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AR Challenge Post August 2025

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Industry Observer Inactive

 

 

Getting to the Heart of it All

An AR August 2025 Challenge Post. . .  

 

Home is where the heart is, right.  And in the reality of the way the real estate industry often functions, haven’t we heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

 

Over the years, I have experienced much with that particular organ, so I remain mindful that it isn’t necessarily connected to business or even everyday life.   At least not in ways we may have previously believed it to be.   Yes, once again, it's complicated.

 

 

 

Things of many sorts continue to be reflected in this connection. What breaks, burns, feels and is impacted by countless conditions as far as the heart is concerned can seem overwhelming. As Carol Williams wrote in her challenge announcement, she referred to a post written by her co-host Ralph Gorgoglione that provided inspiration. 

 

Looking back at that post showed that I “liked” AKA acknowledged it when originally written but without leaving a comment.  I guess I was still thinking about it as Carol explained the challenge rules. Life is like that - at least for me - it's a process that may extend far beyond the initial thought.

 

 

 

Sensory stuff can get a bit confusing too as seeing enters each scenario. In addition, hearing as well as overhearing becomes a factor. Feeling plus tasting (the savory as well as those sensations that may not prompt the same reaction) and smell in many sorts of different ways show. Isn't it amazing how their traits are revealed to each of us? Perhaps in the moment and maybe a bit later. And let's not ignore the sixth sense - you know intuition can offer a clue or more. That's a perception that can be particularly ponder-worthy.

 

 

 

 

 

I recall clients I met through their mortgage professional. It seems through a series of real estate-related associations, the buyers and I worked well together. Although the affordability factor for California real estate can be subject to much interpretation, challenges of that sort didn't stop me. While they had a limited budget, they were not unrealistic. Based on their needs, wants and desires, I showed them multiple properties in a few different areas. They selected a property that had been rehabbed. Far from perfect, it was right for them.

 

 

The day the property closed, they asked if we could meet in my office rather than the property. They arrived with friends and family members. Each was appreciative for the care and understanding they felt. I wasn't expecting a crowd of this size nor the outpouring of support. Later, one of the buyers confided, that while I had shown them a better house for consideration, this one "spoke" to them --- it "felt" right. I had long known that buyers and sellers make their decisions in their own way. The strength in numbers and emotions was significant and reinforced that thought. Success means something different to each of us.

 

 

 

The images in this are from canstockphoto.com and this site.

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments(33)

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

Michael it's been my experience over the years that many of our clients felt that way - the home spoke to them.  And I do as well.  Often times when a new listing would pop up on MLS I'd know immediately 'that was the one' for them. And often times it turned out that way.  Call it intuition......knowingness or whatever.  It simply does work like that!

Aug 05, 2025 12:44 PM
Michael Jacobs

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - translation can become misunderstood at times.  For principals as well as practitioners. That's why effective communication remains important.  

Aug 05, 2025 01:15 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael and always interested in your blogs that you share with us here in the Rain.  Wish you blog more.

 

Aug 05, 2025 01:45 PM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - my posting has certainly evolved over the years.   I doubt it will ever be the way it once was.  

Aug 05, 2025 05:37 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Michael. Thank you very much for sharing this story.

I hope all is going well for you this week.

Aug 06, 2025 04:25 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - while I know it's nearly over, Wednesday has been good (but warm) in Southern CA, hope things are going well in Gaithersburg too.  Enjoy the rest of your week.  

Aug 06, 2025 05:39 PM
Roy Kelley

We have a sunny Thursday morning in Maryland and life is good.

Have a great day!

Aug 07, 2025 04:58 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Good entry, Michael Jacobs

Love the analogy that the house speaks to the buyers. But sometimes those buyers are distracted and are not listening. When they lose a "right" home, their listening skills become much sharper!

Aug 08, 2025 06:55 AM
Michael Jacobs

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - losing a home in an offer situation can feel painful but it can also send multiple messages that are beneficial in future real estate interactions.  

Aug 08, 2025 11:29 AM
Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Good morning, Michael Jacobs - I just wanted to pop on by to wish you a happy day. May your food be delicious and your weekend be filled with smiles, laughter, and happiness. 

Aug 09, 2025 04:11 AM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia Feager - thank you, may the same be true for you as well. 

Aug 09, 2025 07:09 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Michael, great memories of fabulous clients and what speaks to them makes the biz so uplifting!  ty!  Ginny

Aug 09, 2025 04:27 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ginny Gorman - such signs are often seen in real estate and throughout everyday life.  Especially when we pause long enough to notice.  

Aug 09, 2025 07:11 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Michael. Have a fine day and enjoy the weekend.

