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 schoolteacher. 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 that 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.
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