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"You will be my . . . for life!"

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

I love those few simple words, "You will be my . . . . for life!"  In my case, that could be Realtor or contractor.  Yesterday, it was contractor.  A very distressed client called with an electrical need.  He is an out of the area homeowner, and his tenant had no electricity on 50% of their second floor.

He had called another contractor first (from the Yellow Pages), and the estimate the guy Surprised mangave him was stunning.  To look at the problem and assess it was $75 to show up and $500 to assess it.  When the client called and explained his previous estimate, I laughed.  It sounded a lot like someone was trying to get a few bucks for his next vacation. 

We dropped in yesterday morning, and in 60 minutes we had everything working and we were on our way for $147.00.  When the wife called, she said, "So how much is the bill going to be?"  I asked what the previous estimate was and she told me.  Silence.  (I love a little suspense.)  I said, "Well, (silence) it's not that much."  When I told her, she burst into laughter.  I thought she was going to cry. 

They had just had another company in for a repair that cost them in excess of $3000.  It was a $500 repair.  Some contractors love to take advantage of out of the area clients.  They're easy game.  People need Realtors and contractors they can trust.  

If you're in the need of a reputable contractor for your home, call Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., and we'll share our experience with local contractors.  We work with a lot of talented companies and we only recommend the best.  I love to hear those simple words, "You will be my . . . for life!"

Comments(35)

James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Mike can't there be something done for a rip off like that?  So you sir are the man and stay safe thanks for the post

Jun 29, 2012 09:05 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Don't you just wonder how some people can sleep at night...oh yeah, they have no conscience so ripping people off does not bother them in the slightest.

Jun 29, 2012 11:09 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Mike. I just love this. Your integrity shines through. I am moving to another area once the contractor I just hired finishes the job along with his subs. It is difficult to find a stand up and stand out person, but once you do....forever is the word.

Jun 30, 2012 01:00 AM
Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI, SRES
Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA
REALTOR and Broker

I hate being gouged, so I figure my clients feel the same way...  Trying to save a few bucks for their next vacation?!?  I'd say trying to save up a few bucks as his kid just got into Harvard Med School...

Jun 30, 2012 04:38 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

It is great when we find contractors that we can count on and know that they will be around when we need them.  The good ones are hard to find.

Jun 30, 2012 05:07 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Mike Fantastic to get the "for life" bit.  We've got one family here that we're working on transaction #4.  If they need an agent, we're the ones getting the call.  A great feeling to have.

Jun 30, 2012 05:29 AM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Mike- Great story, just goes to show what an honest business man you are. Can't wait for your expertise to be applied in my house :)

Jun 30, 2012 06:19 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Good Afternoon Mike, that is a great story, it is nice to hear a happy ending with a contractor story.  Honesty and fairness is the only way to live and work. Have a great Saturday

Jun 30, 2012 06:24 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Man...and people wonder why folks are skeptical! What happened to treat others as you want to be treated?

Jun 30, 2012 06:29 AM
#24
Cheryl Thomson REALTOR Ret Army
United Real Estate DC Metro Region (703.216.5635) cheryltee47@gmail.com - Prince William, VA
Associate Broker in Northern Virginia

That was me above Mike...forgot to sign in:)

Jun 30, 2012 06:29 AM
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Starting to find good contractors like that here in OC, not that easy.

Jun 30, 2012 06:44 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

People still use the Yellow Pages?!?  Anyway, great story.  People also seem to want to scam the next guy.  Those that get repeat business will be the honest ones.  I bought a dishwasher for a rental unit recently.  The appliance store wanted $140 to install it because it was "plumbing."  I found a guy to hook it up for $65

Jun 30, 2012 09:04 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

That is awesome Mike.  People need people they can trust to get the job done and not charge them their first born!  Sometimes it's like being held hostage!  Folks are lucky to have you as a Realtor and as a Contractor!

Jun 30, 2012 09:29 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Mike, knowing an honest contractor is so important. You would definitely be the contractor/agent I would call.

Jun 30, 2012 02:29 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Mike - Ilove the idea of being somebody's .... for life.  It ays we're doing right by them.

Jun 30, 2012 04:20 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks for all the great comments.  We were without power and Internet for much of past two days.  I do appreciate the comments, and I did read them all.  Have a great Sunday.

Jun 30, 2012 11:51 PM
Phil Boren
RE/MAX Gold, 916-218-7481 - Roseville, CA
RE/MAX Gold, Roseville Homes For Sale

You should move to Boulder, CO ...

Jul 01, 2012 02:31 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

I do love CO, Phil.  

Jul 01, 2012 02:59 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

It is always great when you can be in a position to help "save the day" for a client.  Whether you can provide the service personally, or you have a list of reasonable and reputable contractors that assist you with your clients, you can be a great resource.  Thank you for sharing your story!

Jul 01, 2012 03:07 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Absolutely, Karen.  That list is just as valuable.  Have a great week.

Jul 01, 2012 09:24 PM