We have a beautiful sunny morning in Maryland.

Aug 09, 2025 05:22 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - it's shortly after daybreak in Southern California, we're ready for another HOT day.  

Aug 09, 2025 07:14 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs.
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

What a great feeling to be appreciated and honored Michael Jacobs 

Well deserved, I might add.

We understand how clients feel when a house speaks to them and when it is the one!   

Aug 10, 2025 07:41 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - genuine gratitude and a sense of thankfulness is definitely appreciated.  I believe their heartfelt appreciation was far from fake.  Thank you for the comment.  

Aug 10, 2025 12:29 PM
Cara Marcelle Mancuso
Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes - Tucson, AZ
Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!

Sensory overload happens with our clients OFTEN!  I enjoyed your story of client connection - I can readily see that happening.  You have a gift of connecting through the comments you leave on our blog postings.  Good August to you.

Aug 11, 2025 01:11 PM
Michael Jacobs

Cara Marcelle Mancuso - I hope August continues to go well for you.  Stay cool or as cool as possible.  I appreciate your kind words.  

Aug 11, 2025 06:17 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Have learned through the years to avoid making a comment about my tastes because the home buying journey is not mine and I will not be inhabiting the property, Michael. If asked an opinion, it is given, otherwise...🤐

Aug 18, 2025 06:47 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Tuesday morning, Michael

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

We expect some rain today in Maryland.

Aug 19, 2025 04:38 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - the same to you - we are expecting warm err hot weather today with temps continuing to soar the rest of the week.  Stay dry.  

Aug 19, 2025 07:50 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Michael:

I think it's important...and common...for buyers to pay attention to what a property is saying to them, whether positive or negative. It happens all the time. That transaction you shared was a great example of this analogy. 

Jeff

Aug 19, 2025 09:48 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jeff Dowler, CRS - there are times when some people are effusive while others are more tight-lipped.  In real estate and everyday life. 

Aug 19, 2025 03:22 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Any buyer or seller would be so fortunate to have you on their team!

Created this pic as a fun "update" to that famous monkey image...

Aug 20, 2025 08:28 AM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - I love the new version - well, the image not so much the reality.  Oh, well. . .  

Aug 20, 2025 10:09 AM
Ann Hayden 636-399-7544
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri 314-775-2050 - Des Peres, MO
SelectAnn.com

Michael Jacobs ,

A feeling is what most ignore.  I appreciate if a house has the right feel.  Sometimes there is a connection beyond price and amenities.

Great post!

Ann

Aug 28, 2025 07:52 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ann Hayden 636-399-7544 - obviously price and location continue to matter but many other factors seem embrace or abandon a buyer as they consider their decision to move forward.  

Aug 28, 2025 09:03 AM
Ann Hayden 636-399-7544
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri 314-775-2050 - Des Peres, MO
SelectAnn.com

Carol Williams,

Here is my entry:  A Heartfelt Transaction with Select Ann

Ann

Aug 29, 2025 05:41 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ann Hayden 636-399-7544 - I moved your comment to this month's challenge post announcement.  Now, I'm off to read it myself. 

Aug 29, 2025 05:50 AM
Ann Hayden 636-399-7544
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri 314-775-2050 - Des Peres, MO
SelectAnn.com

Michael Jacobs ,

I am so sorry about that.  I have too many tabs open!

Thank you,

Ann

Aug 29, 2025 08:56 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ann Hayden 636-399-7544 - no problem.   

Aug 29, 2025 11:18 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

IF ONLY,  I could get the buyers to listen, I am sure all the houses we toured this week were speaking to them.  Have a great weekend.

Aug 29, 2025 04:09 PM
Michael Jacobs

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 - listening works best when it is a combined effort in my opinion.  Both sides listening and connecting.  

Aug 29, 2025 04:36 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Michael. We may not always understand the reasons and motives why buyers or sellers might love a particular property, but at least it's comforting to know that you served them well, and they were able to find the right home for their needs. 

Aug 30, 2025 07:53 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jerry Newman - you're right, sometimes it's a mystery why anyone does or doesn't do this or that.   Knowledge of any decision process can be helpful as well as insightful.  

Aug 30, 2025 08:56 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Studio City, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Who knew you would end up with your own fan club?!

Aug 30, 2025 10:13 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ralph Gorgoglione - I don't know about that but thank you for co-hosting this month's challenge.   

Aug 30, 2025 04:06 PM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

As you stated in your post, the buyers said the house felt right.  Those heart strings along with the senses can play a wonderful song when the house hits the mark.

Sep 08, 2025 11:02 AM
Michael Jacobs

Gloria Todor - definitely!

Sep 08, 2025 12:40 PM