Like just about any other professional, I take great pride in my work. And like most other people, I also like to enjoy an unrelated hobby. In my case, my form of relaxation is woodworking. I find that the process of molding sticks and boards into a piece of fine furniture, a carving, or even a simple bookcase can be very meditative and relaxing. I also look upon each satisfying creation as a source of pride and satisfaction. There is nothing that can make my head swell faster than having someone admiring one of my creations, and then astounding them when I announce with just a hint of modesty, that "I made that". Once I had made a kitchen counter for a friend, and though it was no great work of art, it did turn out to be a nice improvement to the small condominium. As an added feature, I purchased three Captains Stool kits and assembled and stained them to match, and 'voila', the masterpiece was done.
A few months later, my friends decided that the time had come, they had outgrown the apartment, and began house hunting. Within a very short time, we found the house, made the purchase and listed the now vacant apartment for sale. Of course, the new home my clients purchased was great, except for the fact that the kitchen counter was a little short, but there was room to lengthen it, and wouldn't it be great to add a dishwasher in the added space? After much more praise of the wonderful counter I had built for the apartment, my friends/clients persuaded me to do the counter extension and dishwasher installation in their new home, "in my spare time, no rush".
At the apartment open houses, I always found the perfect moments to sheepishly admit that "I made that" whenever prospects were admiring my handiwork. My ego swelled to the size of a zeppelin! My head though, even outsized my ego, which was then exceeded by the size of my mouth and the looseness of my tongue. "Yes", I commented, "I built this for my clients because I do whatever it takes to get my clients what they want!"
Little did I suspect that some people would actually listen to what I was saying, much less actually put me to the test! Before selling this apartment I met a buyer who qualified for a smaller unit than this listing, but it needed just a little work; but I could do that for her, couldn't I? Isn't that what I meant when I said I would do whatever it takes to get my clients what they want? Besides, you do such good work! Now how could I deny my client her expectations?!
Aftyer rebuilding a hall corner cabinet and shelf, re-mounting the sliding mirror closet doors and adding some trim moulding to my clients new apartment, I left a sincerely satisfied first time buyer, who still brags to her friends about what her Realtor did for her, and nobody else's Realtor has done for them. After a while, I did find time to extend the counter in my friends new home, and even installed the dishwasher.
Before this situation got any further out of hand, I decided that enough is enough. No more of this! I am a Realtor, not a handyman! So I let them know not to have any referrals they may send me expect me to do the work. I can refer handymen, carpenters, plumbers, you name it! Just don't expect me to do the work!
Wait a minute, phone's ringing...hang on a sec..."Julie? Your mom wants to sell the house in the Palisades? Great! Sure, I'd be glad to. You will be flying in to do some renovations? Yeah, I have tools....."
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