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SADLY, REINSPIRED...

By
Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

I wrote this blog in August of 2010.... please read and then I will follow up on why I am reposting this.

 

WE SHOULD SELL HOMES LIKE HE SELLS FLOWERS (edit/delete)

My daughters and I regularly enjoy a local famer's market. It is just hard to beat the quality of the fresh food and the very reasonable prices.

One of my favorite stops is the flower booth of one particular vendor. Now, there are several flower vendors there and they all sell pretty much the same flowers. Why, then, do I loyally go back each and every time to him?

He doesn't just sell his flowers - he romances his flowers. He also makes me feel special. Once in a while, when he is running low of my favority tuber roses, he saves me the last bunch. Last week he made sure to hold 2 bouquets for me. He gave my granddaughters each a beautiful stalk of gladiolas. He always wears a smile. By his demeanor, he makes you feel like he never has a bad day...he's the kind of person you want to be around.

We should sell homes this way. We should romance the homes we show. We should make our clients feel special...like they are the only clients we have at the moment. We should reflect a positive attitude that makes them feel that they have chosen the best REALTOR. We should listen...really listen, so we know when we have found the perfect house for our buyers.

And let's not forget, flowers have a fragrance that lasts a long time...let's hope our clients remember us like that fragrance .... a long time.

 


www.PaulaSwayne.com
CA DRE# 01188158

I went to the farmers market today, looking forward to seeing my friend Ed, the flower man.  I was surprised to see his space empty except for a few flowers.  I figured he had sold out early and gone home.  He had never done this before, but what else would make sense?  I went to the booth across from his to purchase my summer squash, and the couple there explained.  Ed was killed in a head on accident caused by a drunk driver at a little after noon on September 29th.  His 10 year old daughter was with him and was in critical condition.  I can't imagine what his family is going through, knowing my own grief.  So, please, enjoy every single moment of your life and the people you meet every day.  And just as important, please, never, NEVER, drive after drinking.  Thank you for your indulgence.

Comments(9)

Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Paula,  Well said.  So much of the sales process is driven by emotion.

Oct 14, 2012 03:46 AM
Jennifer Prestwich
Henderson, Thornton, Broomfield and Westminster - Henderson, CO
Madison & Co Properties

My lord, Paula.  I can only imagine your grief.  Obviously I didn't know that man, but your story just gave me the shivers and made me sad.  Thank you for sharing.

Oct 14, 2012 05:25 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

I cannot tell you how it angers me to read stories like this. Why, why, why do people drive after drinking? Why?? My heart breaks for this gentleman's family and friends. I pray for them and for his daughter. And may you find comfort, Paula, in the special memories you have of him.

Oct 14, 2012 05:37 AM
Paula Swayne
Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA
Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Bill~
Very true...but I am even more saddened by Ed's passing.

Hi Jennifer~
I guess it hit me  because it was so unexpected.  We thought the leftover flowers were ones Ed had left, so had taken a couple bouquets.  We were mortified to realize that they were left in his memory. Obviously, not only did we put them back, but added a bouquet in honor of all of the good memories he gave us.

Hi Peggy~
I wish I had the answer....but next time I have "only had a couple wines', I will still not drive.  I would never want to put my own family or another persons family through this.

Oct 14, 2012 06:31 AM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Paula - I'm sorry to hear of your flower guy's accident. At the end of July I was involved in an accident (though no one had been drinking). A young man, who was riding his motorcycle home late one evening, died in the accident. My 16 yr old daughter, and her best friend were in my SUV - we were headed over to another one of their friend's homes. 

In an instant everyone's life changed. 

It forever changed our lives and the lives of almost anyone that either of us knew. 

 

 

Oct 14, 2012 08:38 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Love the analogy!

Oct 14, 2012 08:51 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

How said that this man that filled so many other lives with beauty, is now gone.  You have lost someone special, not only in your life, but in your community.  Sad ...

Gene

Oct 14, 2012 09:09 AM
Paula Swayne
Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA
Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Melissa~
I can't imagine how it must feel to be involved in something like that...you must cherish every moment of your life.

Hi Kathy~
Thanks...but it was more about Ed than real estate.

Hi Gene~
The world has lost a wonderful man...if I miss him, I can't imagine how his family must feel.

Oct 14, 2012 09:40 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Paula - Ed was a man who understood the true meaning of a life well lived, full of energy, good feelings and always a smile on his face. He made everyone feel, as you said, like they were the only one.  Sorry to hear about his passing and how his entire community around him will miss him and the light he brought to all.

Oct 14, 2012 11:17 AM