There is never a boring minute in real estate.  It's one of the reasons I love my job. 

In my first year of real estate, I found myself going broke buying lunches and dinners for potential clients.  I was out to impress.  I'd even argue others out of paying the bill.  Then, a veteran agent told me, "If my clients offer to pay for a meal, I let them.  I work hard for them."  I've remembered those words.  Now, I never argue with someone who trumps my invitation to treat with words like, "No, no...it's on me."   How could a simple situation like this get ugly?  Glad you asked.

Last week, I had a day that would not end.  Clients in various stages of a buying transaction had problems spouting up left and right.  Things that kept me busy all day, and kept me from eating anything.  Meanwhile, my go to lender was unavailable for help with all of the situations as his wife was in the emergency room, seven months pregnant with what looked like a blood clot in the lung.  It was a stressful day, both emotionally and professionally.

My final appointment that evening was with a young couple who were contemplating making their first home purchase.  The Dads were in to help.  We met at the property.  After they had both Dads seal of approval it was finally time to sit down....I suggested a local restaurant where I could advise, and finally, eat.  I knew I would have to do a lot of "fluffing" because I did not have the facts and figures I normally go into such discussion with from the lender.  I offered to buy dinner at this restaurant, but one of the Dads insisted to me that I not be silly, dinner would be his treat.  No further thought went into paying for dinner.

We arrived to the restaurant, and just before walking in, I received a call from my husband.  Personal circumstances were boiling over at the homestead and I needed to get home.  It was not an emergency, but I was caught between my clients and family.  I entered the restaurant, allowed them all to order.  I ordered nothing and explained that I would have to be leaving very shortly, likely in the middle of their meal.

I did my best to answer questions, flying blind without financial information from the lender.  All the while, my stomach turning on my internal organs while I fielded tough questions from the Dads.  I felt like a totally defeated agent, but did my best to maintain composure.  When I had answered their questions, I excused myself, and explained this had not been a typical day.  I was needed at home and asked their forgiveness.  Feeling no hard feelings, and giving my cards to the Dads, I explained I would be more than happy to field their questions as they arose, and once we had more information.

After two days of silence from the buyers, I got an email from them that made me cringe.  The buyers were upset that they had to pick up dinner after I had offered to pay.  They would not go any further with me until the unprofessional way things were left at the restaurant, was handled.  Can I blame them?  No.  But I knew that one of their fathers had offered to pay.  What happened after I left?   Why had this young lady been left with the check?  Had she not heard her father's insistence to pay before we even arrived?

At this point, it does me no good to go back and say, "But your father insisted he pay."  Obvioulsy, that was an empty gesture.  Not to self:  I must get good at mind reading.  Now my professional behavior is being questioned. 

I have offered to reimburse this client, with the hopes that our relationship will move forward.  And even if it didn't go forward, at least my conscience would be clear.   I guess I needed to take the time to make the final gesture of offering to pick up the check before I made my premature departure, and THEN let Dad say, "Don't worry about it."  Live and learn!