Karma: the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Ten years ago...
I listed a home that attracted a married couple who wanted a larger home. They came through my open house. I showed them the house a second time and I pointed out many of the upgrades that set the house apart from the other homes in that development. I spent a lot of time with them, talking them through the process involved in buying a house starting with getting preapproved.
They seemed to like what I had to say, and asked if I would represent them in buying the house. I agreed to help. We discussed the price and terms of the agreement.
Just as they were about to sign the offer....
The woman's sister, a realtor in another city, intervened and insisted that she represent and write the offer for them (i.e., she wants the commission). The couple didn't want a family fight and relented. I didn't push it since I also wanted to keep peace in the family.
Because the sister is out-of-town, I essentially handled the transaction inspections and details beginning to end. She never even stepped foot in the property.
Then a couple of months ago....
The couple called me up and asked to meet because they want to sell the house. I asked about the sister's involvement. This time, they told me not to worry about it, and that they want me to be their agent. Oh, happy day!
I project managed the process. I guided them through paring down ther possessions, hired a crew to clean/repair/replace/paint, provided partial staging, even planted some flowers in the courtyard, hired professional photographer, provided high-end printed marketing materials --- the whole nine yards --- at my expense, in return for a higher compensation rate.
Buyer wants it now!
A day after I posted the listing on the MLS, I received a call from a buyer who said he is very interested in the house and that he was ready to write an offer, higher than list price (in our market, this is practically the norm). I told the sellers about his interest. They were eager to accept. I advised them that we need to have at least one open house. At the open house, the buyer came with his family and immediately asked me to help him write the offer. And no, he doesn't have a realtor. Sellers said do it!
Happy buyers, happy sellers, happy me :)
To make a long story short: I double-ended the transaction and have happy clients on both sides.
I'd like to think that because I was very gracious to this couple the first time around, they remembered that and chose to work with me the second time. And as an added bonus, the buyer chose to work with me!
Good KARMA at work!
