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If you haven't bought a refrigerator, you're probably not doing business.

Almost Five years ago when I was at Brodsky School of Real Estate I remember one of our instructors once told us..."If you haven't bought a refrigerator, you're probably not doing business"

At the time I didn't think much of this little quote, but over the last four years, I've thought about it a lot. I can't say that I've bought any refrigerators, but I have paid for some home warranties, toilet tank lids, doorknobs, screens and I'm sure some other stuff that I can't remember.

I'm just wondering....what have you bought that you originally didn't bargain for?.....

Posted by Nora Adkins on 09/17/2007 10:08 PM

Comments (12)

refrigerator

12 Comments on If you haven't bought a refrigerator, you're probably not doing business.

SEP

2007

I knew an agent who put money from every commission into a "Superman Fund" which he tapped into whenever he needed it for the things like you have mentioned. When you think of what the lifetime worth of a client could be to you, a refrigerator isn't a very big investment!

One of the guys whom I consider to be a mentor, very early in my mortgage career said "if there is a problem with a customer throwing money at them always helps". So, I've paid for appraisals, HOA transfer fees, driven them to the hospital, taken them to church and quite a few other things. It's not as odd as buying a refrigerator but something I never expected to have to do.

I'm curious what others have done.

Nora-- I havent admitted this to anyone-- but I put in a septic system once-- since then I have my checklists and my flash lights. Sometimes we get soo excited with the sale we lose sight of the facts-- I am now way more cautious and take my time to undersatnd EVERYTHING-- yes Nora a SEPTIC SYSTEM-- CRAP !!!!!!!!

Oh my, my list would be to long, Refrigerators, Carpet cleanings, Stoves, Hardware, Lighting, Meat (filled up their freezer), Numerous repairs, a Puppy (long story).....and more. Your doing good! Great group, I think I'll join.

Joeann - I like that idea, thanks!

Shailesh - ..."driven them to the hospital, taken them to church... " This sounds like more than a refrigerator! thanks!

Roylen - Wow...that really is CRAP!!! It's amazing how we learn so much from our own mistakes. Good for you for stepping up and doing the right thing. thanks!

Janna - A puppy!! That sounds like a ....blog. thanks!

How true! Thankfully nothing as expensive as a fridge.

Last week I replaced blinds due to a husband who was "handling" the move. He was not supposed to pack them but OOPS!

I think it's fair to say especially from reading the other posts that we've all had to dip into the pot.

But of course we do it to keep our client happy, preserve out integrity, and have them do business with us again and refer us to all of their friends and family.

OH, YEAH...and to avoid a lawsuit

I have been lucky enough not to have bought a "fridge" but I have been for inconsequential items along the way that build good faith with my clients. Minor repairs here and there seem to build relationships with clients.

It's funny but in this market I actually am getting things...recently we received a refrigerator and a barbecue from a foreclosure property.

Good Luck!

SEP

2007

Amy & Rob...thanks for your comments

Whatever gets the deal done!

I try to get the other agent involved as well. I've personally paid per diams on bank owned, outstanding trash bills, sent contractors out for small issues on my dime etc.

As long as the client is happy and the cost does not exceed profit, I will do it.

My most recent was the VA would not approve the loan until the back of the garage was painted. I sent the contractor out on a Saturday to have it done on Sunday. THe owner could not pay for it, nor could the buyer. So 4 days before closing the LA and I struck a deal and closed it.

I bought a window air conditioner because I said that's how the house was cooled. Won't do that again.

Chad - I'm with you, keeping my clients happy is #1 in the deal and many times the other agent in a deal has helped. Thanks for the comments.

Ray - Sorry about that, hopefully it will never come to that again. Thanks for your comments.

Hmmm.... let's see: an air conditioner repair (expensive), partial fencing, gift cards to Home Depot, a washer and dryer, pool cover and a BBQ. Not to mention several home warranties and a couple of inspections!

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