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💔 If I Had to Start Over ⏰… I’d Answer Her Call Every Time ☏ 🤔🤪

By
Real Estate Agent with Scott Schulte LLC

We all knew that agent.

She drove a manual transmission until her legs said, “No more,” and even then, she gave it a few more years, well into her 70s. 🚗💥 Every gear shift hit the redline like she was trying to summon a NASCAR pit crew. That old Nissan Altima had nearly 280,000 miles, and I swear every one of them was earned in combat. She didn’t drive. She attacked the pavement.

🌿 Landscapers Feared Her, and Rightfully So

She didn’t just have presence, she had atmosphere. The kind that made grown men with weed whackers cross the street. 💨

The landscaper would edge the lawn like he was disarming a bomb. Quiet. Careful. Eyes down. He wouldn’t knock, even if she owed him money. Especially if she owed him money. 😅

She wasn’t mean in a cruel way. She was mean in a “don’t waste my money” kind of way. Efficient. Sharp. Possibly allergic to small talk.

📞 She Called for Advice… Then, Argued for 20 Minutes

She’d call me with a simple real estate question. I’d answer. Then she’d spend the next 20 minutes explaining why I was an idiot.

She’d hang up. Call five other people. Debate them too. Then call me back hours later to say I was right. No apology. Just facts. ✅

And somehow, I always laughed. Because she never meant harm. She just needed to push back first before letting it settle in. That was her process. That was her charm.

🧾 Receipts? She Kept Everything But Her Patience

Her house looked like a file cabinet that exploded. Every offer. Every inspection. Every note scribbled on the back of a napkin was saved and sorted. 📚

She didn’t trust clouds or apps. She trusted paper and a stapler that had been through a few things. Her patience was long gone, but her paperwork? Eternal.

💸 Always Broke, But Never Really

She was always “broke.” Or so she said.

One day, she couldn’t afford lunch. Next, she had a $400 Home Shopping Network haul, which included a steam mop and a glittery panini press. 🛒

The roof? New. AC? New. Water heater? Installed. Dishwasher? From the Clinton era. And when I asked why she replaced things she didn’t need to, she said,

"I don’t want to leave my son a headache."

And just like that, it all made sense. 💡

📱 The Calls I’d Still Take Today

Her calls weren’t conversations. They were events.

You had to stretch, hydrate, and emotionally prepare. But I’d take every single one again.

Because behind the chaos was someone who had your back. Someone who’d fight you, but never leave you. Someone who argued hard and loved harder. ❤️

🕊️ Still On My Call List

If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn’t fix a thing. I’d just tell her I loved her a little more. I’d pick up faster. I’d hug longer. 🤗

She lived big. Drove hard. Filed everything. And left behind more than just a paper trail. She left an imprint.

She’s gone now. But she’s still on my call list.

And she always will be. ❤️📞

Comments(32)

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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Scott I recall a lady very similar to this lady and holy smokes she was a kick!  Always kicking up a storm and getting folks involved in whatever was on her mind.  She was determined......and then some!

May 02, 2025 10:16 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Anna "Banana" Kruchten If you sent her to Ukraine, both sides would surrender within hours... RELENTLESS! But not in a bad way. 

May 02, 2025 10:18 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Good idea Scott!

May 03, 2025 09:58 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt tribute, Scott Schulte. It's clear "she" made a lasting impact, and your story beautifully captures her spirit. I appreciate you opening up and reminding us that real connections are what truly matter. ❤️📞

May 02, 2025 01:05 PM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Lew Corcoran Yes! 1000% you get it...   Thanks.

May 02, 2025 01:21 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Having someone who will always have our backs and fight for us is something that should not be taken for granted!

May 03, 2025 08:08 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Scott Schulte  She was one of the old timers I loved bringing a deal to. She knew everyone and closed your deal. The righteous lady, and she sure could talk - so glad Carol Williams  featured as the heroine is awesome

May 03, 2025 11:21 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I feel that way about my former broker.  Old school and a very good teacher.

May 03, 2025 11:32 AM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

loved that, thanks!

May 03, 2025 11:43 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Brian England Yes, the best friends to have! 

May 03, 2025 12:50 PM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Hannah Williams Yes, I'm so thankful for the feature! It's fun, and yes, she would call ☎️. If you didn't answer, she double-dialed you. If you still didn't answer, she would drive to see if you were home and leave you another message.  Letting you know, she knew you were home.😃

May 03, 2025 12:52 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

This is a fun post to read. If one has been in the business long enough, we have someone like this. In your case you were educated at the same time.

May 03, 2025 05:19 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

May 03, 2025 05:49 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Scott Schulte,

I'm late checking in this Saturday to Active Rain! It's been a crazy Saturday but wanted to pop by and read your post in Carol Williams Saturday Series! What a great story and heartfelt tribute! Well done!

May 03, 2025 06:23 PM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Kathy Streib Thank you! I'm honored this post will be featured! 

May 04, 2025 05:01 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I am so glad this got featured in Kathy's weekly post. What a cute post. Love it so much.

May 06, 2025 01:52 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

Hi, Scott.

This is one of the best, most descriptive yet to the point without a bunch of fluff posts I have ever read on ActiveRain or anywhere else for that matter. Thank you for sharing it.

May 07, 2025 11:07 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Scott:

What a fun tribute about a very memorable individual. 

Jeff

May 07, 2025 12:33 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Ode to hot rod granny!  A real spitfire who was curious and could communicate directly Scott Schulte 

May 15, 2025 09:35 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, I love this story, Scott and yes, relationships are what this business is all about. Kudos to you for always taking those calls from your 'hot rod' friend! You meant more to her than you'll ever know!

Thanks for participating in last month's challenge - this was so well-written, I read every word!

Jun 05, 2025 11:17 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Debe Maxwell, CRS  Glad you enjoyed it! 

Jun 05, 2025 11:21 AM