The true reward in our business is not in the commission checks or in the flexible schedule we're allowed, but rather in the friends we make along the way and the things we're able to do to help those friends.

A few months ago, I received a call from a homeowner (Chris) in need of some help selling his home in Cheyenne Crossing. He had been transferred out of state several months earlier and was frustrated with the lack of results from his 2 previous REALTORS. After having his beautiful, practically new home on the market for over a year (in a market with a 71 day average), and seeing no offers, he was beginning to wonder if his house would ever sell. Being over 1,000 miles away, making mortgage payments and paying utility bills, in addition to not really knowing what was going on with the marketing of his home, had to be taxing and frustrating.

These are the types of clients I love working with. I take great pride in being able to help in such situations, by simply doing what I do with every listing... Actively and aggressively working to find a buyer. Yard signs don't sell houses. Sure they help get some exposure, but in this more difficult market, what sells houses is old-fashioned hard work, good presentation of the home, consistent follow-up, and unconventional marketing.

Over the next few months, this homeowner and I developed a good working relationship based on cooperation, communication and respect. Long story short, we got an offer on the house (99.7% of list price) in 35 days, and it closed without a hitch earlier today. The pride I take in working hard for others and gaining the results they desire is immeasurable, but the truly great thing about this situation is that our professional relationship has transformed into a great friendship. That was verified tonight, by an email I received from Chris:

Ryan:          

I can not thank you enough for all that you have done on my family's behalf. I sure wish that I had sought your services prior to my previous two Realtors as they each listed our house for over 8 months each. You listed it via techniques and methods that were of the facet that obtained results in a few weeks. The Agent to seller relationship was one of the best experiences that I have ever been associated with. You exerted the highest standards of integrity, honesty and professionalism that is not seen in today's environment.  You not only focused your efforts to sell my house but kept us informed more than I was expecting. In the short time that we have been working together, you not only earned my respect but I have obtained a great friend. We sincerely pray and wish you and your family the very best of wishes and hope you stay in touch.

Thank you very much,
                            Chris