Most of us have had the fun of putting up the SOLD sign on a listing...it can be a great feeling. (I know there are some new agents out there, you will get your first chance soon!) But, what does it really mean to you?

Have you ever thought about it? Is it the end of the relationship or the beginning of one? I've seen agents put the SOLD sign out and never talk to their clients again, and this is just sad to me. I, personally, get really close to my clients in the six to eight weeks we work together to find them a home, or sell their home, depending if they are a buyer or a seller.

Do you consider your clients to be friends when you are done? I know that with most of mine, I do. It is harder with an investor who just looks at numbers and not looking to find their home. But, my first time home buyers and sellers are my friends when I'm done. I'll call them to see how things are going and sometimes they call me. I've had past clients give me pets. I'm now not sure if that is because they like me or not though. (Joke, people if you read, you know I love that dog)

When I meet a family, I try to get to know them, their birthdays, anniversaries, and other stuff that is important. They are friends. Nothing is cooler than being the first to wish someone a happy birthday with a phone call, and it is even better when you call before their brother did! I've been invited to weddings of clients, birthday parties, and unfortunately even funerals. How many agents do you know that the family thinks of when it comes to these life events? Clearly, I've become more than a real estate agent to these people, and that is what a SOLD sign means to me!

So ask yourself this, what does SOLD mean to you? It may change your outlook when you are putting that sign out in front of a house.

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