Can YOU EAT your CAKE and have IT TOO in this MARKET? YES!
It Started with a PHONE Call
I love and appreciate every new client that is referred to me by a past client. These referrals are always the “CREAM of the CROP”. Why? I only work for kind and appreciative folks. When I got this call, I recognized the name and could only remember that several of my former students that shadowed elementary teachers, shared that this teacher was the strictest elementary teacher in the district. There was no nonsense or excuses in this classroom. I do know that she was one of the most effective teachers in the school but my high school students were just a little cautious.
Not What I EXPECTED
I must admit I was more than prepared and on time for my first meeting with my new client. She gave me a tour of the property with detailed information about improvements, repairs, traffic patterns, and why she enjoyed living in the neighborhood. When we returned to the kitchen she shared with me 2 Volumes of information, a realtor’s delight, she had collected over the last 4 decades. Every receipt, description of repair, addition, or improvement with contractor’s contact information was carefully preserved in these notebooks. This property was in fantastic condition and so very clean! We talked about the difference between a home and a product to sell. There was some discussion related to the importance of transforming this very lovely home to a product but we agreed on the time I would send my amazing professional stager to do her magic. I enjoyed talking with my new client. This will be great! I felt at ease and very confident that I would be able to do my best job!
STAGING EMERGENCY
I decided to meet my stager at my new listing to introduce and make sure the two would agree on some staging changes. In the first 10 minutes, my stager removed a photo from the kitchen wall and also the paint. OH DEAR! I can still see my client’s face! 1. Is there extra paint in the garage? 2. How far is the nearest paint store? I drove to the hardware and back in 15 minutes with matching paint not knowing what I would find. We all three still laugh about that STAGING EMERGENCY!
THE REST of this STORY…
My client made over $31K her asking price and closed in less than 30 days.
My client purchased a spec home in just enough time to make some selections which is not only priced at $40k over what she paid when she closed but also there is a much longer wait time for move in.
My client was so organized and flexible that she was able to rent a storage unit and travel while her new home was completed.
The builder enjoyed my client as she asked him to contact her when the property was ready for the walk through. I honestly think she got the very best service as she let all do their jobs without constant calls. I have not met anyone so prepared and easy to work for in any market.
The very best part, we have become friends! There were a few tears…downsizing isn’t for “sissies” but more laughs, stories, and a few glasses of vino. I do have a heart for downsizers…and first time home buyers…and new Buckeyes….and growing families and well …I do enjoy people!
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