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Forgiveness With A Side Of Second Chance!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Success Realty

Sun breaking through the clouds!It happened the day before Thanksgiving and both humbled me and thrilled me.

You see, I've been a little "off" for the last few months.  Earlier this year one of my builder's new construction houses went into foreclosure even after my all out effort to get it sold.

We tried everything, they were even ready to take a loss, the bank wouldn't discuss a short sale but we were willing to go the extra mile.  I was ready to sell it with minimal commission and we still could not get an offer.  I felt really sick to my stomach for several months ....just waiting on the foreclosure.

I attended the foreclosure sale at the courthouse and bawled my eyes out.  See, I had sold them these lots and they had put their faith in my marketing skills.

 

These guys live near me - I see them at the grocery store and everywhere else nearby.  The first time ran into one of them, I hung my head in shame.  He came over and made a point of speaking to me....I cried again in the parking lot of the store when I left.

It's haunted me, I failed at my job.  So, last week I was nervous about answering the phone when their number showed up on my cell phone but they were calling to give me a gift.  They have now listed one of their investment properties with me for sale. 

When I met with them, I apologized again AND asked them what the heck they were thinking - listing with me again - after I let them be foreclosed on.  The response was simple - "it wasn't your fault, we knew you did everything you could". 

It's important to remember that as hard as you try, somethings are beyond your control.  You must do the best job you can and keep going.

The sun peeked through the cloud for me that day and this week has been fabulous.  I've been blessed with a second chance.

Michelle DeRepentingy, ERA Classic City Realty - Athens, GA

Barb Van Stensel
Chicago, IL

Michelle, my heart goes out to you because you really gave it your all but sometimes the market just isn't there and these builders realized it!  Even when we try to make it work, sometimes it just doesn't pan out.  I don't take these words lightly.  But I am so greatful that you shared your story with us. 

Second chances are awesome. 

Dec 04, 2008 11:08 AM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

In this economy we can only do our best.  Sometimes it just isn't good enough

Dec 04, 2008 11:25 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Michelle, What a great story, you better stick with them. Do they have any relatives around here? I sure would love customers like that.

Dec 04, 2008 11:49 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Evening Michelle,  Stop beating up on yourself.  It didn't go the way you planned but I'm sure you tried other marketing.  Now, get this new listing on the market and on its' way to an offer !

Dec 04, 2008 11:54 AM
Julie Chapman
Julie Chapman Broker - Ormond Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Michelle,

As I explain to my agents, you can't accept responsibility for the market.  It is what it is and it speaks volumes about your abilities that they are re-listing with you. 

Dec 04, 2008 11:55 AM
Noreen Fennell
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Tuxedo, NY
Professional Service, Serious Results

Michelle:

You may think you were blessed with a second chance--I think they were blessed to have such a committed real estate professional working on their behalf.  It seems that you did your job---then some--then some more.  An unfortunate and depressing as the outcome may be, sometimes, no matter how talented, dedidcated and professional we are the results are not what we strive for. Think of all the foreclosures throughout the country at this time---how many of them are taken place even after the diligent work of real estate professionals to help their clients avoid that outcome.

Your clients are probably savvy business people.  I bet this foreclosure is just a blip in an otherwise long list of successful investments they have made.  They accepted the foreclosure and are moving ahead with the sale of their next investment property. They are likely seasoned professionals--and that is why they selected you again--because they view you as the best resource available to market their properties.  Keep doing what you are doing--the results will come.

Best,

Noreen

Dec 04, 2008 12:00 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

I like clients like that.  I have had a few... they knew that I did everything I could, and they didn't fault me for working it. 

Dec 04, 2008 12:01 PM
Kathy Passarette
Creative Home Expressions - Mount Sinai, NY
L.I. Staging/Decorating

Michelle ~ This is a great story.  I'm glad you shared it.  Not everyone is looking for a scapegoat; and that's nice to know.  Your caring and committment comes through in your post.

Dec 04, 2008 12:13 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Nothing like a second chance to pick you up and motivate you to succeed!

Dec 04, 2008 12:21 PM
Celina Gleason
AgentOwned Realty - Manning, SC

Oh my goodness!  I think they realized that they had such a good Realtor that they were showing their thankfulness!  I actually have one right now that I am anguishing over and waiting for the foreclosure shoe to drop.  I have a contract on it, but the buyers are waiting to sell their home so it has a 72 hour kickout clause, but this market is not letting up anytime soon.  I can only hope that I'll be able to see it close and not foreclose. 

