Where Do Listings Come From? A Gas Station and a Good Impression

A couple of weeks ago I received this email (used with permission):

Dear Mrs. Rome,

MRome TagsI don't know if you remember me. My name is Kaliq Simms, and about six months ago, we happened to be getting gas at the same station on Reisterstown Rd. I recognized your name on your license plate. You had been the seller's realtor for a house we contemplated buying about six years ago when we were shopping for our current home.

Gas PumpI was so impressed with your professionalism and great personality. We ended up buying another home (no fault of yours, of course), but I continued to visit your website periodically over the years, as I knew we would eventually want to sell our current starter home. Long story short, you gave me your number at the gas station that day and told me to call you when we decided to sell. Well, we've decided :)!

I hope we can work together. We need a speedy and smooth sale because we have found the house we want to buy. We are already pre-qualified and have a realtor for the buy-side of this transaction. Please call us as soon as possible. Thank you!

That Saturday I went on a listing appointment, and though they said they absolutely wanted to use me, they also said they wanted their attorney to look over the listing agreement. I told them, "Absolutely, and here is what he'll say: he'll tell you the commission is too high and the term is too long, and that you shouldn't sign it."

7529 Rockridge Rd, Pikesvile, MDWhile they were waiting to hear from the attorney, as a surprise for this delightful young family I put their home on my website with no address, no price, and a "Coming Soon!" heading. Later that week they reported that the lawyer said exactly what I predicted, but after thinking it over some more…they listed their home with me. Up went the listing on MLS, up went the listing on Active Rain, and we've had three showings already, one with good interest.

I've always insisted on showing my own properties whenever possible. Six years ago, a showing that did not lead to a sale created an impression. And today I have a listing for 7529 Rockridge Road, Pikesville, MD because of it.

mr

 

62 Comments on Where Do Listings Come From? A Gas Station and a Good Impression

Good for you, I like the idea of Coming Soon I think I am going to start using that.  Good Luck

08/19/2007 07:20 PM by Rebecca Savitski NC Real Estate Listings (NC List for Less Realty Incorporated)


Margaret, that is so encouraging, I'm happy for you. You've  mainly done market reports and localism lately so I haven't been commenting but reading. Good luck !

08/19/2007 07:29 PM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


This is a great story and what a great listing to have!! It is darling and in immaculate condition. Price look right too.  You should have it sold for them in no time.

.

08/19/2007 07:44 PM by Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)


Margaret,  That is something I love about this business...it comes from anywhere...it comes from everywhere.  I stopped my car a couple of weeks ago in front a man who looked lost in my neighborhood.  He wasn't dressed right to be on a walk and he was just standing there.  I rolled my window down and said, "Are you lost"?  He said, "No, my buddy's picking me up but thanks...I can't believe you were nice enough to stop and check up on me".  I said, "no big deal".  He said, "Hey, do you have a card"?  I gave him my business card and he's called twice about buying another condo in same location...you just never know.

08/19/2007 07:53 PM by Shannon Lefevre Naples, Florida CRS (John R. Wood REALTORS Inc.)


Margaret - what a darling house! I just know that one's going to sell quickly!

08/19/2007 08:05 PM by Linda Scanlan ~Selling All of North Texas (Hall Team Homes)


Margaret - what a great story!  We just never know when, where, or how people will come into our lives, and this is a perfect example of just that!  You obviously made a great impression on them, and now you have a great listing as testament to that - way to go!

Hope you have a nice smooth sale before too long!
Ann

08/19/2007 08:18 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


It's always nice to hear a success story.  It also makes you realize how you act as a Realtor can have an effect years later.  Good luck with your listing.

08/19/2007 08:31 PM by Joyce Jewell, GRI, ePRO, ASP, ABR (Jewell Real Estate Agency)


Rebecca, Let me know how it works for you. 

Missy, Thank you and thank you for reading!! 

Rolando, No signs on the car, just the plates.

Debbie, Thanks, I really love this home, the sellers and the immaculate condition.

Shannon, Good story! You showed your concern, you showed that you cared.  

Linda, This is a darling house and I hope we find the right buyer soon.

Ann,I was so pleased when Kaliq remembered me from 6 years ago. They are a wonderful family and I am honored to be their agent.

