Well, I pride myself in being a "full service" Realtor. Tell me what you need and I'll get it done. I just received an Easter photo from two of my very best clients which reminded me of the importance of match-making . . . and I'm not just talking matching the client with the home.

About five years ago I met a young pilot living in Atlanta whose dream was to buy a Pensacola Beach condo on the water. Unfortunately, the prices had been escalating and even the most modest condo was out of his price range. I encouraged him not to give up and that I would keep my eyes open for him.

As sometimes happens, a few months later an opportunity came up. Due to divorce, a couple needed to sell their beach condo quickly. Unfortunately, the husband - a do-it-yourself kind of guy - had torn the master bath out of the condo in an ill fated attempt to renovate. Well, we all know what that means for financing! Since I remembered this young pilot telling me that he had some construction experience and wasn't afraid of a "fixer" I called him and we quickly worked out an arrangement where he would finish the renovation in return for a deep discount on the condo. I called him and he flew down from Atlanta that evening. It was a bit stressful for all of us, but in the end he got a great price and the sellers were able to move on with their lives.

This client really made an impression on me. So much so that I began talking him up every chance I got. I happened to be at lunch with another Realtor one day when she said something on the order of, "Wow, you really think a lot of this guy. When am I going to meet him?" Well, HELLO Robin . . .

Fast forward five years and meet the family - two children and five (COUNT THEM - FIVE) real estate transactions later (Yes, my friend is no longer practicing real estate as I am their Realtor. Anyway, she's much too busy raising their beautiful daughters and managing their growing real estate holdings.) This, my friends, is why I LOVE MY JOB. (For the record, my friend tells a much funnier version of this story on her blog StrivingForDevineLove@blogspot.com )

Are you a full service Realtor? Let's hear your stories!

Robin Sherman, MA, Broker Associate, CRS

Coldwell Banker United, Pensacola Beach, FL