Dec 04, 2008 01:42 PM
Pat Tasker
Shorewest Realtors - Germantown, WI
Your Milwaukee Metro Area Agent (WI)

It is so nice, not everyone blames US when it doesn't sell...Thank God!

 

Dec 04, 2008 01:50 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Michelle, I'm glad they had faith in you. It sounded like you did a fantastic job. The market is what the market is.

Dec 04, 2008 03:03 PM
Michelle DeRepentigny
Success Realty - Athens, GA
Broker Athens, GA

Whoo - sorry it's taken me so long to respond, it's been a crazy day!

Missy - it really made me stop and think, in these time I don't think any agent, regardless of how good they are, can have a 100% success rate.  I would never give up, but maybe I stepped backed a little from some hard situations out of fear of failure again, it has really re-engerized me.

David - I'm usually pretty positive (or at least good at faking it).  I realized AFTER this that it really had affected me more than I thought. 

John - thanks for the compliment and the visit :)

Elayna - see that's just it - I felt like I had and I passed on some opportunities because of the way I felt.  I now see that I should have gotten over it, but it was really stuck in the back of my head.

Sonja - thanks for the visit!

Dec 05, 2008 06:11 AM
Michelle DeRepentigny
Success Realty - Athens, GA
Broker Athens, GA

Elizabeth - maybe that is the definition of a great agent :) someone who cares as much as the seller what happens. I thought I was tougher than really I was.   Thank you for the GB.

Barb - this second chance really changed my attitude, and it needed it more than I thoughtt.  Thanks for dropping in.

Russ - AMEN!

Charles - I really am blessed, I'll ask them :)

Bill - I am so on it - first call for showing already and at least there is a little less pressure with this one.

Julie - thanks for the compliment and remember to keep reinforcing that idea.  You would have thought I would know better, but I still let it get to me.

Dec 05, 2008 06:19 AM
Michelle DeRepentigny
Success Realty - Athens, GA
Broker Athens, GA

Noreen - you made my eyes tear up again.  Bless you!

Lane - thanks for the visit.  When you have great clients who appreciate how you work and they actually let you know, it really does remind you why your got into this crazy business and more importantly why we all hang in there when times are kind of whacked. 

Kathy - exactly, I hope someone else out there in a similar situation will remember that they did their best and no one could have made anything else happen.

Margaret - second chances are sweet and I was really happy to get this one.

Celina - I hope that you are able to save the day, but if you don't - promise me that you won't take it the way I did.  It really caused some hesitation in working distressed & short sales for me.  I still tried my best on the ones I took, but there were a few listings that I choose to refer to someone because I didn't want to go through it again.  Now I wonder why I didn't give it my best shot.

Pat - Yes, it nice to know that not everyone things we just list and forget.  Validation and appreciation are nice to receive. 

Gary - It was a weight off my shoulders to realize they didn't hold a grudge or me personally responsible.  Thanks for the visit!

Dec 05, 2008 06:30 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Michelle - it appears that they respected you and understand the market. You can only do your best and I know that with you that is a lot.

Dec 10, 2008 07:18 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Hi Michelle-this is a great post and I think people are getting smarter...meaning..sometimes..there is not ample time to sell the property regardless of pricing...sometimes...people realize they made a mistake prior to listing with you...and sometimes...people are good and realize what a great job you have done sometimes people are appreciative of the hard work..of others..and I know that is why they stuck with you.

Good Luck with the next property...I'm sure you will sell it!

 

Dec 15, 2008 11:18 PM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Michelle, great job and what a true statement this is about who you are as a Realtor.  Sometimes we do the best we can and do everything we can and the sale still doesn't happen, if the buyer wasn't there, you can't control that.  Great job at getting the new listing, and to think so many would have been inclined to let it go to voice mail, that way they just have to listen to the lecture they thought they would get, but you didn't you picked up the phone willing to face them, that SAYS volumes about you personally.

Dec 21, 2008 03:39 PM
Michelle DeRepentigny
Success Realty - Athens, GA
Broker Athens, GA

Mike:  :) Thanks, it means a lot from a local!

Midori:  From your fingers to up above!  We are getting lots of activity, so here's hoping AND praying!

David:  My fave Atlanta Inspector - thanks for dropping by!  I am SO glad I answered that call!

Dec 30, 2008 02:23 PM
Kevin Tomlinson
One Sotheby's International Realty- Miami Beach Real Estate - Miami Beach, FL
Miami Beach Real Estate

You tortured yourself for naught.

Nice post.....You vented...cathartic.

Dec 30, 2008 02:24 PM