Buyer Converted to Client... and Sister

Generally speaking, Realtors® like buyers by way of referral only. And that is if we even serve buyers to begin with. I serve buyers and sellers, but many agents prefer listings only and there is a reason. Buyers and sellers require a whole different set of skills and expertise and time in and out of the office. But the reason Realtors®, or any pro, for that matter, prefer clients by way of referral is because it is warmer and fuzzier. The referred consumer walks into the business arrangement with a sense of, "I trust you, Pro, because so and so said so." We love that.

Buyer conversion is hard work. If you don't know someone and have no mutual connection whatsoever, you have to work to prove yourself -- you work to show you have integrity, know-how, work ethic, and their best interest at heart. Getting someone from customer (just chatting) to client (signed on) can be a chore. But getting someone from customer to best friend or sister-like status is more than anyone ever bargains for! Thank God for those occasional connections of the soul.

Back in my very first years as a Realtor® I would go to the office, do my phone duty, send my quota of 10 "free" pieces of mail out, catch some new agent training, drink my coffee and listen and learn (and laugh) from the others as they would rant, "...in all my 30 years of real estate, Aye have never..." But my favorite thing that could possibly happen on any given day in the office was another agent handing me their leftovers. Oh, man, I loved cold pizza and meatloaf in the form of customers another agent was too busy to serve. But one day I got more on my plate than I bargained for and that little pea in my pod was Jana.

This buyer and her family were relocating from Florida to North Richland Hills, Texas. Right up my alley. They were referred to another agent in my office from a previous client of theirs. They were pre-approved and ready to roll. This was a slam dunk, so to speak, a bird in the hand, as far as buyers go. I showed and showed and they fell in love with a completely renovated home on a cul-de-sac lot with one of those big, pie shaped back yards... perfect for raising a little girl and a dog. Over the years Jana and I became very close -- she used me like a phone book and I loved every single call. They usually led to a play date with the kids or a cookout with several families. She "grew up" to become a fellow Realtor® here, but her hubby found better opportunities elsewhere, so here they are... moving.

Bummer. I am so sad they are leaving. But I also want them to have a fast and easy sale. So here is the home I sold them that is back on the market now as they relocate again to another area. No, it's not my listing. Jana is at my old office with my old friends at Coldwell Banker. But I can't help but help her market it. So here it is... tears in my eyes... 8950 Tamiami Court.

And to my girl and her family:

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Change always comes bearing gifts.
- Price Pritchett

Joy blooms where minds and hearts are open.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.
- Bertha Calloway (attributed) 

Photos from my friends' MLS ad with MetroTex Association of Realtors®