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It Wouldn’t Be My Choice But The Buyers Loved Their New Home

By Michael Jacobs

Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

February 24, 2014 01:45 AM

Many years back, I met some prospective buyers --- they were a referral and had previously experienced some less-than stellar results with their home search. They had a limited budget. It was a competitive market. They had a low down payment. It wasn’t going to be an easy job but I wanted to help them achieve their real estate goals.

They had young children so good schools were important. When I met them, they were living in a one bedroom apartment. To say they were anxious to buy would be an understatement.

I initially suggested a well-priced condo where they could be in one of the better school districts in the state. That wouldn’t work for them. So we went just beyond their location parameters and they eventually found a single family home.

It had everything on their required want list -- number of bedrooms and baths -- check - check. Garage - check. Yard - check. Good schools - check. It even had a bit of a city skyline view - a nice bonus.

But it was ugly. Actually beyond ugly. It had an awkward floor plan. In my mind I thought this isn't "the one" but I could see they were excited. Fortunately, they had the only offer submitted and the seller even paid some of their closing costs.

You see, it wasn’t about me, it was all about them. As it should be.

The Keys To Your New Home - Realtor Michael Jacobs 818.516.4393 cell I listened to what they needed and what was important to them. The inspections were completed and the loan process proceeded with some glitches but everything was moving forward. It was then time for the final walk-through. They asked if they

could invite some people to see their new home -- their relatives and friends hugged

me and thanked me for helping the buyers realize their dream of homeownership.

I remember clearly what one of the buyers said to me when I handed her the keys to their new home,, “Michael, I know you wanted us to have a better place but this place fits us just fine and we are so happy we met you and you found us this house.”

You know, that’s enough for me and definitely a reality check that I continue to remember today. It would be my pleasure to hand you the keys to your new home.

It Wouldn’t Be My Choice But The Buyers Loved Their New Home

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Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Michael,

What a great story illustrating that our standards are secondary to what the buyer wants...we have to meet someone else's standards, which is why I ocasionally get peeved when someone does not like the logo of one of our clients...somehow, they have a tough time with the idea, that it fits that client perfectly...A

Feb 24, 2014 03:28 AM

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty

Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL

Florida Space Coast Homes

I just give buyers the plus and minus issues for a particular home. They choose based on what is important to them.

Feb 24, 2014 03:36 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Belinda - you're right, each person has their own idea(and rightfully so) of what will or won't work/fit their requirements. It indeed makes the world go around.

Alexandra and Ron - it really is all about the client(and who is paying for the house or project, right?). This experience was definitely was a reminder.

Jeffrey - this is exactly how it should be presented.

Feb 24, 2014 04:05 AM

Joanna Cohlan

Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY

Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Absolutely-it is about them and you know the old saying...there is a lid for every pot and needs and taste are very personal-perhaps their needs outweighed their taste and they were grateful that you were listening to their needs.

Feb 24, 2014 06:02 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Joanna - you're so right -- there are certainly different priorities for different buyers. Only by carefully listening and asking the proper questions, will we be able to assist them.

Feb 24, 2014 06:30 AM

Laura Allen, Lake Tahoe - Truckee Real Estate for Sale TahoeLauraRealEstate.com

Coldwell Banker Realty, Tahoe City, CA (530) 414-1260 - Tahoe City, CA

Tahoe Real Estate Agent Helping Buyers and Sellers

Michael - You've hit the nail on the head with this one, it's not about us, the real estate professional that always wants something a little nicer, and at a lower price for our buyers, but what makes them happy and some times, the uglier the better! Your ability to listen to them is what really matters!

Feb 24, 2014 06:46 AM

Dick Greenberg

New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO

Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Michael - Excellent post and a lesson we all need to take to heart. Our job is to help our clients achieve their goals, and they are the ultimate arbiter of how well any home fits their needs.

Feb 24, 2014 06:48 AM

Than Maynard

Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK

Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

NIce story and good job listening and not interferring.

