When Being Late Turned into a Listing
There are moments in real estate that remind us why authenticity matters more than perfection. Years ago, I went on a listing appointment, and yes… I was late. Not intentionally, not carelessly, just humanly late. I pulled up at 2:30, right on time for what I thought was our appointment.
The owner was standing outside tapping his watch, and I smiled, thinking he was acknowledging my punctuality.
Once inside, we sat at the kitchen table along with his wife, adult son and daughter. Before I even opened my folder, he looked straight at me and “scolded” me.
Our appointment, he reminded me, was at 2:00, not 2:30. I checked my calendar. He was absolutely right. The error was mine.
There was no excuse, no explanation, no dramatic apology. I simply acknowledged the truth, picked up my folder, stood, and said calmly, “I would not work with someone who was a half hour late.” And I headed toward the door.
That honesty stopped the entire room.
His family immediately called me back. They told me they liked the way I handled the situation. I didn’t grovel. I didn’t blame traffic or technology. I didn’t beg for their business. I accepted responsibility, and I was prepared to walk away. And then, right there at that same kitchen table, they signed the listing.
Showing up as your genuine self, matters more than flawless timing. People respond to integrity, to straightforward communication, and to someone who values their time as much as her own.
Being late that day wasn’t my finest moment. But the way I handled it is the reason they chose me. And it’s a reminder that the right clients appreciate honesty more than perfection.
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