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Still Packing And Not Closed. Put Yourself in The Seller's Shoes!

By Midori Miller

Services for Real Estate Pros with Talk 2 Midori, LLC BK645709

June 20, 2008 04:06 PM

Did they close?????? Big Question....and they did not!

Is there stress and tension in the air? Yes there is.

What are you doing on a Saturday Night in South Florida?. I'm packing my parents house in hopes that they close.

Am I stressed? YES>>> YES>>>YES>>it's tough being a REALTOR daughter!

How are your parents? Stressed and rushed and nervous. They left today to meet my brothers with all of their belongs 2 U-Haul Trucks and their pup "Killer" and drove to Alabama. It's a good thing I did not go..we need another truck and I have to finish packing the house.

Have I gotten a chance to work on the Makeover2Takeover with my apprentice? NO I have not. A couple calls, a few suggestions and me stressed because I have neglected so many other things.

Do I feel a little blue? Yes, I do, the home is gone and becoming a house. I miss the computer scientist and I already miss my parents. I boxed up the TERWILLIGER wall..50 years worth of family memories...from the time my parents married..50 years now that is a long time...38 years years in the same house. Tearing down the Terwilliger wall...no one wanted the job.

But then I stopped and listened to a friends woes and she reminded me to buck up and get youself focused. 77 minutes on the telephone dialing the same area code..now that hasn't happened in a long time.

Am I stressed? NOT any more. I took a few moments and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Sometimes you need that to get moving forward.

I had to get this out and in print for many to read.
I had to take time to rationalize and get my emotions out of my parents transaction.
I had to stop to put things in perspective and remind people to stay on top of their game.
I had to remind myself it isn't always the REALTORS fault..its a whole team. Someone misses the ball it can cause a chain reaction.
My focus is back, now maybe I can get something done. A bath and clean clothes and a dose of the rain. Sometimes a distraction is exactly what situations require.
Jeannette and I will be together tomorrow to work on the makeover2takeover.

The good thing is the buyer's are anxious we saw them driving by the house tonight! If my parents would have closed today we would not have been ready. I'm grateful that Jason my brother is helping me with the packing. Tomorrow a fun lunch with some fellow activerainers.

I have my focus back but I didn't earlier. As a matter of fact, I felt like so many sellers. over it...done..and now..the unknown. Not good feelings.

This story not so unique and it happens everyday. Do yourself a favor when there is a seller crisis going on..have a bit more patience and understanding but most of all when these mishaps occur put youself in the seller's shoes.

It might not be your fault but seller's sometimes need real understanding.

	midorimiller@yahoo.com http://www.MidoriMiller.com

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Liz Moras Migic

Chilliwack, BC

Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

I think working with family and friends is the toughest..........especially our parents! The oweness of responsibility weighs heavily...........and yet......it is an imperfect system, and things go wrong, there are breakdowns.........but it can be hard to be impartial and professional......and detached.........and 'cool'.........with family!

Jun 20, 2008 04:41 PM

Susie Blackmon

Ocala, FL

Ocala, Horses, Western Wear, Horse Farms, Marketing

Hi Midori, just checking in to say I'm thinking of you. Aren't your parents lucky to have you!

Jun 20, 2008 08:09 PM

Monika McGillicuddy

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH

Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

Working with family is hard, the emotions are hard to deal with. It sounds as if your parents are going to try and build a family compound. New Beginnings...very exciting even as you miss the old. I hope the closing goes well.

Jun 20, 2008 10:26 PM

Midori Miller

Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL

Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

This really isn't just about working with family. I am not involved in the transaction in any way. I am just here to pack the house.

Were timelines met???? NO not really As a matter of fact, they have been under contract for some time. Its was not until two Wednesday's ago..the appraisal came in and it came in lower than expected. Did my parents cooperate???? Yes they did..they know its time to go and move on with their lives. They adjusted their price and decided to get out.

My parents requested an extension, was it granted????? NO NO NO...buyer's wanted in. No how no way. Ok...we'll all pitch in a get it done...the packing that is.

The twentieth was their closing date...they found out the late the 18th it was not closing on time..its the usual blame game..who cares...are they going to close????..Buyer requested an extension...extension granted. the big question still remains will the property close? Who knows but I am hopeful.

My point is sometimes people make extensive plans for their moving arrangements sometimes seller's just want reassurance...and answers and communication. Sometime they like to review the docs they signed and sometimes seller's want to know what is taking place. Sometimes they like to look at docs with somewhat factual numbers especially when they sign a power of attorney over to someone they trust...when the numbers are not corrected it leave a big question in the sellers mind.. and their daughters mind...a REALTOR daughter.

I purposely kept out the transaction..this was one time I knew it would be hard for me to be unbiased. I know my weaknesses as a human..these are my parents...our home..and lots of love and memories here. As a daughter..I am protective..As REALTORS we provide protection.

As my parents told me the chain of events..I'm not impressed or even sure..if this property will close by the end of the month..or even at all. My fingers are crossed..we are almost packed...the next closing date...the 30th???? Will it happen??? who knows.

Communication is the key...regardless of how busy anyone is...Reassurance is sometimes a good thing..you can reassure without making promises.

