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Unexpected Gratitude Is Always a Blessing

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

Imagine my surprise when one of my local title companies told my broker just this past week on 11/1/2024, I had a card at its office for me.  My surprise was even more unexpected as it was a thank you card from two recent clients who purchased two adjoining vacant land parcels.

A little back story to this vacant land transaction is that I showed these two brothers several parcels of vacant land about 30 miles apart.  Then when visiting the second parcel outside of Kingman, AZ I mentioned about two other vacant land parcels that had been for sale, but now were off the market.

As I had sold one of four parcels owned by the same seller in the same area just one block to the north, I was asked to see if the seller was still interested in selling the two vacant parcels. My buyers liked the area and liked the two parcels currently not for sale. This particular area is very quiet, has great views, plenty of trees and is on a private road.

As the seller was out of the country, communication was by email, text and cell phone when coverage was available. The seller expressed her interest in selling the two parcels. I researched the vacant land comps and my buyers made an offer on both parcels.  Negotiations happened and eventually all parties agreed to a favorable sales price.

In this midst of this transaction when reading the preliminary title report, an unexpected CCR issue was discovered. This was much to my surprise as when I sold the other property just across the road in the same "CCR area" and this CCR stipulation was not in the preliminary title report. Upon clarification between the local Title company and the current seller, this issue was settled to everyone's satisfaction.

Then second issue surfaced respective to a CONEX Box on the property when the brothers asked if they could purchase it. Again, negotiations happened and initially no resolution was achieved. However, a couple of days before closing, the seller called me and agreed to accept the last price offered by my buyers.

I truly can’t count the number of phone calls, texts and emails that resulted from this vacant land transaction. What I do know is buyers and the seller did verbally thank me for my efforts in securing a successful close of escrow.

Now back to the card. Receiving a printed card with a written personal note of gratitude inside is always a special blessing and something I treasure. When we perform in our roles as professional real estate agents or professionals in any other industry, we do not expect cards of gratitude because we did our jobs in the best way possible. However, when we receive those cards, we realize the power of gratitude is not just a one way street.

P.S. Upon receiving the card, I called the brothers and thanked them for the card and the gift. They are beginning to work on these two parcels with the first task getting two driveways cut in. I am looking forward to visiting them in the next couple of months to see all of their progress.

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith
Show All Comments Sort:
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Leanne. Thanks for sharing this story.

Keep up the good work and have a productive November.

Nov 02, 2024 08:55 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Roy Kelley and that is always my goal to deliver good work. Thank you.

Nov 02, 2024 09:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Leanne... nothing is better than a thank you and one that was unsolicited.

Nov 02, 2024 09:17 AM
Leanne Smith

Absolutely there is nothing better. Thank you.

Nov 02, 2024 12:14 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience, Leanne Smith ! I truly appreciate your reminder about the importance of gratitude and how a simple greeting card can make a lasting impact on our business and well as our personal relationships.

Nov 02, 2024 12:22 PM
Leanne Smith

You are more than welcome, thank you for joining the conversation.

Nov 02, 2024 12:32 PM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

What a heartwarming story, Leanne! Your dedication and commitment to your clients truly shine through in this experience. It's inspiring to see how gratitude can create lasting connections and positive experiences in real estate—wishing you and the brothers great success as they begin their journey with the new parcels!

Nov 02, 2024 01:37 PM
Leanne Smith

Good morning and I am anxious to drive by and see the improvements by the brothers. Thank you for the well wishes also.

Nov 03, 2024 08:07 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Sell that Land Leanne. Shows how much your clients and title companies think of you as we do here on the Rain. Jeff

Nov 02, 2024 01:44 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and I just received 5 offers on 10 acres of vacant land.  Love multiple offers. This morning I just reassembled all the sign documents and sent 4 PDFs of the rejected offers to the buyers. Lots of time and paperwork with multiple offers. Good morning and thank you for the kind words as well.

Nov 03, 2024 08:06 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Getting appreciated by a client makes one feel we are doing our jobs right. That is a special testimonial.

Nov 02, 2024 03:57 PM
Leanne Smith

That is so true having clients demonstrate their appreciation. Thank you and enjoy your Sunday.

Nov 03, 2024 08:01 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Indeed it is nice to be appreciated especially when you know how hard you worked for them. One time I received an $800 Amazon Gift Card, when I did not expect it... That is the key we do the same for everyone, but not everyone thanks us especially in writing, Endre

Nov 02, 2024 10:36 PM
Leanne Smith

Those who thank us in writing reaffirm that we did do a good job. I am old school and write many thank you cards.  This is a habit my mother developed in me. I remember sitting at the kitchen table writing a thank you note. My mother printed out the notes and I copied them.

Nov 03, 2024 08:04 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - acts of thoughtfulness, kindness and appreciation are welcome whenever they arrive.  Time spent in real estate continues to reinforce that many sorts of things can "pop up" when least "expected" so it is wise to be/stay prepared.  

Nov 03, 2024 03:11 AM
Leanne Smith

So true about the acts of kindness. I would so appreciate seeing more acts of kindness in the world and people sharing those acts to counter all the negativity.

Nov 03, 2024 07:54 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Nov 03, 2024 03:37 AM
Leanne Smith

My pleasure and may you also make it a great day.

Nov 03, 2024 07:54 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Wonderful to get a handwritten card and gift - you deserved it.

Nov 03, 2024 06:28 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and such cards reinforce yes I did do a great job.

Nov 03, 2024 07:53 AM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Leanne Smith - receiving a gift or a heartfelt thank you card when not expected it goes a long way to giving thanks and meaning it. 

I realize that selling a vacant lot is not as easy as one may think. There is a whole lot more to buying unimproved property, especially if there is no electricity, water, sewer, etc. You work hard for your money and your tires go bald too. 

Nov 28, 2024 03:09 AM
Leanne Smith

More so puncture with sharp rocks, nails, than going bald. This year 6 tires have been replaced. I agree about the card and I believe so much in handwritten cards.  Thank you.

Nov 28, 2024 07:33 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, what a wonderful story, Leanne! I hate I missed your posts but, didn't scroll back up to see them until now, as I'm calculating points!! SO glad I remembered not having read these! 

Like you, I adore receiving surprise thank-yous from clients. It makes our careers even better than we thought the were! 

And, I LOVE this, "The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends."

Dec 01, 2024 07:22 AM
Leanne Smith

Debe Maxwell, CRS I do appreciate all of your comments.  Offering a monthly challenge is indeed extra work.

Surprise gifts of gratitude are always special, aren't they?

As to the "The Grit and Gratitude..Ends" that line only took me 7 years to develop. 

Dec 01, 2024 07:51 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Well, I love it and think it fits you perfectly, Leanne Smith!

Dec 01, 2024 08:40 AM