Today was a bittersweet day.

A terrific listing I had, and a beautiful home, came to an end. I knew this day was a possibility, since the sellers were very upfront from the beginning. They are relocating and the agreement was to try and sell the house (their preference) but after a certain period of time they would need to make the decision to rent. The contract ended at midnight last night and this morning we wrapped up.

We had a good number of showings and an offer that almost was completed. Just couldn’t get over the final hump. It may not have worked with the buyer’s lender anyhow, since some very recent sales in the community were short sales and REOs and the prices would have significantly impacted my sellers to the point where they could not be comfortable and could NOT make the deal work. Renting, now, is their best option so they can get on with their lives. Fortunately they are in a position to be able to afford to do so. Many are not so lucky.

Did you know that you can create raving fans even if the home does not sell? Today proved that to me.

The sellers would have been thrilled if the home had sold, but they are raving fans nonetheless. They will be back in the not-too-distant future and said they will be in touch with me when they do. We will stay in touch of course.

And as one said “I hate to cut the cord.” Now they need to work with someone who handles rentals and property management and they are concerned. I feel badly and hope all will work out for them…I will help if they need me.

First let me say that these clients were the best that one could have as sellers. I told them this when we wrapped up this morning. Their home is gorgeous, and immaculate, and it was always in showing condition. Always. They asked lots of great questions that first time sellers should ask so they could be fully informed, and were very upfront and honest about their personal situation. They always returned phone calls and emails in a timely manner, constantly kept me informed of issues that could impact showings, and provided me with all the information I needed when asked. I could go on, but you can see that despite selling their first home they did what responsible sellers are supposed to do, and they were committed to the process and what needed to be done. The financial hardships of the market are beyond their control, and they made the decision that had to be made so they could move on.

As far as creating raving fans, without selling a home for a client YOU can make them a fan. How? It’s pretty simple.

Just do the job you are expected to do as a licensed real estate agent!!

• Represent your clients’ fiduciary interests at all times
• Provide prompt communication when needed or asked for – return calls and/or emails as soon as feasible – and stay in touch even if nothing is happening
• Go beyond what is expected, or hoped for, and anticipate your clients’ needs before being asked. What can you do to add value, to transcend the ordinary, to exceed expectations, to help make their lives easier?
• Let them know what you are going to do (e.g, marketing), then do what you say you are going to do. If you won't or can't do it, then don't say you will
• Be open and honest about the market conditions, the home and its interior and exterior condition, share tips on getting the home ready for showings, and explain carefully how showings will work and the importance of availability. They need to know what they can expect
  
• Explain all the paperwork carefully and make sure all questions are answered
• Answer those questions that don’t get asked but should be
  
• Clearly demonstrate your interest, and your excitement about the property and working with them
• Correct any problems, no matter how small, quickly...and apologize
• Take time to listen when needed – sellers, new or not, often need to talk about their personal situation, to ask for help, to have a confidant who can empathize with them and the emotions they are experiencing
  
• Remember that it’s all about them…always
  

Nothing magical, IMO, but I think this often does not happen. Too bad, it isn’t really all that difficult. Or is it?

I was disappointed that things did not work out the way we all hoped. But I know it has nothing to do with my clients or with me. The market makes its own decisions. Timing is everything. But having clients tell me they will be a reference at any time without my asking, and letting me know how pleased they were to have worked with me, despite the end result, is priceless.

I hope they read this. I want them to know, again, how special they were to me.

And how proud I was to have them as sellers.