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This Is What It's All About

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell

I'm smiling as I look ahead at my calendar for the rest of the week. Tomorrow evening I'm going to visit Mr. & Mrs. L, a fun young couple whom I sold a home to back in November. The L's were one of my best clients in 2009. The home they fell in love with was a short sale that took 4 months to get closed. We had some bumps in the road, but the L's kept their cool. They fully understood what they were getting into. Luckily for all of us, they had the 'luxury' of time and were able to hold out for bank approval on their dream home.

The day of closing we shook hands and the usual things were said: "oh you must stop by and see what we do with the place" or "I'd love to stop by when you're settled in". Most agents would agree that during the home buying process the parties spend a LOT of time together and get to know each other quite well. After all, we're along for the ride for the biggest purchase of someone's life! I often feel a little sentimental when we get to the end of the road. Therefore, I was thrilled when the L's invited me over tomorrow night for a celebratory cocktail and to see them in the home that we fought so hard to get! I really really liked this couple and kind of missed them when it was over. Further, it makes me happy to know that despite a somewhat difficult transaction, they like me and appreciate how I fought for them. It seems that they even consider me a friend.

That just makes my day!

Yes, the paycheck made my day back in November.

No, I'm not in business just to make friends, but I think it's a helluva benefit!

I'm honored to have been a part of something really special for this great young couple.

CHEERS Mr. & Mrs. L! I look forward to raising a glass with you tomorrow night!

 

 champagne_glasses.jpg champagne glasses image by Seasite

Comments (7)

Aaron Vaughn 830-358-0455
Conifer Builders LLC - Canyon Lake, TX

I love this post! I had a HUD sale take 4 months because my clients changed lenders against my advice. But I remained calm and a professional, and we all made it though friends! They invited me over to see the work they did on their home, and it looks awesome!

Jan 20, 2010 03:46 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

It makes it all worth while doesn't it. Obviously you have created raving fans.

Jan 20, 2010 03:50 PM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

I love this post too, and I love being invited to clients' homes for cocktails, house-warming parties and such long after closing. It's easy to develop a friendship and Ellie is right - they will be your best fans. Be sure to ask them for a written testimonial that you can display on your blog or web site, AND make sure they have plenty of your business cards to pass out! Enjoy the champagne!

Jan 20, 2010 04:23 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Lisa:  Congratulations!  This is a happy ending!  Exactly what we want and all wish for ...   Know that you did something well ... and extremely right!

Gene

Jan 21, 2010 04:13 AM
Photo Photo
Chicago, IL

Lisa, that is a great customer service/relationship building story. I hope that you enjoyed your cocktail!

Jan 21, 2010 04:36 AM
Lisa Schmitt
Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell - Plainfield, IL

Epilogue: Had a great visit with the L's. They are thrilled with their home and happy they held out for short sale approval. YAY! (and I finally got to meet their dog, who was just lovely, and I'm not a big dog person!)

Jan 21, 2010 01:34 PM
Susan Brown
Keller Williams NE, Kingwood Texas (Humble & Atascocita too) - Kingwood, TX

Lisa - Clients for life!  That is a great connection to have for so many reasons.  Congrats!

Jan 27, 2010 07:02 AM