Parents of First Time Buyers Say “Thank You!” to a GREAT Realtor®

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Parents of First Time Buyers Say “Thank You!” to a GREAT Realtor®

Back in December I posted about first time buyers I met at a showing that were being advised by their parents to not sign a buyers' representation agreement. The theory was that buyers can make a better deal working directly with the listing agent who would receive both sides of the commission. Since the parents were at the showing, I had the job of explaining why this isn't a great tactic to both the buyers and their parents. Read the whole story in my post: The Thousand Dollar Gamble-Why Buyer's Representation is Essential!

Over the course of a few weeks, I won the parents over and this young couple became my clients. We subsequently found them the ideal home in the Twin Cities north metro and they just recently closed on the property.

This past Thursday, after a long morning of continuing education, I got home found this email waiting for me in my inbox. It was from one of the sets of parents.

Dear Teri:

Kevin and I would like to "Thank You" for helping Kelly and Nick find the perfect house. You were so patient with the first time home buyers. Also, the picture of the house you had made for them was awesome. What a special gift. You are a great Realtor and we appreciate all that you did for the kids.

Nancy and Kevin

PS - You will have to stop by - they painted the whole upstairs and it looks awesome!

What a GREAT note to receive! First time buyers have a plethora of choices in the marketplace today. I know that this young couple was overwhelmed with their choices because they told me so. Finding the perfect place to start a new life together is hard to do without expert assistance in this ever changing real estate market. Having a Realtor by your side make the job much simpler.

If you are a first time home buyer or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes on 02/09/2008 02:41 PM

Comments (39)

first time buyers, twin cities, realtor, buyers representation, minnesota

Originally posted at: Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities: Parents of First Time Buyers Say “Thank You!” to a GREAT Realtor®

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39 Comments on Parents of First Time Buyers Say “Thank You!” to a GREAT Realtor®

FEB

2008

IT is wonderful to be recognized for a job well done. Usually, parent deal killers.

Hi Teri,

It is a nice feeling to help out a first time buyer. The extra hand holding definately pays off.

Michael A. Caruso

Teri, how wonderful that not only did you prove to the parents that a good buyers agent is helpful and essential, but that they sent you the awesome letter. It is one I would keep forever! Great job Teri, I don't have to say that, your buyers already know that :-)

I think first time home buyers are alot more educated with the market than we originally gave them credit for. All my buyers know what they want, where they want to live and how much is affordable. I am showing buyers an average of 3-5 homes before a contract is written not 60-100 homes like some other agents, we as Realtors need to educate the consumer to make our business work.

Teri - congratulations. Be sure to keep that letter to show buyers who might be hesitant about signing a buyers' representation agreement.

Teri -- good for you! This is so rewarding. I just had a similar experience where Mom hugged me because she was so happy to see the condo her son was going to buy. She started measuring everthing and planning how to help decorate the place. It makes one feel so good!

Teri, congratulations! For someone to actually take the trouble to thank you is amazing. I have no doubt you were/are a great Realtor!!

Teri, It's such a GOOD feeling to help someone...it makes it even better when they appreciate it so much! I'm sure you did a wonderful job for them.

Teri - I had a feeling they would be thanking you by the end.

Hi Teri, when you are a "PRO" your expertise is demonstrated without even realizing it is happening. Congrats on doing a terrific job for all...the referrals are next!

Teri, I am so proud of your for the customer's testimonial received. It proves you are an EXCELLENT Realtor who does everything in a professional manner.

It's for times like these that I really love being in real estate! Congratulations on the kudos!

Teri,

What an inspirational story. I worked with 2 sets of clients today, one of them 1st time homebuyers. I just love working with clients that "dive" into everything that you say to them - until their parents get involved because they know everythig. NOT!!!

The bottom line- 1st time homebuyers need a Realtors knowledge, expertise, and help with their 1st home. Pick Teri as your agent and you'll get the best service in Minnesota.

PS for Teri >> I lived in Minneapolis at the age of 6 while my dad was getting his PHD in Psychology MANY MOONS AGO! I just loved the ice skating there!!

Teri, don't those notes just make it all worth it. My sister bought me a special keepsake box and I print those notes off or save any handwritten ones and keep them in my special box. Long story short print yourself a copy. Congrats on finding them a house. I remember the post you wrote when you were looking with them.