08/19/2007 08:38 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Joyce, Over night success is not what this business is all about. Thank you for the stopping by.

08/19/2007 08:40 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Margaret -- branding works along with professionalism --thxs for sharing.

08/19/2007 10:06 PM by Aziz Abdur-Raoof,Howard Co. Real Estate Scoop (RE/MAX Rewards)


Great success story, love to hear that, I also like your idea of the coming soon pictures on your website.

08/19/2007 10:14 PM by Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (Fairhaven Realty)


Aziz, Thanks for stopping by. Branding plus professionalism = a winning combination.

08/19/2007 10:14 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Michael, Thanks for your kind comments and glad you like this idea.

 

08/19/2007 10:22 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Congrats on being such a good networker! I'm taking notes!

08/19/2007 10:33 PM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


Dena, I think I am following your example. Would you please share you notes with me?

08/19/2007 10:37 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Margaret,  Congratulations on your listing.  I know that you will sell it fast for them!

08/19/2007 10:37 PM by Sheri Sanders -Easley,SC Real Estate (Prudential C Dan Joyner Co)


Oh I love happy endings with years ago leads that turned into something!  Now that is what I call following through. Pretty neat.

08/19/2007 11:36 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


This is a wonderful story Margaret.  You just never know when something is going to come from just a part of your day - even if it is WAY down the road.  I am glad you wrote about it. 

08/19/2007 11:56 PM by Steve Scheer - Denver Real Estate - Highlands Ranch Real Estate (RE/MAX Masters, Inc.)


Great personalities always attract the business! That's why it's a people business no matter how much is spent on trying to replace REALTORS!

08/20/2007 02:27 AM by Suburban Chicago Illinois Real Estate (Suburban Village Realty)


I'm a big fan of the "list it before it's actually listed" scenario.  My office deal with many foreclosures.  After the BPO's and before the bank actually gives us a price they want it listed at, I'm holding Open Houses and marketing the houses on Craigslist.  Many times we get an offer well before we have a List Price.

08/20/2007 03:31 AM by Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent - Nancy Rivera (RE/MAX Leading Edge in Roswell Ga)


Great story and it does go to show us that we need to have conversations with the people around us, you just never know where it will lead to.

08/20/2007 05:57 AM by Bradenton Real Estate - Linda Reynolds


Another evidence of how  professionlism can enhance your business.  The license plate is a great touch.

08/20/2007 06:31 AM by Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)


Great license plate! Someone suggested that I put signage on my vehicle regarding insurance and I thought better of it. Putting an auto insurance Co. might lead to a stop and rear end accident here in Ca. lol

But it is amazing how we become our jobs. When we love what we do, it becomes so natural to talk about our business in the oddest situations.

Very cute "dollhouse" good luck on your sale!

08/20/2007 07:11 AM by Terri Habecker- Life Matters & So Does Your Insurance Co (AIG, Allied, AIG Private Client, CNA, Travelers)


What we do follows us around - sometimes we don't know it.  This time it came home to roost.  Good job.

08/20/2007 07:22 AM by Judi Barrett (Integrity Real Estate Services)


Margaret,

My old manager told me a story about a family she helped move with a truck...a few years later their children called to thank her and give her 5 yrd of free food at the restuarnat chanin her parents owned before they died for being so kind. It was a famous restuarant. And then they let her sell their house too.

08/20/2007 07:36 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


Isn't this type of relationship a wonderful reaffirmation that you are doing a great job and make a wonderful impression on those around you?  Great job Margaret.

08/20/2007 07:37 AM by Kris Wales-A partner for your real estate needs in Macomb County MI (RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.)


Good story. It's a testament to your image and hard work. Congratulations!

.

08/20/2007 07:58 AM by Al Maxwell - Real Estate Agent - (Coldwell Banker)


Great story. People remember you when you do a stellar job. I have had people call me from 2 or 3 yrs ago that couldn't qualify and now they want to try again.... It makes me feel like I did a good job the first time.

08/20/2007 08:36 AM by Tom Burris | Texas Home Loan Expert (DallasLoanGuy.com)


I think that coming soon idea is great. This post just shows people that you can never tell where your next clients might come from.

