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They Do Not Teach You This in School!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Elite RM423455

“They Do Not Teach You This in School!” Have you ever stated that about a situation in which you find yourself. You may be lamenting what you consider to be inadequate preparation by the school you attended.

I have said that in both professions within which I have practiced, however, I have come to realize it was not inadequate education. It was really a lack of experience which created the personal crises I was experiencing.

One situation for me was with a woman who was a congregational member of the congregation at which I was the pastor. Now mind you, I had 15 years of experience, but nothing which prepared me for this situation. This woman’s husband, who did not attend our congregation, was dying. One day she called and asked if I could take her to see her husband who was at a nearby health care/nursing institution.

After returning to her home, while we were sitting at the kitchen table, this woman dismissed herself. Upon returning to the table, she showed me over $3000 of cash and a several thousand dollars worth of uncashed/undeposited social security checks. “My husband does not believe in banks,” she stated. “Now what do I do?” I thought.

Ignorance is bliss. When I did not know of this situation it did not bother me, but I did not sleep well that night, knowing this money was in this woman’s house.

Needless to say, we deposited the money the next day and consulted an attorney. Shortly after this, the husband died.

This experience helped me learn that some things cannot be taught in school. There are too many life variables to be prepared for every situation. That is the way it is in real estate and experience has been the best teacher.


What do you wish you had learned while in school to receive your real estate license?

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Living in Lancaster Group

 

An agent who places your interests as his first priority. 
Cal Yoder

Your Homes for Sale in Lancaster Agent

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster

1630 Manheim Pike

Lancaster, PA 17601

Office Phone: 717-735-1145

Cell Phone: 717-413-0744

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Rob Lang
At Home Kansas - Shawnee, KS
Local Expert in NE Central Kansas Real Estate Home

I'm glad you were able to assist her in getting her money to a safe place.  I wonder what experience in her husband's life cause his ditrust of banks.

May 20, 2012 03:03 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Yes, new and unknown situations appear all the time.  We can't be expected to know everything, but we should be able to find and ask the appropriate expert.

May 20, 2012 09:17 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

The list could go on and on Cal, but life's experiences are the best teacher IMHO.  Nice that you were able to help this woman in several ways.

May 20, 2012 09:48 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Rob, both the husband and wife had less mental acuman than the average person. There was a sense of paranoia.

Gabe, experience helps us find some great resources.

Roger, there is nothing like experience. I was glad to help. Have a great day!

Cal

May 20, 2012 09:54 PM
Stacia Whatley
John L. Scott Silverdale - Silverdale, WA
StaciaSellsHomes Your Western WA Realtor®
She is so lucky to have found you and asked you for help. That could have ended badly!
May 21, 2012 05:26 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Cal, this is very touching I am happy that you were able to help and were thinking fast on your feet! Just like we have to do that in Real Estate many times.....

May 21, 2012 11:08 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

How to deal with clients that are dying of cancer or similar situations and not let it affect us emotioanlly.. I don't think that is possible.

May 21, 2012 12:18 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Stacia, at these moments it one definitely realizes the role of divine providence.

Endre, I am glad the post touched you. We do sometimes need to think fast.

Judi, it does impact us, I agree.

Cal

May 21, 2012 01:09 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Cal,

The most important lesson here is that you were able to bring comfort to this woman and you were someone she turned to when she needed someone to trust.

Having been in those shoes (woman with the dying man) I can tell you, it isn't easy. I was physically, emotionally, and financially distraught. The emphasis was on him, my dying husband. I did not have anyone to turn to, whom I felt comfortable to trust. You did the right thing and I can tell you, being able to find someone you can trust, at your darkest hour is a gift.

 

May 21, 2012 01:15 PM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Cal - there are many women and I suppose men as well who have never done any of the banking or bill paying in a household ..... they are at a real loss when the keeper of the finances in the family becomes unable to look after the money matters of the home any more.

May 24, 2012 06:29 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Honestly Cal... not a thing.  I think if got started on why... I'd had a post here in your comment thread.  I had a unique position as a secretary in a real estate firm and I had a fabulous teacher with many years experience as an agent then a broker owner.  He was also a GA real estate school text book author and wrote questions for the State exam.  I loved my experience of school.

May 24, 2012 11:18 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Cal, Nothing could have prepared me for much of what I have experienced but I do take advantage of those who possess that knowledge and experience. And you are a person who people can trust and that speaks very highly of you.

May 29, 2012 12:58 PM