This reminds me of the last deal I closed. I came to realize very soon in working with this particular client when she had recently talked to her cousin. Her parents were deceased so her cousin was giving her advice. My client and I emailed and talked often. However, everytime I got a mean email or voice mail I knew the cousin was in the picture again giving advice. I would calm the storm with my client and she would apologize and admit that her cousin was making her ask me all these things. I thought the closing would never come.

The night before the closing, the client called me upset (I could immediately tell by her tone that the cousin was involved again). She demanded to know why her closing costs was over $10,000. I was driving and after a moment realized and said, "Sweetie, your down payment is $8,000 of the $10,000 and is paid at closing. Once again she apologized and said her cousin demanded that she call me." The closing was successful and she apologized for being mean and said how patient and nice I had been to her. I might choose acting as a second career!

Good for you! I love getting nice letters and thank-you's from parents and buyers!

FEB

2008

Renee--It is wonderful! I have been lucky...I have always had clients with great parents!

Michael--Extra hand-holding is one of my specialities...I should add that to my business card! :)

Kris--The note was an email but as it was a surprise and unsolicited from a parent no less, I was very pleased to receive it. I will have to print out and save...Thanks for your comments too!

Nancy--I agree. This couple was very educated on the market and had an idea of what was out there and their affordability. I think they looked at less than 10 homes with me as we pinpointed their housing needs very quickly. You make a very good point. Thanks for commenting.

Sharon--It was an email...but I will add it to my list of testimonials for my buyers packet! Thanks for the tip!

Joan--Parents are so happy when their kids are in the right place...It is fun to be a part their experience.

Teri--That's what I thought too...It was so nice of this mom to take the time. Thanks for the kudos!

Carole--It is a GREAT feeling! Thanks for your kind words! :)

Steve--Really? That's a nice compliment...Thanks!! The note from the parents was a very nice surprise!

Gary White--I always do my best to look out for my clients best interests and hope they consider my services to be professional. And, I love those referrals!

Gary Woltol--I try my best in all situations for all clients...That's what it is about for me. I appreciate your kind words. :)

Teri D--I agree...This is the best part of being an agent....Very happy clients!

Tracy--I love meeting the parents!! Since we are both on the same page...Looking out for their children's best interest, I have never had a problem with parents. It sometimes takes a bit of time to educate mom and dad to bring them up to speed on what is going on in the market but once we make that connection and build trust, they are great to work with too!

Lots of frozen lakes and ponds to ice skate on up here...In fact, these buyers got a wonderful skating pond in their backyard! :)

Marchel--What a great gift from your sister! These notes make everything worthwhile don't they? I thought one or two of you would enjoy this ending to the story. :)

Lora--What a frustration! You have the patience of a saint! I'll bet the cousin will like the house when she finally sees it...Ok maybe not. Some people cannot be pleased...At least your client was! Thanks for your comments!

LaNita--Thanks!! The notes and letters are the best part of the job! :)

Teri - What a beautiful note! Parents can be the best advocates and worst voices in a buyers head! Way to win them over...

That is a GREAT compliment-and tough to come by. Well done.

I love to work with first time buyers with or without their parents "helping". It is so rewarding to to see the look when they find "the" house even if it is a small 2 level town home - to them it is a castle, Karen

You were fortunate to win over your clients' parents. Trusted advisers, such as parents, wield huge influence. Thank goodness these parents deserve their position as advisors.

Teri - you are a GREAT REALTOR® - thanks for sharing this note - things like this certainly make our day

FEB

2008

Lindsey--Most parents just have their child's best interest at heart. It was rewarding for them to thank me!

Michael--I thought so too. Thanks for commenting!

Karen--The looks on their faces says it all doesn't it? They are so happy to have a place of their own!

Rosario--More than luck, it is hard work! I spend time explaining to the buyers and their parents the pros and cons. Once parents see that I have their child's best interests at heart too, they relax more and trust me to do a professional job.

Thesa--Thank you for the kudos! Very appreciated! :)

Isn't THAT the greatest compliment of all!!! It's one thing to get a compliment from the buyer, but the PARENTS?? How wonderful! I, too, love working with FTHB's. It is my niche. Because of this, I work with the "kids" parents all the time. It is such a good feeling when you start out by dealing with that protective parent skepticism and end with a strong, trusting relationship. This is also a great foundation for many referrals!

Congrats, Teri!

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Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Ham Lake, MN

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REMAX Specialists

Address: 4910 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake , MN, 55110

Cell Phone: (651) 336-7073

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Theresa "Teri" Eckholm/REMAX Specialists assists Minnesotans to find their way home with helpful tips and quality service. Dedication to customer service has made Teri the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.

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