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I Barely Noticed...

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

Hug a Realtor - Melinda PetersonYesterday, I had a listing appointment with a client I had worked with 6 years ago.  Apparently, I had showed them some homes in Grants Pass but they ended up buying a home directly from the listing agent.  When they called me last week to chat about selling their home, they said they enjoyed working with me in the past.  Sadly, I couldn't remember our previous encounter. 

When I arrived at their home, I thought for sure I would at least remember their faces, but no such luck.  I cringed when they asked if I remembered them.  For a quick second, I wondered how I should answer that question.  Here's what I said... 'Well you know, it's been 6 years, and frankly, I have a few less brain cells since then.'  They laughed, and my little diddy set the tone for a wonderful conversation. 

I've found that honesty is always the best policy. Truth combined with a little humor can go a long way.  Laughter has a way of breaking It let's down barriers and making everyone feel at ease.

Our conversation was captivating and jovial to say the least, and I barely noticed when two hours had passed.  If it weren't for my growling stomach and an impending dinner date, I would have stayed for a glass of wine and exchanged a few more laughs.  As I got up to leave, I went to shake their hands and instead I received a hug.  Anyone who knows me well... knows that I love hugs!  What a cool way to end a listing appointment (I barely remembered that it was a listing appointment), it felt more like a gathering of friends ;)))

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 

Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Mel

Your so right honesty is always the best policy.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jan 19, 2012 01:07 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Funny how our minds block the bad stuff and somethings other stuff goes along for the ride.  I completely agree that honestly is the only way to go.

Jan 19, 2012 01:40 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Laughter is medicine isn't it Sharon!  And making light of one's failures allows for more forgiveness... and we could certainly use more of that too!  I appreciate all the lovely accolades... but truly, I'm just a regular gal who enjoys smiling a lot at the simple things ;)  Thanks for the 'suggest' Sharon... you're a pretty special chicky!

Well, thank you kindly Kathy!  Life, and all it's glorious moments, seems to be our best teacher!

Honesty speaks volumes Lou!  I've found that people genuinely appreciate the truth, but it's certainly a whole lot more palatable when delivered with humor ;)

The mind is a beautiful thing Tammy!  It blocks out the bad, preserves the good, and filters the rest... how lovely is that?!

Jan 19, 2012 01:41 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Also suggested.  I have been writing for weeks (months?) about honesty and the need to not lie, especially to ourselves.  But something that people often do not 'get' ~ well, you hit it on the nose when you said: You don't have to be incredibly blunt or brutally honest in order to win friends and influence people. And you can still be truthful!  Great post, and many blessings.

Jan 19, 2012 02:04 PM
Jeff Markell
Empire Home Loans Inc. - Tustin, CA
Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse

Mel, I like this line, "Truth combined with humor can go a long way." I try and practice that daily along with allowing myself to let down my guard to be more affable. Sounds like a job well done on your part.

Jan 19, 2012 02:39 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Great story, Mel.  Isn't it great when the brain cells go.  We have an excuse.  I was contacted by a young kid a month ago who says I helped him with a rental a year or so ago.  No clue who he is.  But is an all cash buyer for a $1.3M home which we are closing on in the next day or so.  I still don't know who he is.  

Jan 19, 2012 03:07 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thank you Mimi... Your posts have been encouraging, interesting and spot on!  And thank you for being an Active Rain Cheerleader in times of trouble and dispair.  I have smiled a lot lately in the rain and it feels good =)

Jeffrey... long time no see my friend!  Practicing a dose of humor daily is a vitamin pill we should all take!

That's hilarious Jane!  Now, I don't feel so bad.  I'd love to have that kind of lapse in memory show up in my lap =)  Congrats on the closing sweetie!

Jan 19, 2012 03:08 PM
Shannon Jones
The Shannon Jones Team - Long Beach, CA
Long Beach CA Real Estate

Great story and great point. And obviously you got the listing or they wouldn't have hugged you. So way to go all around! And however much a blur 2006 may have been for you, you must have been doing some things right or THEY wouldn't have remembered you and called you six years ago. I've had a few times where people I've briefly encountered have called me to list their homes and I haven't remembered them and have handled it in a similar fashion.

Jan 19, 2012 03:15 PM
Cameron Novak
The Homefinding Center - 1000 Palms, CA
Real Estate Broker since 2008

That happens to me sometimes, but unfortunately it's usually immediately after they told me their names.
 
