Randy: One bad apple, eh? It's the same for Realtors isn't it? People call the office shopping for the person with the lowest commission, then their house stays on the market for 281 days. Thanks for visiting.

TLW: That means a lot coming from you. Alas, I placed the article in five groups already so the Comedy Club will have to go without! I'm always trying to provoke you in your husband's posts...I assume that's what you're referring to? Looking forward to that prank call!

Juilie: Glad to be of service. Well and busy...that's a good description. Hoping to get a full-time admin hired soon so I can reach out to more folks soon. Hope you're doing well, too!

Jackie: Thanks. Not to campaign, but when you read a post that you think ought to be featured, you can click the 'flag' and express your feelings. I do it all the time for the posts that I think are great. Thanks for your kindness.I trust I can rely on your vote! :)

Brian: I understand that desire for control, but I've seen it backfire. I even have a letter from a client that worked with another lender because of those empty promises and ended up really regrettting it. It's ALL about working with someone you trust. Maybe I'm a sucker, but I don't care about price differences as long as I'm working with a good person and am getting a good deal.

Naoma: I wish they would, too. That's why I give you permission to email links to this article to everyone you know! ;)

Missy: So true! People have resistance to salespeople, and part of that is that a lot of salespeople don't care. But the good ones know to ask a lot of questions, add a lot of value, and back off if they don't have the right solution. I think a lot of people can tell in their gut when they're speaking with a real pro who has their best interests in mind, but the competitive over-shopper turns off that instinct by being to guarded and focusing only on price. because of that, they end up with the pushers. Bummer.

Cynthia: Thanks. I like to think of myself as "The Family Doctor" of mortgage loans...but I see a bunch of pushers out there. Come back soon.

Bridget: I would be honored. Just send me some copies. Thanks!

TLW - I was dreading the idea of you prankin' me...but now that I missed it I actually kinda feel bad. I'm pretty young, darlin'...turning 33 in a week.

Scott: Thank you for your kind words. Yes...borrow the anaology - it will present itself, even in less adversarial situations. I often will share "You know how a doctor asks a lot of wuestions before he gives you the medicine? What I do is kind of like that..." Thanks for coming by.

Mom? Nope...that wasn't so bad. I ruined the suprise, but you handled it with panache, by golly. No more ballyhoo from you, Mrs. Shenanigans...Criminy!

(so good to meet you..really)

Jen: Thanks. I don't think the AR gods like me much...whenever they do feature my posts (rarely) they quickly feature 10 more so that I don't hover on the front page for more than a few minutes... (see me squeezing a phony tear?). The line is yours. And we gotta keep calling Sardi 'Jim Mortgageson'.

Shaun: Thanks. Come again soon.

Marchel: It's not frustration, per se. It's just that some people are so intent on 'taking charge' with this important business transaction that they sabotage a good working relationship. We've GOT to ask a bunch of questions in order to serve well. Thank you for coming by!

Kathy: Thank you for your visit today. The power of stories is that they connect the known to the unknown. My favorite teacher told a lot of stories...

TLW: You are the bees knees.

James: That's certainly happening in my neighborhood. It seems that just staying in the game will be profitable for those that weather the storms in real estate right now.