I met the the Mr. and Mrs. from a floor call about three years ago. Actually, I was busy on the phone when my broker answered the phone and as soon as I got off I could hear him saying, "Just a minute". He put the phone on hold and looked down as me from the second floor and said, "Hey, Sally. Why don't you take this call. I think these are going to be high maintenance people".
I got on the phone and talked to the Mrs. for a few minutes, asked if they were working with a realtor (nope), asked if they had spoken to a lender (yes...already pre-approved with so and so etc.). and proceeded to get some information so i could email them some listings. She said they would be "high maintenance and needed someone who would be patient with them. She also said that her husband had such a hectic work schedule that that weekend they would just run around to a couple of Open Houses.
On Monday morning, the Mrs. called me and said that they saw a home they REALLY wanted and could I make an appointment so we could see it alone without all the hustle and bustle of an Open House. We went that afternoon and OMG! It was a fixer upper with termite damage! The carpet was the original orange shag carpet and the upstairs bathroom floor was termite eaten and needed repair. Well, we put in an offer under asking and it was accepted.
During the transaction I met the "family" on occasion when I went to their house to sign papers, drop off doc's etc. Come to find out they had three biological children, two others that were adopted and two others who were foster children and in the process of adoption. Okay, that made seven children. And my goodness, the Mrs. home schooled them and they all were polite, had their chores and the older ones helped with the little ones. (the youngest was two weeks old when I first met all the children)
Well, everything went through fine! The family was happy to have a large home, four bedrooms, make the family room into another bedroom, and a huge master bedroom that had a huge walk in closet with a window...which became the two week old girl's bedroom. It fit them perfectly and they knew exactly what they were going to do with the home!
I kept in touch (usually by phone, email and holiday cards) and last July the Mrs. walked into the office (what a coincidence I was there!) She said they were getting their home ready to put on the market and had to move back to the mainland because one of the girls had to have heart surgery. Oh, geez. They had already upgraded the majority and were doing the final touches within the next month and would be ready to list the home. She made me promise not to drive by until she said it was done. 
Well, the day came around and my goodness! They had done a whole creative process on this home! It was beautiful inside and out! We listed it and we had no trouble selling. They kept the house in showing condition and here's the real kicker! They now had 10...yes, TEN children and all 7 (not biological) had been adopted. No matter what the day or time they were always willing to leave to let the people feel comfortable to view the property. During this whole process I became VERY close to this family. They even snuck around asking when my birthday was and surprised me with a birthday present!
The day before the house recorded was the last day that I would see them. I went to the home to retrieve the keys and give them a gift card (where they were going would have the same department store I thought....and they would be able to get the kid's warm jackets). I walked in and all the children got up from what they were doing and all stood quietly while i talked to Mr. and Mrs. I hugged them then turned to the children. I opened my arms and each and every one of those children came pouring into my arms one by one. I started sobbing and the older son (biological) started tearing himself! I had NEVER been so emotional with client's like this before!
These client's were special. The Mr. and Mrs. were such angels and the little ones were little angels as well. Ten children. All well behaved. All had their own little chores. All pitched in. And I sure love them. And we still do keep in contact. The little one didn't have to have heart surgery after all, they bought a huge home with a huge yard and they were happy. So am I.
Add in: Forgot to add in the flowers they gave me! (yeah, I took a picture...not often a client gives a token of their appreciation!
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