Corona Short Sale Agent

P.S. Thx for the hug.   ;-)

Jan 19, 2012 03:17 PM
Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Mel - I hate when that happens but I think you handled in your typical wonderful "Mel" style. Besides I think it's pretty obvious when you fake like you remember someone and honesty is the best policy. It certainly was in this case. Funny how when we go through a bad time we tend to block out a lot of things. I've only recently found that to be true other than 14 years ago, but that was easily explained! Hugs, Kris

Jan 19, 2012 03:50 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Great story Mel.  I'm not sure I would have remembered some folks that I showed and then left for that deal with the listing agent.

Jan 19, 2012 10:32 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Thank you Shannon... the memory thing comes and goes, but the hugs last forever ;-)

You're welcome Cameron!  I have to admit, that happens to me too!  This might sound funny, but sometimes I play a little word association game in my head (i.e. like comparing their name to an animal) so I can remember it... try it sometime, it really works!

Faking it... I think I'd like to try it just once... to see if I could... which I don't think I can... because I wear my heart on my sleeve and everyone knows it ;)  But it's a fun thought Kris!  Loved your ghost post!

Funny boy Richard... I love it when clients feel they can hug me ;)  When I worked in the Corporate world calling on Doctors, I would freak them out when I leaned in for a hug... but who would refuse to be hugged?!  A silly bear perhaps!

I know, it's a little strange Gabe.  Considering the life drama I experienced in 2006', it didn't even phase me that they bought with another agent... apparently my brain was on cloud La La ;)))

Jan 20, 2012 02:21 AM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Mel

Just wanted to say hi and let you know I subscribed to your blog. I found you via your comment on Richard Yates post. cheers cvc

Jan 20, 2012 04:38 AM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

Hi Mel, what a fabulous story with such a great ending.  I love good outcomes and they just hired the best agent in the entire area to market a prized possession.  Many more hugs to you and the truth always is the best route as you proved once again.

Jan 20, 2012 05:52 AM
Susan Harding, HomeStar Video Tours
Portland, OR
Showcasing You and Your Listings, 855-579-6284

'Well you know, it's been 6 years, and frankly, I have a few less brain cells since then.'  What a perfect remark!  My husband is also great at using humor to diffuse awkward situations and I'm always a little jealous of those who are so smooth.  But as you said, just straight honesty is the way to go.  We all know what it's like to be human!

Jan 20, 2012 06:29 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Welcome Curtis!  I'm happy my little diddy on Richard's post brought you over to my place... and thanks for subscribing!

You're very sweet Mary!  I appreciate the hugs... and right back at ya!

We are indeed human... Susan!  I'm continually reminded of that fact by my failing memory ;-)  Nice to see ya sweetie!

Jan 20, 2012 07:04 AM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Honesty is the best policy....lying requires more brain cells than telling the truth.

 

 

You don't have to be so careful to remember what you said.

Jan 20, 2012 07:19 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Oh heck, the main thing is that they remembered YOU!  :-)  I do believe honesty is the best policy in all circumstances.

Jan 20, 2012 01:23 PM
Anonymous
Peter Michelbach

Mel ~~~ what a great gift!

Agree with Carla...the main thing is that they remembered YOU!

Had a similar encounter just before Christmas with past clients, who bought in '07 with me...well, remembered them for being placid, and content... and also because I sold already the 8th home in that wonderful 'Waldorf Rmbl' street...the exciting  news...got the house under offer, cash unconditional, on the 05th of January, settlement on the 02. of March!

This was a great gift too...I'm so grateful and hope you too will have success...reminiscing...forgot who mentioned in active rain in december last, something about ...once in a while we get a gift!

I truly believed and hoped of receiving a gift...let the gifts wander round and round....your turn now!

It is always a pleasure and honour reading your inspirational posts, however not being a full member, I so often could cry for not being able to open all prefered posts...there are many, many inspirational, educational and warm and 'humanistic' posts ...which I just miss reading....well, have to wait...the next ...incarnation/s/!?! Be well. PeterX

Jan 21, 2012 02:11 AM
#27
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I totally agree Jim!  And with my memory, I'd probably have a hard time remembering a lie ;)

I'm happy about that Carla!  They could have called the listing agent to help them too ;)

Congrats on your contract Peter!  I hope it's a smooth transaction to close.  It's nice to get a gift... every once in awhile ;)  And it's an honor to have you read and comment on my posts.  Namaste!

Jan 21, 2012 04:04 AM