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Teaching Blind People To Ski

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Vic Steele, Broker CA DRE 01349863 CA BRE 01349863

Jack and Bob are two of Dad’s best friends. Uncle Bob decided he was going to take us out to lunch. I have to admit that Uncle Bob’s driver’s license probably probably should have been re-evaluated, but I was very happy to be going to lunch with him. My brother was not so relaxed with his namesake. He squawked and yelled, waved his arms and fidgeted. My Dad laughed as we narrowly avoided three different auto collisions. Jack was sitting quietly in the front seat. I was chuckling as I asked him how he stayed so cool. He calmly looked back at me, smiled and said, “I teach blind people to ski Vic.”

Jack is a retired schooltValet Real Estate Serviceseacher. About 20 years ago, he became an adventurer. Whether it was searching for gold, rafting rivers or climbing mountains; Jack embraced life fully. A few years ago he became a ski instructor and quickly learned there are a whole lot of blind people that want to experience skiing. Jack uses open slopes and beepers near the wood line to enable the blind skiers to safely enjoy the winter air.

I met some first-time buyers that were referred to me. I realized when I met Jerry and Patty that they were very nervous buyers. I assured them that I would take excellent care of them, treating their money as if it were my own. I repeatedly pointed out why they should NOT buy many houses that they loved and genuinely thought I had completely earned their trust.

It took us several months to decide on a beautiful home in Brea. During the home inspection, Jerry and Patty considered cancelling escrow because the grout in the shower was damaged. I assured them it was a relatively easy repair, there was no evidence of significant water intrusion in the walls and ceiling and there was no real reason to give up on the home. Their inspector and uncle agreed with me and told them it was an excellent home.

When we got the disclosures, they again used the words “cancel escrow”. I patiently explained the disclosures were all very typical and I did not see any red flags. They agreed and decided to ask the seller to fix everything the property inspector had cited. I reminded them I had negotiated the sale at $10,000 below market value and they were asking a seller who had already bent…to break. They reduced their request, but it was still significant. The agent was outraged, but I professionally calmed her down and successfully negotiated the repair request.

Yesterday, they did not want to agree to the Request for Repair they had submitted. Jerry was afraid Valet Real Estate Servicesthat if they agreed to the repair request, that would remove all of their contingencies. I explained how contingency removal is really something we have to do specifically and in writing; there is no inferred contingency removal and no tricks. Jerry thanked me for the explanation and agreed to sign the form. He still seems apprehensive.

Last night, I showed a home to Jerry’s best friend Nick. I commented that we were in the same neighborhood for the 4th time; it was obvious he loves the neighborhood. He agreed that we now had a great home in the neighborhood he loves! However, he said he needed two days to think about it. Afterwards, Dad asked how I was going to make it through another nervous first-time buyer. I smiled and said, “I teach blind people to ski.” Dad and I recalled that Mister Magoo ride in Uncle Bob’s truck and laughed all the way home!

Who are you thinking of right now that needs a patient Consultant, like me, in their life? A Consultant who can understand their nerves and help them in a calm friendly and professional manner. Please call me at 714-240-3693 and tell me about them.

Posted by

Valet Real Estate Services

 

A referral is sending someone you care about to someone you trust!

Vic Steele, Broker, CA DRE License No. 01349863
1250 N. Lakeview Avenue, Suite M, Anaheim, CA 92807

Vic@SteeleGroup.net

 

Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Vic, teaching blind people to ski huh? I have to say, it is very much like that when you are out with first time home buyers. Very good analogy!

Mar 02, 2011 11:11 PM
Vic Steele
Vic Steele, Broker CA DRE 01349863 - Anaheim Hills, CA
Broker/Consultant

Thanks Andrea!  I'm pleased that you enjoyed the analogy.  The story popped back into my head after the unusual showing.

Mar 03, 2011 08:50 AM
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Oh Lord Vic! :)

First time buyers are not my fave. But a lot of the time, they simply need calm reassurance. It sounds like you have been the answer to their prayers.

Being an exceptional first time buyers' agent . . . ROCKS.

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~I ROCK, THEREFORE I AM~

Mar 11, 2011 02:00 AM
Vic Steele
Vic Steele, Broker CA DRE 01349863 - Anaheim Hills, CA
Broker/Consultant

Jerry and Patty are signing loan docs this weekend with an expectation of closing this coming week!

Nick still hasn't found the right home.

You are right Candice, all they need is patient professionalism and I am there for them, after all ~ I am Uncle Jack's nephew and I teach blind people to ski too!

Mar 11, 2011 02:52 PM
Mark Artesani
Keller Williams Realty - Fountain Valley, CA
Huntington & Newport Beach, Fountain Valley Homes

Nice story and a salute to your friend for sharing sking with the blind.  What a wonderful gift to give.

 

Mark

Mar 15, 2011 03:31 PM
Vic Steele
Vic Steele, Broker CA DRE 01349863 - Anaheim Hills, CA
Broker/Consultant

Thanks for stopping by and enjoying the story Mark.  It was a fun story that I am pleased to share.

Mar 16, 2011 07:27 AM