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Thriving in a Crazy Year

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Thriving in a Crazy Year

Today I was happy to accompany buyers to a closing.  It was a closing that almost didn't happen, but not for anything in this particular deal.  It was my clients' home sale that was troubled because of a buyer having underwriting issues with her loan.  Six weeks delay in total and four extensions and many leaps of faith later, it closed.  My buyers were able to close on time.

This year has been a barn burner for my business and I could not be happier.  Work keeps me focusing on the positive.  I can help people through uncertain times with calm and confidence at a time when emotions are charged.  Honestly, the psychological damage being down by shut downs, quarantine and masks will studied for years after we are past this pandemic.  I have struggled with my own issues at a time when what seems to be the best parts of humanity are just gone.

Having to hear that one of our first fur babies, about to turn seventeen, had a cancerous growth impeding his ability to eat over the phone with an emergency vet was one of those moments over two months ago.  An impersonal call from an unknown vet, told me that I needed to make arrangements to say goodbye.  That's not how life should be, at least in my world.  Virus or no, I should be able to look someone in the eye giving me that kind of news.  That makes me angry.   However, that's tempered when I think of the veterinary cardiologist who walked my cat to the car himself to give me the good news that my cat is not in any danger of heart failure.  His heart issue is a genetic defect that hasn't changed in a year.  He is fine! That's how to handle veterinary medicine in a pandemic...if you have a heart.  You can be face to face and still socially distant.

What does all of this have to do with real estate?  Well, my clients gave me a wonderful card at closing to express their thanks. The husband handed it to me and hightailed it away as fast as he could. The card itself teared me up.  Feeling appreciated is not unusual, but is especially important this year.  I think he was overwhelmed too.  Even the highs are feeling overly emotional these days.  Everyone misses the things that make us human.  Being able to smile at each other.  Give or receive a hug.  

I am proud to be the kind of agent that hasn't let this pandemic take the ability to show and demonstrate how I care without being so fearful I will only do Zoom calls and not interact in person with my clients.  And it is good to know they truly appreciate it.

Comments(8)

Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

This crazy year has had a lot of firsts . Now we are going to top off this year with a 2nd Trump win which will have the streets full of protesters beyond Thanksgiving !!!

Oct 28, 2020 05:25 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Our country is coming apart because people can't fathom not everyone thinks like them.  It's rough.  One of the reasons I love being a real estate agent is we strive to find areas of agreement to move a deal forward.  Our population seeks daily to find the differences and find them abhorent.  

Oct 28, 2020 09:50 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Chris Ann - a long time ago. I heard from a wise person  that good business cures much.  And that wasn't in the real estate industry or during a particularly "odd" time.  Just normal, run-of-the-mills issues that seem to have an impact on daily life. Given the circumstances, congratulations as you continue to make 2020 a very special year.  

Oct 28, 2020 05:57 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

It's good to stay busy, that's for sure.  Whether with work, volunteer stuff or just hobbies to occupy the mind.

Oct 28, 2020 09:52 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Chris Ann- you have had a tough time and you seem to be thriving. I appreciated your posts about your mother. It was so important to see that your mom, survived...with your care...the virus. 

Oct 28, 2020 06:03 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

It changed my outlook on this whole mess and made me unafraid.

Oct 28, 2020 09:52 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Chris Ann Cleland ,

It has been a tumultuous year and I have to agree my business is thriving and so glad it is because I can't imagine how I would have gotten through this year after losing my Geno last year if I didn't have business to focus on. Interacting with my clients have been a blessing. I closed on a home yesterday with clients that I have closed on 5 previous deals. They are so happy, out going and fun..exactly who I need to surround myself with!

Oct 28, 2020 06:37 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Like attracts like!  Good peole for a great lady.  I have been saying the same thing about surviving this year.  Can't imagine it without my business and the clients that have made it feel normal.

Oct 28, 2020 09:53 PM
Realtyna Inc
Realtyna - Newark, DE
WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM

Hi Chris Ann, thank you for your dedication to your clients and your efforts to reach out and find what is human in all of us. 2020 is a shared struggle. Kindness is how we will persevere.

Oct 29, 2020 02:01 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Yes indeed, kindness is how we will persevere.

Oct 29, 2020 02:14 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.

Oct 29, 2020 02:15 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

This year has been crazy for sure. I'm glad to hear your business has been thriving, sad to hear about your 17 year old fur baby and the vet experience, and happy to hear about the cardiologists good news about another fur baby. 

Those who thrive in a crazy year can accomplish anything in a "normal" (?) year!

Oct 29, 2020 06:16 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I made a name for myself when the market crashed doing Short Sales.  Nothing phases me since then.

Oct 29, 2020 02:15 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Receiving thanks from a client is a testament to your great service and professionalism, Chris Ann!  It's been a crazy year to say the least, but I'm glad you are thriving in spite of it all!

Oct 29, 2020 08:30 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

This job keeps me sane.

Oct 29, 2020 08:35 PM