Admin

I've Looked at Clouds From Both Sides Now

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

I've looked at Clouds From Both Sides NowJoni Mitchell paints a lovely picture of idealism in her song; Both Sides Now.  Some of us look at clouds with such wonder and optimism... like ice cream castles in the air.  Others look at clouds as blocking the sun; raining and snowing on everyone.  

Recently, I had a buyer who felt he missed out on a magical property.  In his mind, he saw ice cream castles in the air.  In my mind, he wasn't qualified to buy this home.  In that moment, he felt I was a dream killer.

Many buyers start their home/property search with a dreamy wish list often accompanied by unrealistic expectations.  Then a stark reality sets in and buyers end up having to adjust their sails.  So, how do we navigate stormy waters without being viewed as dream killers? 

Our ability to see clouds from both sides is the first step in charting a clear course for the buyer.  When Buyers understand the process upfront, it helps to create realistic expectations and reduce disappointment when the seas get rocky. 

  

Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

Comments(11)

Show All Comments Sort:
Catherine Ulrey
Keller Williams Capital City - Salem, OR
Equestrian and Acreage Property Specialist

Great blog!  It's not always easy, but it is our responsiblity to guide them through the process, even if it doesn't always line up with their ice cream clouds.  I try to point out the positives in every situation for them.  It usually works.  

May 14, 2020 03:59 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

So true Catherine!  It can be challenging navigating through choppy seas.   

May 14, 2020 04:07 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Mel-It is funny you used this song for this post which is perfect and fits but the funny part is Michael Jacob's wrote a post a day or two ago and this song popped in my head. Hope you had a great Mothers Day. Love that picture, 

May 14, 2020 06:04 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Lol Sharon, we must be channeling Joni Mitchell! 😊 I’ll have to skip on over to Michael’s post now.
May 14, 2020 09:39 PM
Realtyna Inc
Realtyna - Newark, DE
WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM

Reality can be difficult for buyers, but it's helpful to remember that "no" is never "no." It's just another way to "yes." Thanks for this post Melinda (Mel) Peterson.

May 15, 2020 02:31 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

So, true.  I've learned that '"No" means: Give me a reason to say Yes!

May 15, 2020 03:47 PM
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

This is why we always attempt to do a Buyers Consultation Session to get organized and create a team effort 

May 15, 2020 04:50 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

We do that too Michael, but in this case, something didn't register. 

May 15, 2020 03:48 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I'm a big fan of Joni Mitchell, among her millions and millions of other fans. :) Contrast is what gives us the ability to make better choices. We need the contrast of the clouds to really appreciate the sun. And often, after too much sun, it's enjoyable to have the respite of rain. All aspects of our lives involve making choices - we have to sift through what we want, and don't want, to focus on making the best choices. I have no doubt you will help your client see the positives in another choice. 

May 15, 2020 07:49 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Totally agree Debb... I like contrast because it represents options.  Sometimes decision-making can get a little clouded, so charting a clear path seems like a reasonable way to help guide buyers to the right home/proprety ;-)

May 15, 2020 03:57 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Mel - you have painted a vivid and oh-so-true picture combining your words and the mere mention of that Joni Mitchell song.  An ideal combination.  Well-done.  

May 15, 2020 12:57 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Thanks Michael  I'll have to peruse your posts to find which one made Sharon Lee think of Joni Mitchell's song, Both Sides Now. 

May 15, 2020 03:59 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

"How do we navigate these stormy waters without being viewed as dream killers?" is a very important question! 

When I bought my first home many decades ago, I bought a FSBO. I wasn't a real estate agent then. When I started looking for a property in TX, I wasn't a real estate agent either. I was one of those buyers with a "dreamy wish list." In sum, I went through many real estate agents before I found the right house. Now that I see clouds differently as a licensed agent since my career began in 2003, I definitely keep patience and perspective in mind and if my buyers ditch me, I don't take it personally. But when I succeed, I have referrals for many years. 

Buyers in your area of Oregon would be well served by Melinda (Mel) Peterson 

May 16, 2020 04:43 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

I never squash the idea of buying a FSBO. I encourage buyers and sellers to educate themselves if they go this route, and I have often provide the necessary forms they need, at no cost. I like your advice and style in having patience and perspective Patricia. Your clients are super fortunate to have you as their agent! 😊

May 16, 2020 12:42 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Melinda (Mel) Peterson - Congratulations. Your post is being featured in the BananaTude Group. Thanks for spreading the benefits of positivity and looking at clouds from both sides now!

May 16, 2020 05:46 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Ahhh, thanks Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP.  I love the BananaTude Group!

May 22, 2020 10:47 AM
W. Cavin Weber
Dream Key Team - Austin, TX
Making Dreams Come True One Key At A Time!

What a great ananlogy! I have several Jonie albums but not listened to them in a long time! I recently had a buyer that insisted on only home with land. Absolutely NO subdivisions. Now we are under contract on a brand new home in a new subdivision. Now they see through the clouds!

May 17, 2020 06:20 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Lol... isn't that how it goes W. Cavin Weber!  Buying real estate can be a highly emotional thing... it's best we remain flexible when the winds change.  Good you got the sale!   

May 22, 2020 10:51 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Managing client expectations vs reality can certainly be a challenge. 

Some buyers can't even deal with: "You know, if you don't get preapproved for a mortgage, you can't really expect to buy anything in this market." Too often the reply has been, "No problem. I know that I can get a loan easily enough."

Argh!

Jul 18, 2020 04:51 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

So true John Juarez.  It seems that many folks who bought a home 'before' the last crash, now find themselves having to jump through more hoops to qualify for a loan. 

Jul 21, 2020 12:36 PM