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Authenticity Above All Else

By
Real Estate Agent with Dave Murphy Team

The Little Things

I have always loved learning people's back stories.  I used to work in an elementary school office and was fascinated by all different the people, circumstances, opportunities, and experiences that came together to form families, communities.  I've found that when a client shares a detail about their life, it may seem small, but can be monumental in the end.  If you talk to anyone long enough, you will eventually get them to talk about something about which they feel passionate.  They will get a twinkle in their eye, and the pace of their speaking pattern will quicken.  Very often they will think this dream is out of reach ("I could never afford that house", "I'm too young to downsize"), when all it takes is putting together a good plan.  Yes, that house may not be feasible at this point, but here's what we can do now to put you in position to own it. We've also counseled people who fear a change in the size or status of their home will negatively impact thier social standing.  They may get all "twinkley-eyed" discussing dreams of a life filled with travel, but their large mortgage prohibits it.  We will always direct people towards "the light".  To take the steps that lead to their most authentic life.  

 

My First Step Towards Authenticity

When our three girls were very young, we lived in a tiny home and every square inch counted.  We even gave them the master bedroom (they needed the extra space to play Barbies far more than did we).  When I was buying a dining room set, though, I bought a super fancy one with white upholstered chairs.  It was off of Craiglslist, but was pristine.  The girls were not allowed to touch it, sit at it, and looking at it was even off-limits.  Super practical, right?!  One day in 2010, I was looking in Elle Decor magazine at this picture of Ellen Pompeo from Grey's Anatomy's home.  It was like being struck by lightening.  The beauty and utility of her farm table made me react physically.  Ellen Pompeo's Dining Room TableI knew that I needed furniture that would support our family, become part of the fabric of our lives.  Nothing could be off limits to my children in their home.  Certainly not a table at which they were supposed to share with me the details of their lives.   I wanted the table to have dents and dings like our family, my marriage, our friendships.  To be real, like the Velveteen Rabbit.  That day, I put that table back from whence it came: good ole Craigslist.  I hunted for a farm table, then it quickly spread throughout our home.  An eclectic look for a well-loved home.  I can't overstate how impactful this step towards authenticity was for our family.  Every decision was now made through this lens: is this really us?  Anything that could not pass that litmus test was shown the door, not given space on our calendar, and bid adieu.  That farm table has had several different locations on our homes and will always have a huge space in my heart.  Following are some pictures of that special little home, filled only with things that we loved to the point that they were real.  Special offer: first person to contact me through this link with their home address with the location of the farm table spotted in the pics below will get a Starbucks giftcard sent to them!

Family Room

  

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guiding Towards the Light

When meeting with a client for the first time, Dave and I always try to find out how someone wants to use their property.  If they are going to live in it, how do they want to live in it?  Must every square inch serve a purpose, or does open space feed their soul?  It is the beginning of a relationship, and we are always excited to delve into the details.

 

Real Estate Questions?  I've got Coffee . . . and Answers

 

There are two things I enjoy a great deal: discussing ways to help people meet their goals through real estate, and a warm cup of tea.  Green tea to be specific, matcha to be precise.  I realize that there are many more coffee drinkers out there, so I am trying to appeal to the masses with the coffee offer.  I am incredibly genuine in my invitation, though.  Let's start the conversation on how we can help you in the process of living your best life! Call us today at 773-510-9579.  I'll start the coffee!  Now to figure out how to make coffee . . .

 

Bridget Murphy

Keller Williams Realty Partners
Click here to access my free mobile app
 
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Bridget Murphy (bio)

Realtor, DaveMurphyTeam.com

Keller Williams Realty Partners

(773) 510-9579

Click here to access my free mobile app

 

Comments(15)

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Belinda Spillman
Optician - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

What a gret story.  I love your light bulb moment of dumping the fancy table and opting for the farm table.  Me - I am a tea drinker as well.  Starbucks gift cards are wasted on me.

Aug 01, 2017 08:30 AM
Bridget Murphy

Tea all the way, Belinda!  Thanks!

Aug 01, 2017 12:19 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

What ever works that gets the phone to ring time and agin

Aug 01, 2017 09:13 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, what a WONDERFUL post, Bridget!!  I love this story and I too, am fond of Ellen Pompeo and so see that farm table in her kitchen too!

Sharing authenticity in you and your home just makes life so much nicer, doesn't it?! Welcome to the Rain - we're so happy to have you here, Bridget!

