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Would I pay Joel Osteen a commission? Heck yeah!

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Randall Morris and Associates, Waco

I was recently reading Joel Osteen's new book It's Your Time and came across a page that I thought might inspire everyone, Realtors, buyers and sellers. If you've never heard of Joel Osteen, he is the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, one of the largest churches in America. He has a tv show and has written many great books. The ones I've read are Live Your Best Life and Become a Better You. They are very encouraging and inspiring and I highly recommend reading them. Here's the selection from the book.

A young couple from our church told me about the challenges they had while trying to sell their house. They had only a few prospects in the first few weeks. They weren't having much luck.

The market was tough. Realtors told them it may take six months, a year, maybe even two years to sell. But this couple had an attitude of faith. They were prisoners of hope. And even though it didn't look good, they kept reminding themselves, "We are closer than we think. It could happen any day."

This one couple came back to look at the house a second time. They wanted to spend a couple of hours studying it to see if it was right for their family. The owners were okay with that. But they debated whether they should take down their personal pictures of themselves and their children, just so they could remain more private. After they thought about it, they felt good about leaving those pictures where they were.

The potential buyers came to look at the house, and the owners left so they could take their time. A few hours later, they received a call from the real estate agent saying the couple definitely wanted to purchase the house. The buyers told my friends that they had been torn between their house and another one. But during that last visit, they'd seen something that convinced them to buy my friends' house.

" We saw a picture of you and your pastor, and we thought: "These people love God. They go to Lakewood. This must be the house for us!"

My friend told me: "Joel, you helped me sell my house."

I told him that was great: "Now let's talk about my commission."

That story encouraged me to stay in the real estate game. I hope it has inspired you too.

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I read the same book. You really never know the impact a picture may have on buyer prospects. The same goes for books and magazines. BTW, I am a big fan of Mr. Osteen!

Sep 17, 2010 03:07 AM
Glenn Colley
WR Starkey Mortgage - Carrollton, TX

Ann, I agree with Gary that you never realize the impact.  I too love to read and watch Joel. 

Sep 17, 2010 03:50 AM
Janeil Lester
Old Republic Title - Plano, TX
Old Republic Title

I have read one of Joel's books and really enjoyed it. I even catch his show on TV sometimes when I feel the need to be encouraged or uplifted. What a great story!!! God is always at work!

Sep 17, 2010 04:05 AM
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Ann, we are also inspired by Joel Osteen and his uplifting messages.  Very inspirational and hope to visit Lakewood sometime in the near future when we are in Texas again.

Sep 17, 2010 04:32 AM
Stephanie Reynolds
Integrity First Financial Group, Inc. - Santee, CA
East County San Diego Homes 619-838-4408

What a wonderful story! God really does work in mysterious ways!

Sep 17, 2010 05:09 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

You just never know when the next opportunity will come to you with the help of our God.

Sep 17, 2010 06:12 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Ann,  I love to listen to Joel Osteen.  His messages are so encouraging and uplifting.  I try to practice what he preaches and it works!

Sep 18, 2010 11:30 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I have Joel DVR'd so that I can watch his sermon either before or after I go to my church. I have heard him talk about this very thing. He is really an inspiration to me and to many around the nation.

This was a great post. I hope to see more of your work.

Coming to you from Texas...

Sep 18, 2010 04:04 PM