I was sitting here thinking, ok, Laurie, what are you going to write about today and then I read Sally's post about the Angels.It made me remember what I call my first "real" sale. I think that I have mentioned before that I have held my real estate license for almost 3 years now, but just started Full-Time real estate in September of last year. My first client was my brother's best friend and the second was a gentleman and his wife that worked with my husband.

On this particular day I happened to be on Floor Duty and had a young soldier and his wife come into the office and they wanted to speak with an agent. Unfortunately they had been working with an agent from another company and were very upset with the service they had been receiving. In conversation I found out that they had not signed a buyers agreement or anything else for that matter. I mentioned a home that had just come on the market and we went to look at it. They fell in love with the house and we decided to put an offer in on it. How often does it ever go this well, first house, put an offer it? For me this was the only time.

Long story short, the offer was never accepted because the Seller refused to allow the Buyers a home inspection. Why? I still don't know to this day. We spent the next 60days looking at probably 50 houses. Nothing compared to that first house. When they were just about to give up the wife found a FSBO in the local newspaper. I contacted the seller to find out if she would allow me to bring her a qualified buyer, and if she was willing to pay a commission to me. After two days the seller called me back and said, and I quote, "I am only prepared to offer you $500," this was a $142,000 sale. I agreed, we signed an agreement to show the property, and then I presented her with an offer from my buyers.

In the end the seller really stuck it to the buyers. The appraisal came in a few thousand under contract price, but they wanted the home so they paid the difference. Then they paid a higher amount of closing costs as well. I tried to convince them to find another home, because I really felt that they were being taken advantage of, but they wouldn't hear of it.

The real pay off for me was that this wonderful couple got a house that they could call home. The day that the seller accepted the contract the wife found out that she was pregnant with their first child. They had been trying for a year and had suffered a couple of terrible miscarriages. The news of the pregnancy was wonderful. I was so excited for them. I not sold a home to a wonderful soldier and his wife, I made friends, and was there for 2 exciting events in their life.

Did I mention that the home they purchased was in the same subdivision as the first home that we put an offer in on and on the same street? It took that first homeowner 3 more months to sell his home.Realtor

 

15 Comments on The Real Pay Off

MAY
09
2007
567,110 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
I love happy endings.  I also like your vflyer posted on the site ! I use them too, love it.
7:11pm • #1
138,531 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I'm missing the part about the pay off.  You got an appalling commission, spent hours with these people, and became compromised by having to sneak in the "back door" to get paid, due to your buyers error in judgement.  The "pay off" of this post to me is...don't make the same mistake twice.  Good for you, going full time- that experience DID pay off in that you learned something of value!
7:14pm • #2
1 Featured Post
You stuck with your buyers, gave them advice and suggestions, spent lots of time with them, and still got paid (even if it wasn't what you were hoping for). In the end, your integrity won out and there is a very happy couple with a new place to call home.......and a new baby. Great job!!
7:23pm • #3
528,129 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

It's not always about the money, and this post proves it. Congrats on everything you did for this young couple.

7:23pm • #4
2 Featured Posts

Missy- Thank you. I also love Vflyer and happy endings.

Laurie- The real pay off for me, was that I helped this couple find their 1st home. They were ready to give up and I could've walked away with nothing except a couple very disappointed and discouraged about their first home buying experience. When we had closed this deal I was more happy that they found a home than I was my commission. But you are right, I learned ALOT!!!

7:27pm • #5
2 Featured Posts

Keith - As I said that was the Real Pay Off for me. Thank you

John- Exactly!!! I go into each transaction with the desire to find a buyer a home or meet the sellers objective by selling their home. Yes, sometimes the commission is a factor as I am sure that it is for most agents, but personally, for me, most of the time its not. Thank You for the congrats.

7:30pm • #6
595,285 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Laura:  I too am one to think of the client's best interests as well.....It's certainly NOT all about money...it is...Integrity, pride (not false pride) and thinking in the best interests of your client.  Good for you!
7:40pm • #7
189,750 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
This is true service and you are an awesome Realtor.
8:00pm • #8
2 Featured Posts

Sally- I admit, sometimes its a slow month and when you finally get that accepted contract, its hard not to be excited about the money. But I agree with you, its the integrity and the pride of knowing that I did something good for someone else.  

Mana- Thank You!!

 heart

8:44pm • #9
MAY
10
2007
486,448 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
If the sellers will not allow a home inspection I have one word for my buyers.  RUN!
4:04am • #10
2 Featured Posts

Randy- Absolutely, the sellers agent told me that it was because he was the only owner and he knew nothing was wrong with his house. The house was 12 years old. I didn't care if it was 2 years old, a home inspection still needed to be completed. My buyers had even offered $2,000 over the asking price. Sellers loss if you ask me.

7:31am • #11
486,448 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I am sure there was something major wrong.  In Hawaii, he would not get away with it, because if he didn't disclose it the attorneys would have gotten involved. 

I would be recommending he get another agent I were the listing agent.

2:22pm • #12
MAY
11
2007
2 Featured Posts
Randy, ME too!!! I think this particular listing agent was too concerned about just having a listing. It was the onyl one she had.
8:17am • #13
MAY
12
2007
285,230 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I have never heard of a seller refusing an inspection. Great job of assisting folks who needed your help. Your reward will come in the future referrals I am sure! Good Luck.
8:25am • #15

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Laura Reed

Clarksville, TN

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RE/MAX NorthStar

Address: 2489 Ft. Campbell Blvd, Suite A, Clarksville, TN, 37042

Office Phone: (931) 431-7797 x 713

Cell Phone: (931) 237-6243

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