I received an unexpected call today, from overseas. It was a friend of mine who has dropped out of contact for a few months, not even a couple of email keystrokes, since she landed a job there. I was overjoyed! "I've missed you!" We chattered away about family and life and musings on the little and the big things. Had to cut it short, used to wait until the cell phone was out of juice, but being an international call . . .
I met her wearing my real estate hat, was the listing agent to lease her house. This was a referral, so there was a referral fee. On a rental. (new agent you guessed it) I took the referral and proceeded to see what I could do with this small transaction. Since I was in the neighborhood on a regular basis I took the time to cruise slowly up and down the streets, comparing visual differences in the community sections, if any. Yep, I noticed a few trends from section to section. Did some walking too, handing out some marketing pieces and talking to neighbors. I watered the plants if they looked dry when I was there. Brought in a few things so the house had a human presence, not an empty feel. We talked to each other, off and on, not always business.
I leased the house, and was asked to help the family with another transaction (or two). Now they are friends as well as clients. I don't think I could pinpoint when that happened. Working as a real estate agent has led to other great friendships too, I wish I had entered the field sooner. I don't take the difficult things or especially difficult people personally, they were like that before they ever met me. I work for my clients and that has led to rewards far beyond the commission payments. Client, friend, and in the end they often become both.
©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved
SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping families sell their houses and helping families buy the home of their dreams.
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