Aug 01, 2017 12:05 PM
Bridget Murphy

Debe, thank you so much!


 

Aug 01, 2017 12:20 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bridget

I really enjoy this post and all that you shared about your family and becoming more authentic, and especially the farm table.

The people we know like us because we are, hopefully, authentic, and it certainly should carry over into our business relationships - buyers and sellers want and need to trust us with a very big part of their lives and that's tough to do if we cannot be authentic.

Welcome to AR and congrats on your feature!

Jeff

Aug 01, 2017 05:21 PM
Bridget Murphy

THank you, Jeff!  I am so touched that you liked it!

Aug 01, 2017 05:29 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Bridget Murphy ,

I loved your story and so proud of you for dumping that table your children could not touch or use. I have a friend that had her dining and living room shut off by glass french doors and didn't allow anyone to venture in unless it was a very special occasion. Such a waste and always felt bad for the kids:(.  Welcome to Active Rain and will be looking for more posts from you!

Aug 01, 2017 07:00 PM
Bridget Murphy

Thanks, Dorie!  I think that is why I had a physical reaction to it.  I was creating a home that was so opposed to my personality that my body set off alarm bells.  Where was I headed next - plastic seat covers?  Ha!

Aug 01, 2017 07:23 PM
Stavrula "Sam" Crafa, RNC,GRI, CDPE, PSA
Future Home Realty - Seminole, FL
Providing the integrity and service you deserve.

Keeping up with the Jone's is over rated and nearly impossible anyway. A home and the things in it should fit the needs of the family. Sometimes it takes a while to figure that out like it did me. I am sure your clients appreciate your detailed approach. Thanks for sharing your story. 

Aug 01, 2017 09:03 PM
Bridget Murphy

Agreed, Sam!  Thanks so much for reading!

Aug 02, 2017 04:59 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Welcome to ActiveRain! I love this story - making your home authentic just HAD to happen. Thank you for sharing.

Aug 02, 2017 03:38 AM
Bridget Murphy

I'm so glad it DID happen!  I go into so many homes that do not support those who live in it. It is such a shame!

Aug 02, 2017 04:58 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Beautifully written beautiful story. I loved it! Funny how those moments of enlightenment suddenly strike and change our lives forever!

Congrats on a well deserved Feature!

Aug 02, 2017 05:02 AM
Bridget Murphy

Wow!  Thanks for the kind words, Sharon!

Aug 02, 2017 05:05 AM
Richard Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Being authentic?  This is the true state of all....Priceless and coveted this is

Aug 02, 2017 06:32 AM
Bridget Murphy

True story, Richie!

Aug 02, 2017 08:08 AM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

What a great personal story to illustrate the point of being authentic.

You are a wise person.

Aug 02, 2017 06:34 AM
Bridget Murphy

I think I will printo out your comment and repeatedly share it with my family at opportune moments.   Thanks so much!

Aug 02, 2017 08:09 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Fantastic story! Homes that are really "lived in" and enjoyed by their owners have a different feel to them- so much love! 

We have our sellers write a "Home Story" about their home, and when you read them they really give you a sense of who has turned their house into a home :)

Thanks for sharing!

 

Aug 02, 2017 06:49 AM
Bridget Murphy

I LOVE the idea of a "Home Story"!  So creative and impactful, I bet!

Aug 02, 2017 08:10 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I like that question "how do they want to live in it?"  I have never used it or even thought about it.  Thanks for the perspective.

Aug 02, 2017 06:59 AM
Bridget Murphy

Thank YOU, Gary!

Aug 02, 2017 08:08 AM
Laura Filip
Laura Filip Broker , Opening doors for All Seasons of Life - Whitesboro, TX
What can we do for you today?

Thank you for sharing your story, Coffee yummy make a pot and let's sit down and talk Real Estate. Have a blessed day. 

Aug 02, 2017 10:35 AM
Bridget Murphy

Sounds good!  Cheers!

Aug 02, 2017 10:46 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bridget Murphy this is a beautiful story! And I am so with you on having a home that is 100% comfortable and liveable! So happy for all of your family!!

Aug 02, 2017 01:08 PM
Bridget Murphy

Thank you, Anna!

Aug 02, 2017 01:16 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Welcome to Active Rain Bridget! I enjoyed your post and look forward to enjoying many more!

Aug 02, 2017 03:25 PM