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A Game of Chess--Paying It Forward

By Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Charlemagne International Properties BRE# 01147470

January 08, 2011 01:10 AM

A sharp and savvy senior client lives alone (except for his caretaker). His son is a past client and mentioned his father enjoys a good game of chess. Norma Toering & Team recently listed a vacant lot for this active and amazing senior, and during our meeting at his residence the subject of chess came up. He was delighted to discover my son and business partner enjoys an occasional game of chess.

Our client's eyes danced at the mention of a match and he extended an immediate invitation. The time and date were set. Monday, after he took photos and installed a sign, my son joined our client for a two and a half hour chess game. The client won, but the game was enjoyed by both players. Real estate relationships are built on service and trust, and a good game of chess can do wonders for both, not to mention the sheer pleasure our client derived from the social and mental stimulation. It was a rewarding experience for my son as well.

By the way, I'm invited to our client's birthday party in February. It's a milestone one--he will be 100!

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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Bob "RealMan" Timm

Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND

Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Norma, A son who is your business partner? Did you have him when you were 5? You look way to young to have an adult child. Neat post, did the client let the "kid" win?

Jan 08, 2011 01:17 AM

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Bob - Thanks for the kind words---No, the client won. He told my son before the game started, "No one beats me."

Jan 08, 2011 01:26 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Norma....that's a very nice story and you're very fortunate to have a son who wants to carry on your business.....all of mine chose different fields although Tammy does have a license and does open house events for us.

Jan 08, 2011 01:43 AM

Kimberly A Norgard

Devlin McNiff Halstead Real Estate - East Hampton, NY

What a beautiful story. I can't believe he'll be 100. You don't hear that very often.

Jan 08, 2011 01:50 AM

Barbara - Two of my four children have real estate licenses--50% so far--my youngest is still in college and my daughter is a teacher in Palos Verdes. Until recently son #2 was a VP with Grubb & Ellis--he is now volunteering in Colombia for a few months and attending Spanish classes four hours per day.

Jan 08, 2011 01:51 AM

Kimberly - He is an inspiration. When we arrived for our listing appointment he was in the kitchen cooking!

Jan 08, 2011 01:54 AM

Malcolm Johnston

Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON

Trenton Real Estate

Norma, I'm a chess fanatic, and it's exceptionally difficult to find good oponents. I bet that having your son challenge him to a game of chess was such a treat for your client.

Jan 08, 2011 02:55 AM

Malcolm - It was. Our client called yesterday and mentioned the game. This may become a part of our weekly update--to be delivered over a chess set.

Jan 08, 2011 03:01 AM

Donna Foerster

HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO

Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Good morning Norma~ It's the little things that can make such a difference. We'll expect to hear all about the birthday party in February.

Jan 08, 2011 04:59 AM

Donna - I be sure to take my camera with me!

Jan 08, 2011 06:00 AM

Ken Barker Realtor® GRI, E-Pro Certified

Dilbeck Real Estate - Burbank, CA

Norma - We'll with your son losing in chess it reminds me that when I play golf with a client, I N E V E R win.

Jan 08, 2011 07:35 AM

Jane Peters

Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles real estate concierge services

That must have made the old guy's day. Amazing. Still playing chess at 100.

Jan 08, 2011 10:15 AM

Ken - My son said he did not throw the game.

Jane - Yes, and CNN is always running in the background--this guy is amazing. Does not wear glasses or use a cane...

Jan 08, 2011 10:30 AM

A Game of Chess--Paying It Forward

Comments(13)

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