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Is your client "Eccentric" or "Crazy"

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Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster Realtors - Smith Mountain Lake
I hope no one has had this happen...I had a client that wanted to sell her property as she was not comfortable with her neighbors and thought they were out to get her. Well, knowing the area and the natives, I knew this could not be true but I decided to market her home and find another place for her.  So, the story begins...she has no phone so I can not call and let her know that people were coming to view the property and she was OK with that, just knock and let me know you are here. On a rather hot summer day, a couple told me they were going to look at the property on the advice of a co-worker/REALTOR they work with and so it begins.  Now the seller being 76, seemed to have her wits but this day proved me wrong.  As the people approached the front porch, she cam out of the home stark naked with a pot in her hand chasing a bug.  Now "Eccentric" has a new meaning. What to do...I asked them to call social services and/or adult services to see if she needed some medical attention.  As a new REALTOR at the time, I was concerned about the fine line of client/REALTOR and what I could and could not do.  On another day, a ladies car broke down in her driveway and she went to the door only to be chased away with a stick (she was wearing clothes this day).  The sad thing is they had known each other for 20 years and there was no recognition.  At this point, I consulted my broker about cancelling the listing as I was concerned about public safety, and so I did.  I felt that it was by far more important for her well being than me selling her property.  What would you have done in this situation?
Donna Marie Godfrey
Godfrey Properties - Pottstown, PA
Same thing you did.  But, I probably would have searched for a family member to get them engaged in helping her.
Apr 13, 2008 11:57 PM
Harold "Hal" Place
A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL

Morning Walt,

I would have done as you did. I would have called Social Services aid for the elderly and informed them of the situation as well.

Working and living in an age restricted community from time to time we come upon folks that need assistance.

Apr 14, 2008 12:05 AM
Ray Wilson
Meticulous Home Inspection Corporation - Bohemia, NY
NYS Licensed Home and Building Inspector
Walt. You did the right thing. It may have been better to contact a family member, but this task may be harder than some may think, and I am sure you are busy with making a living. - Good luck! - Ray
Apr 14, 2008 12:24 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH
Wow, I think I would have done the same thing, maybe asked about closest relatives and contacts to try to get word to somebody short of social services, but in the end there would have been a dispute about her mental status when signing legal contracts that could have come back to bite you.
Apr 14, 2008 01:39 AM
Kathryn Tharp
Realtor - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, Real Estate Specialist
She may be both!  However, I agree with cancelling the listing.  But if you have not contacted Social Services, I believe you still need to do that.  Most cities have a Senior Center that can get her the help she needs.  A little follow up to make sure that someone is involved in her life to take care of her.  The family and neighbors will appreciate your actions, they may be too close to her to make good choices.
Apr 14, 2008 02:42 AM
n d
Naoma Doriguzzi - Virginia Beach, VA
That is quite a listing story.  I hope that she is ok and gets the help that she needs. 
Apr 17, 2008 07:09 AM
Gene Allen
Fathom Realty - Cary, NC
Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
Thats a pretty good story and one of the first listings.  Hopefully the rest will be easy.
Apr 17, 2008 01:04 PM
Glenda and Steven McDaniel
Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office - Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Well Walt, Nothing like giving the shirt off your back  (or dress) to get a little attention......

Love Ya from your comrade

Glenda

Apr 21, 2008 04:52 PM