Once upon a real estate closing (true story), I had a client named Jim who made it to the closing table after two previous attempts that failed. Jim had an ex-wife who was an alcoholic and lived in the house he was selling.
She was abrasive to the real estate buyers of the first two contracts that were signed on the house, and more than uncooperative. She wouldn't let home inspectors in, appraisers in, wouldn't comply with moving dates, you get the picture.
The last contract that came through on the house was actually the first time that my attorney's office dealt with this file. I tried to work with kid gloves when dealing with Jim's ex-wife, and even had met her when she signed the documents for closing.
I remember working with the buyer's lender, Jim and his ex-wife, surveyor, title company, and buyer's attorney. Sometimes even the buyer's real estate agent. It was a complete team effort, but one player was missing the whole time, Lisa, the listing agent. I don't ever recall working with her on the file except for when her assistant called to report another ripple in the water.
Through several trials and tribulations, much coaxing and a lot of TLC, we got to closing and Jim and his ex-wife's housing relationship was over.
To celebrate Jim's housing freedom and to show appreciation for the successful closing he took me out to dinner. His real estate agent, Tammy, and her assistant also received invitations.
Jim was a very interesting man. He was leading a full life with many hobbies and had a robust career as an executive at Motorola. He shared some interesting stories. I probably would've been able to enjoy dinner more, had it not been for his real estate agent.
First, Lisa was 30 minutes late to dinner.
Second, she was a one way talker. You know the type who talk as if they have ear plugs in their ears- ME, ME, ME/I, I, I echoed constantly through the thread of conversation.
Third, she took call after call on her cell phone and carried on lengthy, argumentative calls, right at the table.
Million dollar question- Was she successful in her real estate career? She absolutely was.
And she made an impression on me. To this day, six years later, I remember this woman, not out of respect or admiration, but in awe at her blatant disrespect and "dis-service" attitude.
But I remember her.
So I wonder: Do consumers want real estate agents or rock stars to sell their homes?
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