County Bumpkin Meets NY Sophisticate

I had a very overwhelming and stressful day that ended with a 3:30 closing and a very amusing chain of events. I almost felt like a character out of a sitcom. First, let me preface this post by saying that my territory is somewhat rural - about 60-80 minutes north of NY City.

So, enroute to the closing I was running late because of a traffic delay on one of the only major highways between farmlands. I knew the back roads so I figured I'd be there 10 minutes late by finding my own detour. However, I must have driven past the buyer's attorney's office (location of closing) 3-4 times before calling the other agent to figure things out. She offered to meet me at the nearest landmark and show me the way but I was confident I knew this road well.

Ok, when I finally pulled up to the address, it was a country house on a winding road. It was looking seriously distress. No sign to indicate a business or office - it was simply an unmarked residential country setting. There were cars up and down the driveway. Then, I remembered at some point during the transaction, my client's attorney's office (which is located closer to the "city") commented on how it was hard to reach the other lawyer who appeared to be a one man show - with no admin even. When I remarked about this to the other agent she advised me that the attorney works out of his house. As I pulled up for the closing, I asked myself "could this be the house"??? Lots, of cars in the driveway...but no signage. A rotted out boat was taking up most of the driveway. I parked. Reluctantly, I approached and rang the doorbell. I was scared. An older gentleman greeted me - looking  a bit disheveled and his shirttails were untucked (no suit). "Is this an attorney's office" I said? He invited me in and slowly I entered.     

The entry was cluttered with random pieces of furniture, old files were scattered with a coating of dust, and the smell of cigarette smoke lingered in the air. I was still not convinced that I had arrived at the right place. Maybe there was a renovation in progress. But, no - this place was just simply cluttered - like no unstaged & distressed property I have ever seen. To the right of the entry, many people were gathered at a conference table that seemed crammed into a small space with more clutter surrounding it. But, right away, I recognized the the other agent to the transaction and her buyer. Phew!

Now, I finally had the pleasure of meeting the gracious and very professionally dressed attorney (in suit and tie) who I had been working with. Together and very professionally, we represented a major relocation company. I couldn't get past the other attorney, shirttails hanging out, tattered t-shirt underneath...he was definitely a country bumpkin (a bit of a slob, to be kind) and these were HIS digs! Ok, but I wondered - what did the NY sophisticate attorney think of this setting?

The closing took 1 1/2 hours. We joked alot during the closing, as usual to cut the tension. We talked about the country environment and how my community is maybe a little behind the times no matter how close we are to the big apple. I referenced the show "Green Acres" - everybody laughed. For sure, this must be what the NY Sophisticate attorney was thinking, and quite frankly so was I! I wonder if he thought we would gather later in the evening for a little cow tipping!

To be very candid, I was very embarrassed. Later, after the closing I placed a call to the other agent who had referred her buyer to this attorney. I felt compelled and couldn't help remarking about just how unusual and unprofessional this attorney presented himself. We may be a rural community, but most of us strive to maintain a certain level of proffesionalism!