are constantly amazed by the interior detail and incentive package. At least twice a day someone asks me, "What is the catch?".
There is no catch.
For 195K, buyers receive a 1500 sqft home constructed of Hardi plank that boasts beautiful hard wood floors, ceramic tiled bathrooms, granite counter tops, 2 IPOD docking stations with speakers throughout including the 2.5 garage, and Renai tank-less water heaters!
Not to mention, $6,000 paid closing costs! Partner our incentives with the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER incentive and WOW!
Gorgeous Live Oaks drape the entire community. As a Realtor I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and thoroughly enjoy selling such a tremendous product.
It has always been my opinion that Public Open Houses, Sell Houses. Recently, this belief has grown to include Broker Open Houses. Over the past three months, I have had two sells directly from Broker Open Houses.
It involves more than a sign, a tasty lunch, and creative invitations. Offering time well spent, education, and valuable networking is crucial to creating an atmosphere conducive to activity.
Realtors must filter copious amounts of information on a daily basis. I try to offer pertinent information that will apply to their buyers in the price range and area of the property open for viewing.
It is my goal, to provide them with so much helpful information that they have NO choice but to think of my listing when speaking with prospective buyers.
So next time you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, wrangling a bundle of balloons, balancing ice and soda, wondering if it is all worth it... just breathe and know that it makes a difference.
It has been three VERY long months, for you AND especially for your MARINE. Now the time has come to load up the family, maybe even fido, and head to Beaufort, South Carolina for graduation.
You and your family will find Beaufort to be an amazing place full of history, charm, and of course, HONOR.
If this is your first trip to Beautiful Beaufort and you need a little help finding a rental house, a hotel room, or even a list of the best places to eat local shrimp, give us a call.
Feel free to drop by our office on your way to Parris Island for local coupons, maps, and general information about the area.
We are happy to have you and would like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to your NEW MARINE. We sincerely hope you enjoy your visit.
They are strong. Their stamina borders the unnatural. Their squared off jaw, broad shoulders, and fierce stare streamlines into uniform perfection, even at 2:45 in the morning. They are US Marine Drill Instructors, AKA HATS.
With a raspy voice and unwavering determination they make Marines. Intimidating?? Hell yes, at first anyway.
Over the past few years, I have worked so closely with this rare breed. Oh the stories I could tell (and plan on doing so) about my time with this lively bunch.
Many of them have bought and sold homes from me during their time on the drill field. I have been fortunate enough to have known many from the day they graduated until the day they finished their tour.
For some of them, I was the only person they knew. Working 150 hours a week doesn't leave much time for making new friends.
I have tremendous respect for these selfless marvels. They are nothing short of amazing; however, they are human.
Several of them have fallen asleep in my car, a few have fallen asleep inside homes we were viewing.
They have called me in the middle of the night (time has no meaning) asking me to make an emergency Liquid Starch run.
Now, that took a bit of explaining, but I did it just the same. I can navigate Parris Island (once so foreign to me) with my eyes closed!
I cook for them and when there is no time for cooking, the young lady at McDonald's knows me by name.
"Ms. Cherimie are you getting cheeseburgers for the Hats again?".
Yes, Melody...load me up.
Often they don't get to go home during their first cycle. Some of them try desperately to maintain relationships with the outside world. Girlfriends and family in different states, no easy feat.
I am also their emergency cell phone charger supply person. Somehow these fiercly focused gentlemen can't keep up with a charger to save their life.
I am their link to the outside world. After three years, I speak Drill Instructornese. Who saw that one coming??? Not me.
They began as my clients, they morphed into my friends, and now they are forever my heroes. We are the quintessential odd couple.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
ent to our ability to asses a property and find a buyer.
Their long hours and selfless dedication to MAKE MARINES has made our wonderful country even stronger.
Just as most of you, I work hard, extremely hard for each and every client. When it comes a time to refer a client to another Realtor, normally, I don't have bouts of regret, depression, or verbal battery; however, my past two referrals have been nothing short of an embarrassment.
;)
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