My friend, Richard Weisser, suggested I write a post about this subject.

At the risk of tooting my own horn I will.

I started in the real estate business as a loan processor, became a loan officer, then an appraiser's apprentice, and finally obtained my Texas Real Estate Salesperson's License.  I wanted to be a Realtor all along so I went about it the ‘hard' way.  In my experience prior to becoming a Realtor I started helping bail homeowners out of foreclosure.  I negotiated a forbearance package, changed the terms of the loan, found an investor, and/or a listing agent specializing in short sales.  There are many options homeowners should entertain prior to losing their hard earned equity.  If they do not have equity at least we could save their credit score.

I received a phone call from a desperate homeowner as the result of an advertisement.  They needed to sell prior to foreclosure but had no clue where to start.  I set the appointment, visited their home and went over all the options and possible scenarios.  They agreed to list their home with me immediately and I started the process of preventing foreclosure with the lender.

I had just obtained my real estate license.  The following day I was working phone time.  An agent walked in carrying her sign.  She said she was on her way to list a home.  She had sold the home to the homeowners three years prior.  She got a call from them on the way there that day saying they decided to list with someone else.  She didn't have a listing agreement signed yet but had been working for them.  As we continued our conversation I discovered I was working with the same people.  She was very kind.  She said, "I hope you can help them.  Good luck."

I felt horrible about it.  They never told me they had spoken with another agent.  I insisted on paying her a percentage when the home sold.  Well, long story short, she brought the buyers.  She refused my ‘goodwill'.  However, she started sending me referrals for clients in financial trouble.  I earned her trust and respect and that meant a lot to me.

My point is this- When we work together to help clients we will reap the rewards.  She and I stayed positive about the situation and everyone won!

BTW- I went on to obtain my Texas Real Estate Broker's license and have become a certified Mentor.  I still work with buyers, sellers, and pre-foreclosures.  However, I would like to focus my business on mentoring and coaching in the near future.