I had an amazing client.  She had the perfect home in her mind.  The home had to be in Viera or Suntree, Florida.  It had to have a pool and be on the water.  Concrete block construction was a must with an open kitchen and a three car garage.  Did I mention that the home had to face east?

 

As a Realtor in Melbourne, Florida there were a few choices.  Looking at Suntree Real Estate and Viera Real Estate I was able to keep a few homes in front of her.  The husband only cared about the three car garage and concrete block construction.

 

Lord knows, we searched, and searched.  I dearly love this lady and her husband.  Part of the Greatest Generation.  Wise with their money, amazing stories of war, the depression, past jobs and his service with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.  They knew everyone in town and everyone I meet speaks highly of them.  I really wanted to do this right.

 

We searched for months and yet she never seemed discouraged.   Finally, we found the perfect home but the husband would not budge on the very low offering price he had in mind.  I explained to him that if we low-balled this one, his wife would kill him.  He wouldn’t budge, we lost it and, yep she just about killed him. He learned and we continued to look but could never find a home to match the one we “lost”. 

 

One day I was sitting with her and asked with a smile, “Where is this magical house?”  She took my hand and said, “Get in the car.  I’ll show you.”  Bless God, she did.  Drove me right to the place and said, “That’s it.”

 

I went back to my office and ran the numbers.  I sat with the two of them and said, “No shenanigans.  Let’s review these comps.  I’m going to knock on the door and show the owners the same thing I showed you.  We’ll make a fair offer and see what happens.”

 

Two hours later I was standing on the doorstep of the Mystery House with a contract in hand.  I knocked, the door opened and I simply said, “Hello.  My name is Joseph Robinson.  I’m a Realtor here in Melbourne and I have a client interested in buying your home.  Would you like to look at the offer?”  They invited me in.  I reviewed all of the comps and the offer and the wife began to shake.  Suddenly she simply burst into tears.  Wow.  As her husband consoled her he began to explain.

 

They missed their children in Jacksonville.  They had a terrible experience trying to sell the home before.  They hated the idea of the people coming through the house and dealing with all the mess.  They were ready.  They asked me if they could sleep on it.  The next day they signed.  The buyers were beside themselves.  They told everyone.  I sold three properties for them and one for each of their children.  

 

This strategy has worked for me a few times now.  Nearly every property you see has a price.  Next time, your client has the perfect home in mind, You may want to simply ask, “Have you seen this home somewhere?”

 

 

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  Joseph E. Robinson III, GRI, e-Pro Realtor®
Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker Paradise®
232 5th Ave., Indialantic, FL 32903
321-300-6876 - Mobile, Text Message
http://JosephRobinson.com
 
 
This post has been included in Florida Real Estate News Brevard County, FL Real Estate News Viera, FL Real Estate News
Post is included in group: All Things Florida
Post is included in group: Coldwell Banker Group
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205 Comments on Knock, Knock... Hello, I’m a Realtor. My Client Would Like to Buy Your Home.

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
19
2011
137,253 Points

Only one of a million would think of that and only 2% would follow through.

12:58am • #187
1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Joseph, As many Rainers agree, what an amazing story! If the owners said no, you'd simply move on but you had to take the chance for your client. You've handled the situation wonderfully and served all parties at the highest level. Bravo!

1:40am • #188
584,338 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I like your knock with contract in hand approach. There is nothing that will get you to really consider your options like a piece of paper right there in front of you waiting to be signed.

This, of course, is true of all offers.

And nearly every type of sales.

5:43am • #189

Great story of how this occupation can make such a difference in people's lives, Joseph.  Thanks for sharing!

10:47am • #190
570,582 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I can speak to this issue from the other side. Years ago another attorney and I had our firm in an office building we owned. One day two fellows came to us and wanted to buy our building. We said it wasn't for sale. They came back a day or two later and asked us to name a price. Again, we told them it wasn't for sale. The third time they came back they brought a written offer for nearly half again as much as what we knew it to be worth and included free rent for us for 2 years. We talked it over and wound up selling. The moral is that nearly everything is for sale if the price is high enough.
11:50am • #191
987,384 Points 49 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Joseph - I've never knocked on a door with an offer, but I have sold properties by mailing letters to homeowner that had the model/ location my client wanted.  However I haven't done this since the market started heading down, my clients are all about the "deal" as opposed to a certain model in a specific neighborhood.

12:20pm • #192

Great job.

Hope you got a double commission.

12:56pm • #193
1,023,170 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That is a great story.  I am really happy for the people that were able to sell.  Isn't it great when things like that work out.

3:59pm • #194
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

What a story.  Congratulations!

4:35pm • #195
JUL
20
2011
103,787 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You're a go-getter and helping dreams come true in a mighty way. Good job! 

 

I love this story!

 

7:42am • #196
JUL
21
2011
199,383 Points 5 Featured Posts

What a wonderful story, you explored all possible options for your clients.  Great job!

1:44am • #197
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Joseph,,,,outstanding !

In my 20+ yrs...i did experience the same reward a few times...although at one time i thought i found my client's "utopia"...after they showed me their "dream"....i made it come true and they moved in..I was their "hero"..invited to all their family functions.etc....however, 6 months later it turned into "dystopia" and I was sued by those clients !  I was devastated !

 I'm thrilled to read about your terrific experience and happy to know  you went the extra mile....thanks for sharing. Best wishes and continued success......Mike (in Chicago)

10:39am • #198
JUL
22
2011
127,393 Points

Glad it worked out for your clients. There is no harm in asking! Great job in going the extra steps and going out on a limb.

11:55pm • #199
JUL
23
2011

Great story -  proves every house has a buyer....

10:02am • #200
JUL
25
2011

Terrific story and a lesson learned! Thanks for sharing it. Your hard work and creativity paid off for everyone -- you, buyers & sellers.

2:51pm • #201

 Joseph, great perseverance and very inspiring story.  You definitely went the extra mile for this one. 

6:01pm • #202
JUL
28
2011
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Joseph-am a little late on this, but WOW, you have no idea how much I needed to hear a story like this tonight!! Good for you, great point-DUH-just ask!!

11:12pm • #203
AUG
09
2011
237,019 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That's pretty awesome.  I've had buyers want me to talk to sellers who didn't have their home on the market, and I have, but never had a story like that.  Pretty great!  -Kasey

12:02am • #204
OCT
16
2011

Inspiring. Your writing style is very good, like a storyteller telling a story to an audience.

all the best

5:38am • #205
DEC
26
2011
299,600 Points 9 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

This is great. I know I should comment with something profound, but it's all been said before I got here, so I'll just say, "Thanks for sharing this story."  And I definitely will ask the question in future.

6:36pm • #206

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Joseph Robinson-Search Melbourne Florida Homes for Sale, MLS Real Estate Search

Melbourne, FL

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Coldwell Banker Paradise, Satellite Beach, FL

Address: 907 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL, 32901

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