As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, I spend a lot of time on phone consult calls. Many of my friends, some of whom are attorneys, think I am crazy for not charging for my time. I invest whatever time it takes to provide whatever help I can offer people, even when I know it will not result in a real estate transaction.
I've established great relationships with many local attorneys whom I trust and am comfortable referring people.
Recently, I consulted with a gentleman who was calling from the East Coast. He had a lot of questions regarding an estate that had property locally that would need to be sold.
I answered all of his questions except the areas that leaned legal in nature. He was gracious and thanked me for my time.
Following the initial consult call, he sent a few questions via text message. A few of the texts asked if I knew so and so [insert name of attorney] and if I had any experience with them.
I asked him if he would like me to provide him with three local probate attorneys. He said yes, please.
A few weeks later, he sent me an email thanking me again for all of my help and told me that he had hired so and so, one of the attorneys I recommended.
I rarely see the front of my home. I enter through the garage door. One day, I was doing some Board business for my condo association (volunteer work) and found myself in front of my condo. On the porch was a beautiful flower arrangement. This was close to the time around my Birthday, so my brain started filling in the blanks, guessing who sent me flowers for my Birthday.
I brought the flowers inside and read the card. The flowers were delivered two (2) days prior. Given that the flowers were outside for two days, they held up well. The Feature photo does not do the flowers justice.
The Card
"With my gratitude for the generosity of your time and advice. I wanted to do something nice for you for all you did for me and for all the others you help, with no expectations for yourself. You are one of a kind!"
This came on the heels of finalizing business with a client who, shall we say, just to keep this positive, lacked this gentleman's ability to express gratitude.
It is people like this gentleman who inspire me to keep doing what I do. A little gratitude goes a long way. Flowers not required.
This is my week one entry to the Active Rain November 2025 Challenge hosted by Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
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