What do I do different than most Traverse City real estate Broker?

That is what I was asked at the end of a recent closing.

Well not exactly.

To Quote: "So you didn't do anything different than any other agent would have done".

That set we back on my heels and before I could gather myself to answer we were walking out the door.

So let me take a shot a how I wish I could have answered.

To start; I showed Bob all condos that matched his search criteria.

I didn't start with my listings because I don't carry any listings.

I didn't follow up showing him my company's listings because my company doesn't carry any listings.

I start by showing all my clients all listings from all real estate agents without exception.

I shot video of the property and placed it on YouTube so his family around the country could view it.

At the time of writing the offer I not only tried to talk Bob into making a lower offer than he chose, I also tried to get him to sleep on it and make a decision the next day.

As it turned out, the seller accepted our first offer which means we bid to high.

I always do my best to point out any negative aspect of any property.

The home inspection revealed some very minor issues with three appliances.

Bob decided this was unacceptable and wanted the seller to repair the items.

To keep Bob from shooting himself in the foot by opening the contract over $200 and loosing his home to a possible backup offer, I went to investigate the issues on my own.

It turned out that the dryer simply needed the breaker turned on.

The microwave needed a $40 motor for the turntable which I personally purchased and replaced.

At the advice of Max's of Traverse City I removed a part from the dish washer and took it to Max's for testing and it checked out OK.

So I re-installed the part and arranged an appointment for the repair man to come and fix the problem and I personally paid for the $100 repair before the closing.

I mention "before the closing" because if the deal didn't close I would have been out the $140.

I am confident that my service to Bob was quite different than most other real estate agents.

I'm sure when folks first meet me some think; this guy does not look like a real estate agent.

Sorry, I don't even own a suit.

I have ruined enough nice clothes to learn that fancy clothes are not compatible with my level of service.

How many agents will you meet who have a tool box and a ladder in their car?

Or a probe for finding septic tank lids and a shovel to dig them up?

I am the real estate agent in the crawl space, in the attic, on the roof, walking through wet grass and picker bushes looking for property lines, encroachments, debris etc.

I have a cellular modem for my laptop computer and I am online in my car as well as an on board printer which provides a mobile virtual office.

I was a computer technician for ten years and I am well versed in the technology and internet necessary to provide prompt and complete information.

I work from home and the only time I am not available for my clients is when I am asleep.

I am the real estate agent answering your email at midnight because even when am watching TV my laptop is in front of me and I am eager to answer you questions.

I preview real estate for folks who are out of town and shoot video of Traverse City homes for sale and place that video on YouTube for their viewing.

I have talked two people out of buying a home in 2010 by explaining it is better for them to rent.

So other than being one of the few Exclusive Buyer Agents in Michigan, who does not list property or work for sellers, I am sure I am quite different than most real estate brokers.