My Best Advice to New Agents (Or Realtors of any Longevity)

God bless you. Been there, done that and since then I do not take clients out without the prequal or proof of funds. I took someone out looking for the "perfect home" for over six months. When she found the "one" she told me she didn't have the money for it. I learned my lesson early on but it took over six months of wasted time. Thanks for sharing. This is a great reminder. Also, beautiful pic of your family.

It's quite funny the things you do when you're new. I remember one time taking a gentleman out who was prequalified for days and days on end and he would smoke in my car. Let's just say that would never happen now!! After weeks of showing him homes and, yes, he was under contract, he told me he was going to use his girlfriends realtor. While I could've forced the issue, it was not worth it. One thing I would tell newbies as if it's not working for them, it's probably not working for you either. Be willing to let buyers go! Believe me there will be more.

Mimi Foster 
Yet another wonderful lesson from you, told in your suspensful manner! Thanks! Lynn

Mimi, your daughters are beautiful!  Like you, I do not show homes without a letter from a potential buyer's lender.  I also require a signed Buyer's Representation Agreement.

I have been guilty of the same.  But, as with you, I learned a valuable lesson.

OMG ! What is a story !

Those crushing blows are the ones that build the most character and earn you the stripes and field medals that make you standout.  I suspect that it wouldn't matter what you chose to do, you would gracefully get it done. Great Pictures of a lovely family. Congratulations.

My career gave me a similar learning experience and I too require a lender letter or proof of funds prior to looking at anything.  Offering to give them the name and number of some of the local lenders I have worked with recently. A few prospective buyers have become angry and said well I will just call someone else then! I always respond "Okay, just call me back when you are ready to get the home of your dreams."  

It is amazing how many folks will waste your time if you allow them to.  In the long run though, you it was a relatively low cost lesson that saved you much more in the long run.  Good post Mimi, and great advice for newer agents.

A lesson we all have learned.   I can't imagine someone wasting someones time in such a way!

Very beautiful girls!!!  Hard lesson to learn- who referred them to you?  I would like to think they would give you a heeads up!

First and foremost you have 5 beautiful daughters. I'm quite sure the pride is reciprocated among all of you.

It took me a few times and one of those I spent money for a full tank of gas and water and driving all over because of their criteria of all of Nueces County. No schools district in particular and price range from $75k to 150k. Those should have been red flags hitting me square in the face.  Then no replies/responses to phone calls, emails or searches set up. Big waste of time and money. Went to a class taught by an active broker agent. Her buyers had to show they were pre-qualified and sign the buyer's rep agreement or she was not going to waste her time with them. I have never shown property without those forms since.

Mimi, I think all of us need one story like this early in our careers.  It's like taking a 3-day productivity seminar, except that you really retain the lesson you learned.

Good post, Mimi. I too learned the hard way - I now require a Pre-Approval or Proof of Funds before putting time and energy into a customer.  I will work hard for my customers but it is a two way street...

Your daughters are all beautiful and Congratulations on being voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor!

Oh my that was a shocker!!  I don't know how you sold real estate as a single mom with five kids ... what an inspiration you are to your daughters.  Thanks for sharing the story.

Wow. I think every agent experienced something like this when we were new. In my world of commercial real estate, proof of funds is something I discuss and expect within 24 hours before any appointments are made or before any property research is done. 

I hope enough time has passed you can now laugh.  I have had similar burns on myself.  

Oh I did not see that coming! 
The lessons we learn...around the block. Or in this case driving clients around the block!

Thank you for sharing your story and the picture of your lovely daughters.

oh wow! That's nasty.  Thank you for sharing your story and I love reading all your post...