Well, here it is Friday night, and I'm realizing I didn't have a particularly stellar week in real estate. Hmmmm....what's going on?
Times like these tend to put a damper on my attitude, confidence, and enthusiasm, but I always try to find some sort of motivation to get me back on track. I found it just a little while ago.
I met some buyers of mine at the house we're set to close on in two weeks. They just wanted to take some measurements and take another look around. The sellers came home while we were there, and the four of them struck up a friendly conversation about each of their plans. It was one of the most cordial meetings I've ever seen between buyers and sellers.
As we were leaving, my buyers thanked me for my time, and then she added, "Thank you for everything."
It's funny, but as happy as I am that we found "the" house for them and as satisfying as it is to see and hear their excitement, I have to admit I'm a little bummed that two weeks from now, this transaction will be closed. No more regular contact. Sure I'll add them to my mailing list and connect with them regularly just as I do with all my past buyers and sellers, but it's not the same.
The opportunity to meet and work with the Jasons and Micahs in this world remind me why I do what I do. And they always provide that motivation to get back on track -- to improve my attitude, grow my self-confidence, and be enthusiastic about all the opportunities I am given.
So thanks for your kind words...I needed that.
It's those little things that make what we do so worthwhile. I know there's a lot of adrenaline when we save a buyer or seller from some catastrophe...but really it's just being there when they need us that means the most to many of them. Thanks for sharing!
yes, it is sad to "say goodbye" at closing, when you have such nice people to work with....I have thought quite a few times "I could be friends with them!"
Amy -- You are so right -- it is the little things. That look on their faces tonight as they walked through the house was the best -- simply the best. Thank you for stopping by!
Pat -- I know exactly what you mean! Overall, I've been extremely fortunate in having the opportunity to work with some of the nicest people. And some friendships have even developed!
Sure makes you feel good to have someone thank you for doing your "job" or going above and beyond. Makes up for all of those negative nancys and problem buyers/sellers out there...
Having someone appreciate all your hard work is soothing to the soul. It does make one really appreciate the business we are in doesn't it?
The other day one of my clients said their 10 year old asked them if after they move into their house will they see me any more? She said "Oh, of course Valorie is now part of our family". It made me smile from ear to ear to think how close I had become to them and that they felt that way also.
Allison -- Could not agree with you more. Those "thank yous" can wipe out all the negative comments in a heartbeat.
Michael -- It is very soothing. That is a perfect way to describe it. Perfect.
Valorie -- I love your story. I am smiling ear to ear for you. It doesn't get better than that, does it?
Sounds to me like you are a terrific agent that is very much appreciated by your clients. You should be proud of the heartfelt thanks they gave you.
I too have worked with some wonderful clients, both buyers and sellers and have forged some terrific friendships. It makes our jobs so much easier when we enjoy who we are working with and for.
Mercedes -- Thank you for your kind words. I think you get back what you give, and the better you treat your sellers and buyers, the better you will be treated. I have been very blessed; sounds like you have, as well!! :)
Good article. Sounds like you are a great agent. Good luck,
It is wonderful that we can be refreshed and usually when we least expect it! Our careers can be very rewarding for sure. The important thing is that we take the time to slow down enough to enjoy those times.
I miss the regular calls and check-ins with most of my buyers and sellers after closing too. I, too, have been a little down before knowing that our regular communication is coming to an end. Sure, you can call to say 'hello' ..not against the law.....but it is just not as intense as the relationship before the closing. Feels a little forced and intruding.
Sarah in Nashville
Peggy, I know exactly how you feel. I get to know my clients pretty well while we are in the process of finding a house or finding a buyer. After it is ove, I am always a little sad. I have made some friends through the years that I still get together with occasionally.
That's what I love about real estate. We're turning clients into friends!! Being a realtor is the most wonderful paying job in the world. (Being a mommy is the BEST non-paying job in the world. ;) )
It is great when a transaction is closed and both sides are happy - makes being a realtor worth it!
