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You never know how your words can change someone’s life

About six months ago a young married couple, I would say no more than 20 or 21, came in to an open house of mine with their one year old baby. They were just looking since they had been across the street filling out a rental application for some apartments.

They were amazed when I told them that they could own one real easy and it wouldn't take long to fill out an application and at least find out. They said that they had credit problems. They had a charge off and a repossession on their credit in the last couple of years.

I explained that I work with the credit challenged and ask some details about their situation. Then I asked if they minded if I came over and sat down with them to help them figure out what they could do to improve their credit situation.

They said, "No, we aren't really ready" So, I didn't push it and didn't even ask for their phone number or e-mail address. (I didn't want to push them over the edge and scare them off.) But, I did ask them a few questions, gave them some pointers about the repossession and the charge offs and told them that if they worked at it, maybe in six months to a year, the dream of home ownership could be possible and not to give up and let them go on their way.

Well, yesterday out of the blue, I got a call from the place that I just left doing an open house at. They said they saw my sign and wanted to stop by. I was already gone, going to pick up my signs, but I returned and they both had big smiles on their faces. They said, "You did get through to us and we want you to know that! We listened, did what you said and we have been watching this places for weeks. We worked, we called a mortgage broker and we have now been pre-approved and we want to put an offer on this place!"

Wow, that was six months ago and I really thought I would never hear from that young couple again. But, I guess I got through to them and changed their life and gave them hope, something they hadn't had. So, with my encouragement, they are hopefully soon going to be home owners!

So, even if you feel you aren't helping, be encouraging and you maybe surprised whose life you might change.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Posted by Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) on 03/16/2008 04:31 PM

Comments (24)

Counseling First Time Home Buyers in the Home Buying Channel

counseling first time home buyers, helping with credit to buy your home, todd clark, buying your first home in beaverton oregon

Originally posted at: Living Beaverton - Your guide to everything Beaverton: You never know how your words can change someone’s life

This post has been included in Oregon Information Washington County, OR Information Beaverton, OR Information
Post is included in group: 1st Time Buyers

24 Comments on You never know how your words can change someone’s life

MAR

2008

Todd - You are 100% correct here. Kudos to you for offering some sound advice to this young couple. Great stuff!

Todd, that was very inspiring and timely. Grat Positive REality!

That will be such a happy ending!!!

It's good for us to remember how powerful our words can be. Hope is a very powerful emotion, and those who possess it, can accomplish anything. Way to go!

Todd,

Don't seem so amazed...you know that if you plant 'good seeds' they will sprout and take root!!! Thanks, Fran

This is an excellent story Todd!! We just never now how what we say or do will impact folks. Wonderful example of how taking a few minutes to be helpful can change a life. And generate a pay check!!!

Todd

Those are some of the most sound words, and great piece of advice I have heard in a long time.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Todd- What a great story........I loved it that not only did they fix their credit, but came back to you and are putting an offer in on one of your houses. How good is that....a win-win for everybody. And also goes to show that many of those old "scripts" people used aren't always valid....leave them alone and they'll come home.......:)

MAR

2008

Todd, how exciting when a situation like this happens. Good for you and good for them for listening. What a great way to start the week.

Todd,

Congratulations on a job well done. That is great they acknowledged how you helped them and they are working with you. Great story and I'm sure you have clients for life there. Have a great week. Michael A. Caruso

Todd - that is FANTASTIC! It is so true - regardless of how people respond to us they are always listening! You never know when you might have made a connection - heck, you are a perfect example of that!

This is a perfect example of why we shouldn't "pre-judge" any clients. You never know when you are going to get through to them.

Todd, this goes to show you that the seeds that you plant today might not sprout today, but they will once properly watered and nurtured.

Good for you. Young people need encouragement. All people really but sometimes the younger ones are more impressionable than others sometimes. You gave some of your precious time and got a blessing in return

Todd - Isn't it a great feeling when your encouragement and the right words really payoff? You both come out on top in a situation like that. They're able to accomplish something that seemed so out of their reach, just because of your advice. What a difference you've made.

APR

Jason - I'm just glad I was able to give them advice that set them on the path to home ownership.

Suzi - You just never know who is listening.

Kim - It really was and I've gotten 3 referrals from them in the last year because of it!

Bob - I offer the advice because I think every one should be a home owner, but I have to admit, I give out the information, knowing 90% of the time they will go with someone else, but I have to at least try.

Fran - Not always!

Bryant - I think at this time the check was more important. (LOL)

Tom - I'm just glad they listened and they came back to me when they were ready.

Kathy - This one I left alone only because I didn't get their number and was kicking myself upon them leaving. But, I'm glad they did come back to me.

Missy - I'm glad they did too, because it sound like every one of those paint buckets was a hit at the party.

Michael - I think if I continue to treat them like the day they moved in, they will continue to refer people to me that are like minded.

Leesa - I certainly didn't expect to hear from them again, but I'm glad I did.

Don - I have never pre-judged a client, because I know how many people pre-judged me when I was younger and I don't want anyone I meet to have the same feeling.

Danny - I didn't even call these people once, no e-mails no nothing, it was just that one conversation.

Kevin - I give everyone I meet that needs help the help they need. You just never know when someone may reward you for something like that.

Lynn - I'm just amazed at the loyalty, you just don't see that anymore.

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