A past client called one day and asked if I would help find a fix-er-upper for he and his dad to "Flip".   They were happy with our past service, and wanted to use my Team and I once again.  I set up the automatic email to send them homes in their price range.

After about a year, we found one interesting property.  While I was showing it, I asked... Do you have a few minutes to see another property?  It was a 1830's style farm house in the area.  I knew this is what their dream was really, to restore and maintain a beautiful old home, that was also located near their family.  So we visited this property, which I had driven by for almost a year, seeing the for sale sign out front.  It expired once and now was with a new broker.  Well the buyers loved it.  It took over two hours for them to look at every detail possible.  The next day, we were back, with lots of family members.  It also has an in the ground swimming pool!  Beautiful old hardwoods!  Tons of history in the 177 year old home.  That night we were talking about how to put their family home of 37 years,  where they raised their family, up for sale. 

The next day, I listed their house for sale, and we submitted an offer to buy the historic home.  Only a week later, we have had our agreement approved in writing, and are planning the inspections!  Yesterday was our first showing on their home!  What a neat story! They are not going to flip this property at all.  They are going to make it their home for years to come!   All I did was ask,... Do you have time to look at another house?  I think you may like it!

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Donald Bradbury Realtor  610-952-3578

www.BradburyTeam.com  #1 Realtor in Pennsylvania on Active Rain

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12 Comments on All I did was ask: Do you have time to look at another house?

OCT
14
2007
 Great story!  It would be nice if all of the buyers and sellers had happy endings like that one.  Good luck in the future.
8:39am • #1
338,741 Points 52 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Donald this isn't a "neat" story, it's a fantastic story!  What a great job you did for your buyer clients.  I bet they can't wait take possession of the home and make it their own.  Ask them would you please if they wouldn't mind sharing "before" and "after" photos with all of us.

These are the kinds of posts that I just love to read.
Therefore, I'm rating this one a nice high five. 

8:43am • #2
445,301 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Donald, this is the kind of story we all dream about...  I specialize in historic homes - I'm sure I would have loved the 1830s farmhouse you found, too!
8:44am • #3
One of the reasons I got out on tour or go to Open Houses when I don't have an Open House is so that I can go see homes that have not all but are close to the specs on my clients wish lists.  As realtors I think most of know when we have found our client's home.  Sometimes it means going out and previewing homes that may be borderline so that we can evaluate the appeal for our client.  One home I previewed at an open looked perfect for my client even though it lacked a HUGE item on their priority list.......it didn't have a basement!  I called them from the house and they were able to meet me.  At the door I said, I no this doesn't have a basement, and although there appears to be a lot of storage we may have never seen this home,and for future reference I just want to know if this is the house you would buy if it had a basement.........they weren't in the house but 5-10 minutes and they were calling the inlaws.  They bought the house the next day!   You get to know your client and you know they can't have everything.  So you are always looking for the best fit!  
8:47am • #4
167,648 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Awesome! I'm forwarding this post to my Buyers Agents!
8:49am • #5
What an awesome story! I only wish it worked that way every time!!!
8:49am • #6
462,662 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
You listened to their needs and got the desired result. Some fail to do that. It's an acquired thing. Congrats.
8:50am • #7
759,096 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
This is a cool story as you became a Dream maker . Great job
9:21am • #8
193,997 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

The trick is in knowing your clients, knowing sometimes when they don't what they really want, and that takes listening "between the lines", which clearly you did, and then asking just that one right question.  Congratulations!  (To you on the accomplishment, and to them on having you as their agent.)  Now, are you still going to find them a house to flip?

 

 
11:37am • #9
OCT
15
2007
874,487 Points 154 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Wonderful, you know your market, and showed yourself the professional you are.
4:35pm • #10
OCT
17
2007
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Donald,
Never huts to ask, what is the worst thing that can happen?  The answer is --they will say "no thanks".  That's not too painful.
1:43pm • #11
DEC
09
2007
1,003,928 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Thanks Cynthia Tilghman.  You are right about that
8:16pm • #12

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Donald Bradbury, e-PRO®, 610-952-3578 REALTOR Bucks County PA

Quakertown, PA

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Bradbury Team Prudential Patt, White Real Estate

Address: 2 North Main Street, Coopersburg, PA, 18036

Office Phone: (610) 282-4444

Cell Phone: (610) 952-3578

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www.bradburyteam.com We provide such Superior Customer Service that our clients offer to pass out our cards to their friends and family.


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