Isn't it great when you are able to work with clients that also become friends? That has to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. I still keep in touch with lots of past clients and social media makes that even easier now.
Thats why its always so important to say sincere kind words because you never know when the person receiving might really be in need of them. Great post.
Hi there,
First things first,...YOU are my kind of agent! YOU are exactly the type of REALTOR I'd love to personally refer and to work with. I can completely understand your experience, it happens to me too most of the time.
One personal goals is to help create happy buyers and sellers (on both sides) each and evey time I can. At times it's seems like our biz has become so adversarial thatit's become the new "norm". Yet not so IMHO,
Today I can still remember(my sellers) retired couple cutting special roses,placing them on the kitchen counter welcomint the new owners. Last month, adult kids met us at the final walk through (of their Mom's home) to meet (my buyers) a young couple as new homeowners. Two weeks ago I was invited to a 40th b-day party for someone who was 2 years old when her parents bought their first home from me. It may be seem old school to some, yet...my great clients have kept me in love (for decades) with what I do every single day in r.e.
Hi Peggy~ I think the best part about our job is that I usually stay in contact with most of my clients and they do become my friends after the sale. A few have even become some of my best friends!
You can still have regular contact. I order a closing gift and deliver it about 2 weeks after closing. I stop by with popcorn, I send them cards to remind them of who I am and I ask for referrals. Plan your days to keep these wonderful buyers in your life.
Peggy,
When the transaction is is done, it's done, then they go on your mailing list for the future.
Peggy,
I forgot to add. Always ask them for 3 referrals and a recommendation for your web site.
I get sad like that also I miss the daily phone calls!
Hi Peggy,
Words are the strongest medicine. Isn't is amazing when kind words come how they lift us up?
Truly, what we say and who say it to, is so important! Knowing what we do is acknowledged appreciated means alot, so much often goes unspoken. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Peggy... you are right! We all have tough days and weeks. But it is truly our relationships that push and encourage us. Thank you for this post...and remember that next week will get you right back on track!
Greetings Peggy -- Isn't it wonderful how a few kind/caring words can uplift your day and spirits. As trying as current times are, I still believe there are more good people than mis-guided ones! And WOW, can those "mis-guided ones" we have surely all experienced test our fortitude and raise stress levels. Yes, when folks appreciate all we try our best to do to make their real estate experience as smooth as possible -- and they appreciate it -- all the bad ones fade away into the past and are gone.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Hey Peggy . . . thanks for sharing with us what you've gone through -- because we all have our days, weeks, moments . . . nice to know we're not alone!
Aclosing is not necessarily the end of a relationship- if cultivated properly, it opens the door to a friendship. Sometimes we all need to the validation from our customers that we have made happy. Good job!
Wow! I woke up this morning to find out this post is "featured!" Thank you for that...very, very humbling. And thank you for all of your comments...what a great way to start the day.
Edward & Celia -- thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!
Celeste -- Yes! Really enjoying those times is so important. I'm learning to do just that.
Sarah -- That's it exactly. It's the regularity of the contact that I miss. I guess I never expected that I'd get as "connected" to my buyers and sellers as I do.
Sybil -- Sounds like you're one of those great agents who truly cares about her clients and customers and not just the paycheck. Nice!
Sonja -- That's my next goal -- having the best Non-paying job! :)
Emily -- Exactly! This is one of those deals that just "came together" so nicely. It's a bittersweet move for the sellers, but knowing a young family is moving into their house is making things a bit easier.
Kevin & Monica-- I agree! Can't tell you how many current and past customers I'm connecting with on Facebook!
Joshua -- Great reminder for all of us. Thank you!
Lynda -- First, thank you for your kind words. Second, what a great story! Like I said earlier, I don't think I ever expected that I'd "connect" with (most of) my sellers and buyers the way I do. Definitely one of, if the not the best, part of our job.
