THE MARINE AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

 

A few months ago I had the honor of serving Mike, a man in his mid-twenties who recently had been  discharged from the Marines.  He was an Iraq War veteran.  His wife was quiet and left the talking and decision making to him. Their two young daughters were with them.  They had been living in an apartment in San Diego, and he had accepted a job here in the Frisco, Texas area. 

 

My mission was to find these first-time buyers a Frisco, Texas home.

 

The first item on the agenda was to find out what they were looking for in a home.  Over the course of a conversation in my office their wants and needs emerged:  4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a game room suitable for a pool table.  A location close to an elementary school was also important.  Nothing unusual for a young family. 

 

I did a quick mls search and found three homes in Frisco to show them that afternoon.  The homes showed well.  All were in great neighborhoods, and each was close to one of Frisco's exemplary rated schools.  Mike and his wife looked closely at all three homes, but none of them were "just right."   Mike spent a lot of time checking out the front part of each house - looking out the front windows.  We made plans to go looking again 3 days later.

 

The next time out, Mike again spent time at the first house checking out the area by the front windows, so I asked him, "what are you looking for?"

 

His answer surprised me.  "I want a good place for a Christmas Tree-a big Christmas Tree!"  Wow.  I had not expected that answer from this young Marine, but it was powerful knowledge for me to have.

 

Later, we came upon a home that had a front dining room with a bay window.  Mike and I visually measured the bay-area for a Christmas tree.  It would work, we both concluded.  The rest of the house met their needs, and it is now their home.

 

The lesson for me?  Pay close attention to my clients when showing them homes.  All of their wants and needs may not be spoken during the initial meeting, but they will be communicated in some way as we spend time together.  And even battle-hardened Marines have soft spots in their hearts. 

 

I look forward to driving by Mike's home this holiday season to see his Christmas tree lights shining brightly in the front window of his family's  Frisco home.  Semper Fi, Mike.