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When Lightening Strikes the Heart...

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

Lightening Strikes the HeartWhen Lightening Strikes the Heart...  Today, a seller stopped by my office to chat with one of my agents about short selling her home.  In the course of the conversation, Mrs. Seller got very emotional and started to cry.  It was a moment that moved everyone in the room. 

This crazy market has affected so many people... good people, intelligent people, hard-working people.  What has emerged from this storm is genuine raw emotion and human frailty.  People are seeking answers to some very tough questions and we have the opportunity to offer them shelter of a different kind.  Perhaps the answer should come in the form of a hug, or a kind gesture, or simply telling them that everything is going to be alright.  There's something comforting in knowing that you're not alone in your circumstances and that somebody truly cares.    

Sometimes, our professional courtesy must extend beyond the scope of our expertise.  Not in the traditional sense... but in matters of the heart.  In addition to selling real estate, we are counselors, psychologists, pastors, priests, visionaries and motivators.  We help people see their way when there seems to be no way.  We offer hope when there appears to be no hope.  We display a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.  And when lightening strikes the heart, we rise to the occasion by reaching out and touching someone.  And when the storm finally clears, we help those around us pick up the pieces to their lives so they can begin again.  That's what we do.

Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

Show All Comments Sort:
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

It's sad that there are agents out there without a heart - it's all about the money. Now more than ever, people do need someone who cares.  Thank goodness that's the majority of the agents I meet.

Jul 12, 2011 12:15 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thanks Cory!  If I had a hammer... ;)

#35 ~ Thank you for your comment.  Sounds like you both need a hug!

Awww Debb ~ So nice of you to come back with a congrats... you kind soul you!

Pamela ~ Yes... the heart matches the heartfelt message ;)

Let's hope the heartfelt ones out number the heartless ones Karen!

Jul 12, 2011 12:31 PM
Anonymous
Jeanne Gregory, RE/MAX Southwest, Sugar Land, TX

I put a sign in the front yard today of a beautiful home.  When I went to the door, the daughter of the owner was in tears.  You see, this had been her mom's retirement dream home.  She had planned it from the ground up-right down to the lilac bathroom, which is now a muted tan.  She did everything right.  Worked hard all her life, retired to a comfortable home with hobbies and friends abounding.  And lung cancer took her at 67.  Yea, it's not just about the money.

Jul 12, 2011 02:27 PM
#41
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Very well put. Buying a home isn't only the biggest financial transaction someone will probably ever make, but it's one of the most personal... a home is the setting for our lives. Personal feelings can't help but come into play.

Gretchen

Jul 12, 2011 03:53 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Melinda - There is so much more we can do to help people these days other than just sell homes.  It's an important part of what we do in this market.

Jul 12, 2011 04:22 PM
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

I get tears of sadness and fear at short sale listing appointments and tears of joy and relief at short sale closings.

Jul 12, 2011 04:49 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

hi Melinda ~ what a beautifully written post, with the true sentiment of one who helps others in trying times.    It's not all about the money!

Jul 12, 2011 05:07 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Erica ~ That's exactly the raw emotion that we deal with on a daily basis!

How incredibly sad Jeanne!  I hope you were able to offer light in the midst of such darkness.

Thank you Gretchen ~ It's important for us to remember we're dealing with people's lives.

Totally agree Christine!  We can offer a smile, a hug, a caring word.

Funny, but so true Dave!  Thanks for making a serious subject light-hearted ;)

Thank you Maureen.  We have so many opportunities to offer hope and compassion!

Jul 12, 2011 05:16 PM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

eddo brought tears...(really!)  sooo accurate & true!  Big Hug & Great Post!  I wish I were closer to Oregon...& thought about Seattle half of my life...but there is gratitude from Florida for this post.  I promise!  What a great gift you possess.  Thanks again.

Jul 12, 2011 05:18 PM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

sorry somehow typed the code into the wrong space when I went to post & didn't see it...

Jul 12, 2011 05:20 PM
John Michailidis
Real Property Management of Sarasota & Manatee - Sarasota, FL
Real Property Management of Sarasota & M

Many, many people have indeed been crushed by the fraudulent activities of the criminal banking syndicates and their accomplices in Washington. It is a sad time we live in . . .

Jul 12, 2011 05:39 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Pam ~ Thank you for your lovely comments.  {{{HUGS}}} back at ya sweetie!  And, thanks for the re-post!

It is sad John!  And so many people are feeling despair as a result.  Bless you for helping them!

Jul 12, 2011 05:45 PM
Rose King
David Tracy Real Estate - Friendswood, TX
Friendswood / Pearland / Houston Bay Area

Melinda, Your seller found her way to the right real estate office. Sounds like your agents are compassionate and caring, just like you! Very nice post!

Jul 12, 2011 06:13 PM
Melissa Juarez
Massachusetts Buyers Broker Agency, LLC - Quincy, MA

Melinda, thanks for the post. It seems like you are approaching this crazy market with the right attitude. Congrats!

Jul 12, 2011 11:44 PM
Ray Waisler
Finance of America - Atlanta, GA
NMLS #6621 - Specializing in Jumbo FHA & VA

Melinda, well said. Most people do not realize the human side of the equation.

Jul 13, 2011 07:16 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thank you Rose... beautiful name my friend!

Attitude is everything Melissa!  And thanks!

There's a human side to every equation Ray... you get it!

Jul 13, 2011 09:36 AM
Anonymous
Pam Lorange

So, so true. We also need to (and most of us have had to) to do this for each other (I mean our fellow agents, brokers, escrow officers, lenders....) from time to time. Especially in these timse. Thanks for brining it to our attention. Hugs all around!! Pam

Jul 13, 2011 09:41 AM
#55
Brian L. Sirota, Esq.
Bristar Realty (Realtor/Attorney) - Orange, CA
For Solutions: (714) 501-7660

Mel, funny you should quote Michael Josephson in response to my comment. His Bar Review Course helped me hurdle the California Bar exam. A few years later, he developed the Josephson Institute of Ethics. I'm a huge fan!

GMTA, Brian

Jul 13, 2011 03:34 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I so agree Pam!  And it's always nice to see your smiling face!  Thanks for all you do!

Brian ~ I love Michael's practical, reasonable and ethical approach to things!  Ditto GMTA ;)

Jul 14, 2011 06:53 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Melinda-I have personally been in a place where many are today. It is one of the most emotional situation a homeowner will ever face. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  Congrats on the feature.

Jul 15, 2011 01:41 PM