Thankful November: My Assistant-Celeste
In May of 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was in early stages, but after several MRI assisted biopsies, tests, and appointments through the summer, I chose to have a double mastectomy. I did not want to live with the uncertainty and fear of wondering when cancer would return. My surgeon and oncologist agreed that it was the best option.
Some time that stressful summer, I received a phone call from a neighbor down the street named Celeste Varela. I knew of her, she was a single-Mom who had raised her daughter in our neighborhood- and I knew she was a licensed Realtor. We had run into each other at real estate classes and of course I had seen her coming and going. But I didn't know her. She said she had heard about my diagnosis and asked if I needed any help, rides to the doctor or hospital, could she do anything for me? She had no way to know that my husband is disabled and no longer drives... My friends had all been so supportive and eager to help me, but this was a stranger reaching out.
I told her that I had most things covered, my friends had done so much and were pitching in... flying in to care for me post surgery, but I might need some help with real estate. I found out that she was working as an assistant to another agent at the time. She said that she was happy where she was and did not want to make any changes. Then... she called me back about a week later. I asked her to come over to talk. She told me that the agent she worked for was no longer very active, and she would like to work more.... we worked out a deal that fit, and she agreed to leave her brokerage and join me as my assistant.
The week I went in for my surgery that November, she met with some buyers that I had been working with for years. They were perpetually undecided and at odds with each other about neighborhoods, price point, and amenities they each wanted. Celeste spent several days with them and they finally focused on one house and neighborhood. The day after I got home, (and I was pretty worthless), I wrote up their offer from my bed. Celeste proofed it and submitted it. Offer accepted! Celeste met with them for all inspections, all the way to final walk thru. She even took them to lunch after to celebrate! That deal never would have happened without her. Another happy client that Celeste helped me with pictured below!
I have fully recovered and in the last few years, Celeste has continued to help me. Even though I physically don't need assistance, she meets with buyers, inspectors, makes keys, puts up signs, lends a hand whenever I need it. She takes care of our kitties and home when we travel. I now have the peace of mind and freedom to commit to events, or golf tournaments, or make plans of any kind, and know that she has my back. She will be there to help. She is not only my real estate assistant, she is my friend. I am forever grateful to her for reaching out at the beginning, and for her continued loyalty and support! ❤️
This post is part of the November Gratitude Challenge for ActiveRain Real Estate network.
Thank you to Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 !
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