Yesterday evening I met with a brand new client to show her some homes for sale. Something didn't look quite right with the second home, so I double checked the showing instructions. Vacant, go and show, lock box on porch, use probate contract. OK, I thought, the truck parked in the driveway might belong to the previous owner and the family hasn't sold or moved it yet.
I noticed there wasn't a real estate sign. This isn't uncommon since we have had problems with squatters and rent scams. The front door is open, I can hear sounds coming through the screen door. Is someone else showing the property right now?
I double check the address. The home matches the picture on the MLS printout. I walk up to the front porch to see if there is another agent in the house. I'm greeted by a jolly woman with a big smile, May I help you?
I held up the MLS printout and said I may have the wrong address, but this house looks exactly like yours. That IS my house, she said. Well, this MLS printout says this home is for sale, is it? No, she said, we just bought it!
Oh! I see! Well it looks like the listing agent forgot to tell the world that this home was sold to you, I'm really sorry to have bothered you. But something smells fabulous, did we arrive in time for dinner? No, she said, I would invite you in but I didn't make enough food!
Did I forget to mention I had 4 people standing behind me? I sent that lady a note thanking her for being so kind, especially when I had interrupted her dinner. And then I called the Multiple Listing Service and asked them to update the listing to a SOLD status.
Just another day in this crazy business called Real Estate!
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