08/20/2007 08:48 AM by Wayne McMullan Quinte Real Estate (Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty)


Margaret, Great Story.  Congratulations!  Reminds us that we are representing our business at all times, including when we are at the gas station filling the car with gas. 

08/20/2007 09:03 AM by Ruth Jacobs - North Palm Beach Real Estate Specialist (Quantum One Realty)


That is a great story, Margaret. Just another example of how you never know  when a connection might lead to business down the road. Good luck selling the home quickly at a great price.

Jeff

08/20/2007 09:36 AM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)


Margaret, congratulations...impressions stick with a person and this is obvious proof of just that. Doesn't surprise those of us who have had an internet connection with you, however. I'm sure that you will be selling this home quickly for your Seller at the best possible price.  Great story!

08/20/2007 10:35 AM by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)


Margaret, I think you have done the best job of branding yourself that I've ever seen.   A year or so after showing some of your listings, I immediately remembered you when I signed onto Active Rain for the first time.  Congratulations on the new listing!

08/20/2007 10:51 AM by Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company)


Margaret: Congrats on your listing and for your post and for reminding me that I am always on duty. 

08/20/2007 11:06 AM by Jessica Horton (Brio Realty)


Yes, YES, YES!  We can blog our brains out, drip email, have fancy cards and presentations, but this is a PEOPLE business.  It's YOU, and your professionalism that got you this listing.  This is a PEOPLE business and a personal business.

Thank you for a great post and a perfect reminder of this.  Good luck with the listing.

08/20/2007 12:29 PM by Tracey Thomas Calabasas, CA Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty)


That's excellent Margaret. We just never know where business is going to come from. I've had calls from folks who picked up my card on an airplane from a British tourist that gave it to them. 8 years later they called wanting to but a house!!!! It also shows why it is so important to not change your phone numbers. We've had our business number for 22 years!!! It's the same number we had when we owned a guest service company. When we moved we bought the number so it goes with us where ever we go. 

08/20/2007 12:45 PM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc


Margaret, This story speaks volumes about your ability to convey your professionalism and leave a lasting impression. I wish we could do "coming soon" in our state but I don't think the Northwest Multiple approves that kind of thing. It does the heart good when someone is either referred to you or returns as a client after a few years. You know you're doing something right!

08/20/2007 01:47 PM by Irene Potter (John L. Scott)


Great story...I agree I always like to show all my properties you really get a better feel of the parties involved (other Realtor and Buyer) and I am able to guide by Seller's if an offer does come along or just in general.

08/20/2007 02:50 PM by Scott Patterson - South Florida Real Estate (EWM Real Estate - South Florida Real Estate)


Sally, Thanks for your comments and understanding how important to understand follow up.

Steve, i am glad that I wrote about this. 

And look,this just got a featured gold star. Thank you moderators..Did you not read this? Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

Paul Francis, We are going to be very hard to replace.

Nancy, Foreclosures are marketed a bit different. Interesting to get an offer before a price is established.

Linda, You are so right. Kindness goes a long way.

Jennifer, I had that licence plate before I even got into real estate. Just added the web address to the plate holder.

Terri, Yes, it is apparent when we love what we do! Thank you.

Judi, What a good lesson..."what we do follows us around..."

Neal, You do Get by Giving! Thanks for sharing with us.

Kris, We all love affirmations. Thanks so much.

 

 

 

 

08/20/2007 03:14 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Al, Thank you, I appreciate your comment.

Tom, You did a good job the first time and special people remember.

Wayne, You are so right!  We never know where we will meet good people. Being prepared is important.

Ruth, Thanks! I am just glad I got to the gas station before I ran out.

Jeff, I have another showing tomorrow and a call back from an agent with some serious interest.

Gena, you have such a nice way with words.

Patricia, Wow, thank you for remembering.

08/20/2007 05:51 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Jessica, Thank you. We are always on "duty".

Tracey,  And a yes, yes to you. This is a people business. It is wonderful to have such good people in our lives! Thank you for the comment.

Bryant, Good idea to keep your phone number. Mine is the same from my single days and you know how long I've been married.. 14326 days.

Scott, Thanks! You might want to read Yes, I DO!

Irene, I appreciate this comment: " It does the heart good when someone is either referred to you or returns as a client after a few years. You know you're doing something right!"

