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Eileen Black - Bainbridge Island Washington

By
Home Builder with Retired

I have to admit that like many people, I misjudged someone.

Here's the story. Last fall my mother-in-law passed away. She had passed 90 and still lived in her own home, alone, but a fall and complications took their toll. She lived on Bainbridge Island, Wa, a few miles from her daughter Ellen. Her other daughter and I are Realtors® only 10 miles, a ferry ride and light years away. Ellen and Marjie's brother Scott lives in New Hampshire.

The home would eventually be put on the market and since Marjie and I are in the business, we knew what had to be done, but because of that ferry ride we opted not to list this home. It is out of our area and expertise. The three siblings went about interviewing three local agents as the three in-laws continued preparing the house for market. Of course it went against my better instincts to keep my big fat nose out of the interviews, but I managed. The siblings selected Eileen Black to represent them.

Eileen BlackI noted that Eileen had signed on to ActiveRain at one time but never really engaged. I checked her other listings at the time and she seemed to be working in a price range that tripled the projected value of my mother-in-law's home. Stupid me. I thought she wouldn't really give the siblings the time of day once this property was listed.

Lesson learned. I was way wrong. With a great deal of patience while certain work was being done and the season changed and the principals' vacations ended the property, with some final recommendations from Eileen, came on the market. There were two offers after the first open house and one was accepted, but the buyer backed out a few days later because she couldn't build a certain fence there. Undaunted, Eileen kept Ellen, the executrix, informed daily. The next week she managed to feature the home in the local newspaper, and an all cash buyer, who wasn't intending to buy anything at the moment put in an offer that was accepted and closed.

From my perspective and the phone conversations I overheard, there was a lot of work that went into the process and Eileen did an amazing job. My somewhat worrisome sister-in-law was well informed and finally admitted that she didn't realize that her sister and I had so much work to do with each transaction.

I applaud the work of Eileen Black and would recommend her for any listing in any price range on Bainbridge Island in the future. If you live there, make a note. She will serve your needs as a buyer or as a seller.

Posted by

 

 

 

 

Glenn Roberts
Retired

 

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Comments (16)

Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Glenn,

Excellent testimonial to the work that Eileen did to help sell your mother in laws house. Ain't it great when you see agents who get it?

Rich

May 25, 2011 02:29 PM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Rich -  She not only got it for our family, I'm sure she gets it for everyone.

 

May 25, 2011 02:30 PM
Tish Lloyd
BlueCoast Realty Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Broker - Wilmington NC and Surrounding Beaches

Glenn ~  You have honored a fellow agent and made an excellent point in the process -- acknowledge you own area of expertise and keep out of the area you're not qualified to "practice" in.  Great post!

May 25, 2011 02:39 PM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Tish - She deserves more accolades than I can deliver here. (Not saying anything about my SIL, just sayin)

May 25, 2011 03:14 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Glenn glad Eileen was able to help with your real estate needs.   I also like the fact you took the time to write her a wonderful testimonial.

May 25, 2011 04:17 PM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Jennifer - Eileen earned my respect and I'm pleased as punch to recommend her.

May 25, 2011 04:31 PM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Glenn,

Smart, straight-talking testimonial.  Very professional of you to put it out there!

Congratulations on picking the right agent and letting her do her job.

May 25, 2011 05:20 PM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Great job extolling the virtues of another agent here Glenn. This is the type of thing we don't read enough of.

May 26, 2011 12:28 AM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Mike - The strange thing was I never met her ion person, just watched from the sidelines. She impressed me.

Craig - I was wondering about myself and what I would have said if she hadn't done a perfect job. (Hopefully nothing)

May 26, 2011 02:21 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Glenn, It is nice to credit going where credit is due! I'm glad there was a smooth resolution for your family.

May 26, 2011 04:16 AM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Charles - She knows how to make the rough spots transition smoothly.

May 26, 2011 04:33 AM
Mitch Gover
BidOnRealty.com - Orlando, FL

It's easy to have prejudiced opinions about others in the business.  It's usually a case of "knowing too much."  I'm glad everything worked out for your family.  It's great to see credit given where it is due.  She sounds like a real pro. 

May 26, 2011 05:20 AM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Mitch - She is a pro. No wonder she has those higher priced listings as well.

May 26, 2011 08:40 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Recognition for a job well done. The reason the public thinks it is so easy a Cave Man could do it, is because they don't see the behind the scenes. Like any industry where it is seamless, kept out front or back room separated.

May 28, 2011 04:04 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Glenn, I have actually visited Bainbridge Island. Beautiful place. Kudos to you for admitting you were wrong and writing such a glowing recommendation.

May 30, 2011 05:01 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Wow, sounds like she deserves your accolades Glenn. Craig Rutman makes a great point! Kudos to you for doing so! 

Jun 03, 2011 12:30 PM