Vicki -- Exactly! The friendships are the best!
Carol -- I do add them to my mailing list, but it's not the same as that regular face-to-face contact. But it has resulted in future business and ongoing friendships.
Terry -- I love the idea about the web site. Thank you!
Heather -- Me, too! :)
Barbara -- Yes! When they acknowledge your work -- well, it is simply the best!
Sarah -- Thank you for your encouragement!! Have a great weekend!
Sue -- It is amazing how the "misguided ones" fade away. And I agree -- there are more good ones in the world.
Carla -- That's what I love most about ActiveRain -- learning I am not alone. Amazing how similar we all are!
Allison -- You are right -- if cultivated properly. I'm amazed at how many agents never contact their buyer or seller again after they have their check in hand.
Peggy:
It is always gratifying to have a closing take place but there is a bit of void that enters when you have become so used to dealing with someone on a continual basis and suddenly it is over. It's nice to have clients that we feel this way about.
Most of my circle of friends are past clients. Being fairly new to the area that we live and work in, (and a bit of a workaholic) it's been the primary source of social interaction. As a matter of fact we are going to a party at an friend/client's house this evening.
Peggy, it is a people business and when you depart from the good transactions there is a sense of loss for sure, but good feelings inside...
My circle of friends includes many who were my "clients". I met my dear friend Rose cold-calling out of the phone book back in the 80's. Her home was one of the first I sold. We still talk weekly. I have truly been blessed with my fine friends who were my clients or my fellow realtors.
Linda Metallo, Re/max Impact, Lockport, Il.
The transaction ends, but the relationship goes on--and that is one of the best perks of being a real estate agent.
I often feel the way you do when a transaction closes. I miss talking to those buyers every day. When finding the right home and getting to close of escrow taking between 4-6 months from introduction to conclusion, those buyers become friends.
I have found the best way to savor those relationships is to have seasonal 'parties' - maybe light finger foods and a barbeque in summer, and a cocktail party in the fall. It gives you another reason to get together and takes you to the next level - socially - which deepens the loyalty and opportunity for future referrals if done properly.
We all want to bring something to the table. When closings get delayed, I'm sure sets a damper on things, wondering if we could do something different. When we hear things like you did, it puts us back on schedule. Thanks for sharing it. You have encourage my next post.
Peggy - I LOVE those types of transactions, but I too tend to miss my clients after we close. Congrats on your up coming closing.
Good post today, thanks for getting it out ther.
Patricia /Seacoast NH homes
Peggy, not all of our clients are favorites which makes it especially hard to part with the one's that are. Even when we maintain relationships with them after closing, it's not the same kind of intense contact. But it is heartening when you know that they love and appreciate you and your part in finding them their new home and want to keep you as a part of their lives. It's happened to me more than once and yes, it does motivate us to continue...
That's what I love about working with buyers...they are always so appreciative about their new home. Isn't nice that we have a chance to bring so much happiness to people.
Claudette -- "Void" -- that's the perfect word for it.
France and Mark -- Wow! Sounds like your business is great for your personal life, too. That is nice to hear! Hope you enjoyed the party!
Gary -- Yes, definitely good feelings inside!
Linda -- What a great story! Who would have thought we could meet a long-term friend from cold calling!
Norma -- A perk indeed!!
Christianne -- What a nice idea to organize social gatherings. That is going on my "to do" list.
Loreena -- Thank you! I'm off to read your post now.
Michelle -- Thank you! It will definitely be a bittersweet closing.
Patricia -- Thank you!!
Leah -- So, so true. Their show of appreciation is just the best!
Tammie -- Yes! Helping others find happiness is an awesome part of our job!
When people are buying the largest purchase of their lives, it is easy for clients to develop relationships with their agent when their agent has been so informative, useful, and just plain kind. Kudos to you for making a difference in their lives!
Carol -- Thank you so much for your comment. I have really been lucky to meet the people I've met through this job. Very lucky.