Charlie and Billy were excited to join their father on the first fishing trip of their life.
They attached the worm to the hook ("gross", said Billy) and they cast their lines.
Within 15 minutes Billy's bobber sunk below the water.
Charlie, Billy and Dad assisted in landing the fish.
Dad said, "this pond has too few of this type of fish; This little guy needs to grow. We need to throw him back."
"You may not understand the concept of catch and release now... but some day you will." he said
Billy and Charlie were crest fallen; "why would we go fishing if we aren't going to keep the fish?" asked Charlie.
---
No matter what job we have, I have the sense we all go fishing.
We fish for clients.
We fish for influence.
We fish for success.
So, when we fish, do we ever throw back the catch?
---
Eric had been contacting Farmer Scott for quite some time now.
Eric had always thought Farmer Scott's land would be perfect for a small subdivision.
It had a view of the mountains and a small fishing pond that was fed from a charming stream.
Or... the place would make a nice retirement ranch... or a horse stable & rider training business.
Eric had heard that Farmer Scott had grown tired of farming.
His land was too small to be profitable and, after all, wouldn't Farmer Scott want to finally retire and see the world?
And so began a courtship.
---
With much effort Eric finally managed to land a face-to-face meeting with Farmer Scott.
They got along.
They got along real well actually.
And thus began a dance between potential client and potential agent.
---
Eric instructed Farmer Scott about the selling process.
He explained that it was his duty to represent the best interests of the client.
He also vowed to try to find the best possible buyer in hopes that Farmer Scott's interests could be achieved.
Eric was a good agent and Farmer Scott decided maybe it was time to sell the place. He asked for a few days to get everything in order. They'd sign the papers, most likely, by the end of the week.
---
Eric told a few people that he might be listing Farmer Scott's place.
The buyers started to line up... waiting for their opportunity.
With each purchase there are clients with dreams.
And this place had so much potential.
---
Farmer Scott got cold feet.
It's understandable.
This place had been a part of his family for ages.
"But, you don't have any kids to will it to." Eric stated.
Farmer Scott replied, "I like you Eric. But I'm just not ready to sell."
---
Eric kept Farmer Scott in his calendar.
Every few days he'd check in.
Then every few weeks.
Eric's phone continued to ring as buyers would ask if the place were up for sell yet.
Every once in a while Farmer Scott would say, "maybe it's time."
Eric would prepare papers and then Farmer Scott would ask for more time.
He wondered if maybe this were a game of catch and release.
---
Eric finally told Farmer Scott this: "It has been a pleasure to get to know you. You have a great piece of property here. It obviously means a lot to you. It's also obvious that there are quite a few potential buyers who see potential here. However, I want you to know I'm taking my name out of the hat. I'm an agent but I'm also a friend. And if I owned this place I'd hang onto it until my dying day."
---
Agents who knew Eric were conflicted.
Some admired Eric's tenacity. However, they were disheartened that Eric "gave up."
Others felt that Eric had wasted his time. He should have dropped this client months earlier.
Some felt that Eric had gone soft. He had let his emotions trump the agent/client relationship.
---
Farmer Scott eventually passed away.
Eric was named in the will.
He still practices real estate.
But he also spends a great deal of time maintaining the beauty of the place that Farmer Scott had managed through the years.
When people call him and ask if he ever thinks of selling the place, his answer is simple; "not in this lifetime."
And Billy and Charlie love the fishing pond.
---
Chuck Willman is a family man who also happens to practice real estate.
He can be reached at 801.810.7770
If you have a Utah home you'd like to sell, he can help you.
If you want to stay- he fully understands.
After all, home is where the heart is.
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