I have pointed issues out to buyers when I am working for them. I typically preface it with, "You will be the ones living here, but this is X issues." If they say, "Not a problem" then it isn't a problem for me. Sometimes I hear, "Oh, we hadn't considered that!"

Feb 24, 2014 06:59 AM

Noah Seidenberg

Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL

Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Great story Michael, because it shows us that our job is to lead the way and not pass judgment. They were going to live there not your or I. I have had the same thing happen and I am just glad to get them to sign on the dotted line.

I have however seen some properties I sold that made me think, hey I could live here.

Feb 24, 2014 07:14 AM

Erin Bates

CMG Financial and Expansion Marketing Services - Aurora, CO

Aww, I just love this story.

1.) You are such a wonderful Realtor to take on the challenge of helping these folks AND to stand back and listen to their needs rather than focusing on your own. That is the true mark of professionalism.

2.)I just have to say, I am always very pleased to see a fellow "grammar" enthusiast - your blogs are always very well written with clear attention to the smallest details!

Hope your week to follow is well my friend.

Feb 24, 2014 10:18 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

They knew what they wanted and you were the perfect real estate agent for them.

Feb 24, 2014 10:39 AM

Paula Pitts

Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast - Pensacola, FL

850-417-8301

Michael,

Nice post. Sounds like you are an excellent agent. Well done and well written. Keep us the good work.

Feb 24, 2014 01:03 PM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Michael, You did what was absolutely right! I have found homes for people that I'm not crazy about either but, when their eyes light up, it reminds me that if we all liked the same style and floorplan in a home, life would be boring! We'd have no attractive neighborhoods or any decisions to make in our business...other than location. Great job with your buyers - they were lucky to have you working on their side, for sure!

Feb 24, 2014 01:06 PM

Will Hamm

Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael, Great job and great story. Sometimes we try our best to work out what is best for our clients.

Feb 24, 2014 01:09 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Laura - you know, it's important to "us" out of the transaction and be impartial -- it's not our money, it's not our decision, it's not our taste -- it's not about us --- it really is all about the client --- we can give our opinions and state the facts(careful in both situations) when asked but ultimately, it is the buyers' choice -- good, bad, ugly or all three and more.

Hi Dick - indeed, your comment is succinct and true.

Than - you take a very professional approach and one that I utilize as well.

Noah - I have represented clients who have purchased/sold which could be identified as ugly, beautiful, weird, awkward, incredible and a whole range of descriptions.

Erin - it really sank in(and further) when I handed the keys and later received their thank you card -- that house worked well for them on multiple levels. Thanks very much for the compliment but I am definitely not worthy -- I worry about grammar mistakes and mis-use and screw up the English language everyday. I hope your week is off to a great start too.

Judi - thanks very much.

Paula - I appreciate your comment - thanks for stopping by.

Debe - it really becomes necessary to watch for those subtle or not-so-subtle clues -- eyes lighting up, the unexpected ahh and knowing glances between couples...it's great when you observe it...and they know they have found "the one".

Will - yes, it's all about listening.

Feb 24, 2014 02:40 PM

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

How beautiful, and a great lesson for all of us!

Feb 27, 2014 10:33 PM

Ron Marshall

Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN

Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

No matter what your taste is, one must remember that individuality is the crux of a closing. We love our home, too, and there will be plenty of people who wouldn't. But, we don't care. It is perfect for us...well, maybe not perfect, but close!

Feb 28, 2014 06:23 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Sharon - thanks very much.

Ron - I've never actually seen a "perfect" house(or anything else for that matter and I believe striving to achieve "perfection") will likely lead to disappointment.

Mar 01, 2014 04:59 AM

Lisa Von Domek

Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX

....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Michael,

We are not the ones that will live there - you found them their Dream, well done!

Mar 04, 2014 03:24 AM

Joan Cox

House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO

Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, kudos to you for finding the right property for them. I had a relo buyer that bought a really ugly home too, and today (5 years later) it looks like a different home. She could see what it could be with her touch!

Sep 22, 2023 01:12 AM