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Christmas Eve and Still Shopping

By Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Charlemagne International Properties BRE# 01147470

December 23, 2007 03:15 AM

Would You Show or Shop for Property on Christmas Eve?

I'm not, but my former broker loved to tell the story of his Christmas Eve mega sale. It seems he received a call from a former resident, now retired, who was back in town for the holidays. This past client and former resident was driving through his old neighborhood, one of the most exclusive on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and saw a for sale sign in the yard of the property he had always coveted. This would-be-buyer and Christmas Eve spoiler, found the closest pay phone (no cell phones in his era), called his former agent and insisted he must see that house immediately, as he had a family dinner to attend in just a few hours and was leaving on a cruise the day after Christmas.

My broker knew the house was occupied-obstacle number one. He, too, was scheduled to host a Christmas Eve gathering-Yikes, his wife would not take this news well-Strike two. He quickly put in a call to the sellers thinking they would refuse and he would strike out. Not so, they accepted with obvious delight, and the showing was set.

When my broker arrived to show the home the exterior holiday lights were aglow. A Christmas tree filled the front window, and a single candle illuminated all the other windows. Smoke curled heavenward from two chimneys. His client arrived and as they entered the front door there was laughter and music while mouth-watering aromas scented the air. He said he knew at that moment he would sell the house, and he did.

Maybe this was merely a motivational ploy my broker used to make sure his agents worked through the holidays, but I was once a holiday home shopper and buyer myself. So sellers remember, a buyer can fall in love with your house any day of the year. Holidays are no exception.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.

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Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop

NextHome Experience - Chelan, WA

A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!

Norma, I have worked Christmas Eve as well, I would draw the line if it interfered with Family time (usually in the evening) and would never work Christmas Day. I've put contracts together on Christmas Eve before however....it's fun as everyone seems to be in a good mood. :-)

Colleen

Dec 23, 2007 03:31 AM

Matthew Zgonc

Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA

Realtor, CFS, CVS

Sometimes that is the best time to sell, since most people are in a happy, ecstatic mood.

Dec 23, 2007 03:35 AM

Chad Baird

Re/Max Spirit - Dayton, OH

I showed properties for the past Christmas eve, and have an appointment this Christmas Eve. Then I have to go and get Batteries for Chistmas day/ Every toy we bought requires batteries.

so far I need:

24 AAs, 8 AAAs, 2 Cs, 4 Ds, and a 9 volt. Hope I find a sale!!!

Merry Christmas to you and to all that are reading!

Dec 23, 2007 04:19 AM

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Colleen-I just returned from showing one of my listings--Thank heavens I only have to prepare dessert for Christmas Eve dinner at my daughter's house! I always find myself busy with business this time of year, and I, for one, love those late December sales.

Dec 23, 2007 06:15 AM

Matthew--Yes, the holidays are not the time to stop showing and selling--bring on the good cheer!

Dec 23, 2007 06:17 AM

Chad--I really hope you find a great battery sale! I also hope you make a great sale or two this holiday season.

Dec 23, 2007 06:18 AM

Diane Aurit

LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC

Lake Norman Real Estate

What a great story! I went to Miraleste HS back when it was a HS and love your area. What a wonderful place to sell real estate...and live! I remember riding horses to school for Earth Day and the incredible view of the ocean. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Dec 24, 2007 12:09 AM

Diane - Two of my children attended Miraleste High School -- and yes, it is a beautiful area. My office is in Miraleste Plaza so you know exactly where I work. Thank you for your comment and have a wonderful Christmas -- North Carolina is gorgeous country too.

Dec 24, 2007 01:41 AM

Desiree Daniels

RE/MAX Tri County - Robbinsville, NJ

With Christmas Eve come and gone.... Not only did I start shopping yesterday and complete everything (thank god), but I also negotiated two contracts. No sleep for the weary.

Have a great Holiday and wonderful New Year!

Dec 25, 2007 02:24 AM

Desiree - I see from your comment you are quite accomplished at multi-tasking. That's a well honed and much needed skill in real estate!

Dec 25, 2007 09:19 AM

Christmas Eve and Still Shopping

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