I am fortunate to have a lovely backyard replete with wildlife. And our wildlife is well fed. . . Nuts and seeds are popular, but a favorite are the whole corn cobs full of dry corn. We buy them buy the bag and scatter them about to the delight of the many squirrels who live in the area.
One recent morning, as I was sitting on the patio enjoying my morning coffee, I was fascinated by a bit of competition between two gray squirrels who had fixated on the same cob of corn. One would sit and eat and soon the other would get a little to close and the first squirrel would chase the second off. The second would sit partway up the tree and wait for an opening. When the moment was right, he would chase off the first squirrel and enjoy a bit of corn.
Back and forth they went eating, chasing, eating and chasing, each trying to gain exclusive right to the coveted cob of corn. What neither squirrel seemed to notice was the forlorn second cob of corn sitting barely a foot from the first.
As I sat watching the clueless squirrels, I was reminded of a recent client. He was a young first time buyer, excited with prospect of home ownership. He was pre-approved and ready to buy a home in lovely Lockport, IL. I met him when he was referred to me by a former client.
He had already toured some homes with another agent, but had decided to fire that agent out of frustration. As he put it, "She would show up in her Jaguar with vanity plates, talking on the phone. . . that was if she showed up at all. Three times she cancelled because she had clients looking in a more expensive suburb and told me I would have to wait until she was available. On top of that, she insisted on showing me homes $20,000 more that I can afford."
We quickly identified a home that was perfect for him and perfectly within his price range and he is now a happy homeowner.
Through the process, I have come to call this client a friend. I went to his housewarming party, congratulated him on his recent engagement, attended a baseball game with his fiance and shared a meal or two with his family.
On the business side, he has referred me to a family member who purchased a home almost double the price of his purchase.
As agents we are often guilty of chasing the high pricetag, high profile client, while overlooking those who might enrich our lives both financially and personally.
I should call and thank the Jaguar driving, phone talking, client ignoring agent. . . My life is richer due to her neglect. Or I'll just head outside and feed the squirrels. . .
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If you are a homebuyer searching for a home in Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield, Lockport or elsewhere in Will County, IL, I am here to help, regardless of your price range! Give me a call at 815-207-9703.
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