With the type of compensation we recieve..it would be nice for seller's to get their money's worth..that means protection...sometime reassurance..and most of all communication. Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned.

Jun 20, 2008 11:32 PM

Don Rogers

Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO

Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Midori,

You make a beautiful point and one that the media refuses to admit and that is that the house that the sellers are selling is a "home", with years of memories and that is exactly what the new owners want to begin doing. At the same time we the real estate agent wonder why it is hard for the seller to turn loose of the home. You have summed it up well, thank you.

Don R.

Jun 20, 2008 11:47 PM

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Midori - I do hope this gets closed. Nice your folks have you there. Underfunding is important as closings come, get delayed, go, no-go, etc! God luck!

Jun 21, 2008 12:14 AM

Neal Bloom

Brokered by eXp Realty LLC - Weston, FL

Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate

I'll keep my comments quiet on this one:)

Jun 21, 2008 12:21 AM

Allison Stewart

St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL

St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

Oh Midori- This post really hits home. I assisted inthe sale of my Dad's house in October- I also had to fly to NY to help him move. It was soooo stressful for him, but having had a little experience and 6 moves under my belt, I worked for 2days stright getting him packed and prepped before making the drive to his new home 300 miles away. You have my sympathy and respect. You are a GOOD- Daughter/Realtor®

Good luck and Sell Well!

Jun 21, 2008 12:25 AM

J Perrin Cornell

Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA

Broker, ABR, VAMRES

about once a year we all need to be involved (closely) in our own transaction or perhaps a close relative. It is sooo easy to loose perspective.

Jun 21, 2008 02:16 AM

Steve Scheer

Realty Oasis - Metro Brokers - Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Denver Real Estate

It can be very hard to help a parent move, your own emotions get tied in as well - but I think in the long run it makes you a better agent. I helped my mom a few years ago. She was probably much blunter with me about what she was going through than another "client" would have been but I appreciated it. And I am glad I was there for her as you are now for your parents.

Jun 21, 2008 02:45 AM

Elaine VonCannon

Coldwell Banker Traditions - Williamsburg, VA

Hello M,

Working with family is more stress than with other clients.......I KNOW! However you are blessed to have both your parnets, I lost both of mine. have a great weekend and I will keep my toes and all other parts crossed that you close>

Elaine

Jun 21, 2008 02:49 AM

Midori Miller

Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL

Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Again this is not just about my parents but the fact any property seller needs and deserves to know what is happening...and sometimes we are so focused on the end result we don't see or are not even interested in what they have to go through.

Having last minute changes even for the most flexible person requires some skill and sometimes understanding.

The blame game..so over it in every part of our industry focus on getting the job done...focus on another satisfied customer..and maybe more more money will be land in our pockets, more referrals to be made.

Its true every agent should experience this..it puts things into perspective and sometimes it reminds you just how good we are.

It's these turn of events that sour the public when it comes to REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Jun 21, 2008 03:13 AM

Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI

Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

midori, we have a young couple, all packed and ready to close on Friday. The lender of their choice dropped the ball twice. We said both times, you need to work with our lenders. But, they kept moving forward with theirs. We were at their new home on Thur. meeting the carpet layers. The drop the ball lender called adn we weren't closing for another week.

The buyer fell on the floor and bawled her eyes out. Finally, she admitted we should have worked with yours.

Nothing to say at this point.

Jun 21, 2008 08:57 AM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Midori, This must be a very emotional experience. I recently sold a house. The daughter had poa to sell the house. She decided not to come and had an attorney represent her as she was too emotional about it .

Jun 21, 2008 11:05 PM

Kim Wood

The Tech Byte - West Chester, PA

Kim Wood ~ The Tech Byte

Well, don't really know what to say... I'm sorry that you were going through this, and I'm glad it sounds like you might be a little better.

So hard to pack up and say goodbye.... if you haven't yet - be sure and take lots and lots of pictures - I find that helps to let go.

((HUGS))

Jun 22, 2008 09:39 AM

Karen Monsour

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL

REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Great to meet you Saturday Midori...you are a great person...can't wait to read your blog on our lunch...I was really tempted to do one...however...I figured...I'd wait for you...(((huggs))) my new friend...Karen

Jun 22, 2008 02:46 PM

Lisa Hill

Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach Real Estate

The dog's name is "Killer"? LOL! I'm not going to ask. But I am going to ask this... your maiden name was Midori Terwilliger? OMG! Oh wait. Did you write a post about your mother remarrying? I can't remember.

Jun 22, 2008 03:42 PM

Sharon Harris

Keller Williams Keystone Realty - Hanover, PA

Realtor

Good luck with all this. Sounds like you have your hands full. I hope all works out for the whole gang...

Jun 23, 2008 08:45 AM

Latonia Parks

Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC

Certified Military Relocation Expert

I know you will handle things well. Just hang in there.

Jun 23, 2008 02:13 PM

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

There are always mixed emotions when a family leaves their home. I remember when we packed up my grandparents in Connecticut and moved them to Florida when I was in high school. It was strange, thinking that someone else would be living in the house that Grandpa built!!!

Jun 25, 2008 06:13 AM