 

08/20/2007 06:42 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


What a marvellous story Margaret!  A lot of success is simply continuing to do the right things well, consistently, over time.  Eventually you reap the well deserved results.  Best wishes for a quick and successful sale and closing!

08/20/2007 07:43 PM by Lola Audu~ Audu Real Estate~ Grand Rapids, MI Broker


Terrific story; thanks for sharing!  I love the "Coming Soon" idea and will try that out!  It's so rewarding when an oppty presents itself out of thin air!  I also loved the upfront comment back to them about what the attorney would say...next time I'm asked that's the answer I'll give!  

08/20/2007 07:47 PM by Sarah Miller-Legg; Phx S.E. Valley Real Estate (HomeSmart)


Margaret, I liked your answer when they wanted to consult their lawyer.  Brilliant - taking the shock out what you knew the attorney would say.

08/20/2007 07:51 PM by Brian Schulman - Your Lancaster County, PA Real Estate Professional (Coldwell Banker Select Professionals)


Lola,  How true ! "A lot of success is simply continuing to do the right things well, consistently, over time.  Eventually you reap the well deserved results." 

Sarah and Brian,   Over time we learn to meet the objections head on. I did suggest that the lawyer was welcome to call me while reviewing the listing agreement.   It was not an easy decision for the sellers to go against the attorney's suggestion.

08/20/2007 09:42 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


That is wonderful. Someone keeping track of your website for all of those years, you must have made quite the impression.

08/20/2007 09:45 PM by Dacia Roessler (John L. Scott)


You just never know where something will come from, So it's always important to be making a good impression.

08/20/2007 09:50 PM by Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate (The Benjamin Team - Keller Williams Integrity First Realty )


Margaret,

Congrats on the listing.  That's what some realtors forget is that you never know where you might find your future client.  Always impress it may take months or years to get them to contact you but your story proves they will.  Great story.

08/20/2007 10:56 PM by Ronda Myers-Waters (Willems Realtors, Principal Broker)


Dacia, I like your name. Welcome to Active Rain. There are so many people who are willing to help you get started.

Ronda, Thank you. Those of us who are "seasoned" agents know that this is not "overnight" success but is built one client at time!

08/21/2007 05:24 AM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Margaret - What a cool story! I like what you told the couple about their attorney. I find it funny how there are so many attorneys that love to make comments such as those. You were very smart in preparing your client to hear the standard line of jargon. Best of luck getting the place SOLD!

08/21/2007 07:46 AM by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty)


Bob and Carolin, Let;s all continue to make good impressions.

Bill, Glad you liked the cool story. Preparing clients for what is going to happen is what we all should be striving toward.

08/21/2007 11:08 AM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Good story! I wish you (and myself) stories like this to come true more often :) 

08/21/2007 06:53 PM by Edite Liepina - Lawrence (ERA Tradewind Real Estate)


Edite, And I wish us both the same. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

08/21/2007 08:49 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


You never know you are planting a seed for the future.  Six years ago you knew that you would still need business today.  You did everything right.  Keep up the good work.

08/21/2007 09:03 PM by Vicky Poe, Realtor/Apprentice Auctioneer (Realty 1 Group)


Vicky, We all have to continue to "plant the seeds if we want our gardens to grow". Thank you for taking time to stop by.

08/21/2007 10:02 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


What a great story.  You just never know how long someone will remember you when you make a good impression.

08/22/2007 07:42 PM by Gregory D. Maley - Metropolitan Washington, DC REALTOR (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase)


Gregory, This kind of story should be an incentive to make us all aware that we are "ON" all the time. Thanks for stopping by.

08/23/2007 07:31 AM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


Great Idea, thanks for sharing.  Just goes to show first impressions are lasting impressions.  You certainly made yours a good one!

08/23/2007 12:23 PM by Dawn DeGroff (Fredericksburg Realty, Inc)


Dawn, Thanks for stopping by. I really like these sellers. They are a wonderful family!

08/24/2007 08:38 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


And this beautiful home is now under contract!!! Settlement is scheduled for October 22nd. I have two other buyers, on stand by, who also loved this home.

08/26/2007 08:21 PM by Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)


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Real Estate Agent: Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com (TREC-Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome)
Margaret Rome- Baltimore, Md.-HomeRome.com
Baltimore, MD
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