YESTERDAY:
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite hobbies was to read. Yes, my collection consisted of what most little girls my age had on their bookshelves at the time; the entire Nancy Drew Mysteries collection and the occasional racy Judy Blume novel. But in addition to those, I also thoroughly enjoyed reading and flipping through the thin black and white real estate booklets that would randomly appear on the porch every couple of weeks.
One particular day while flipping through the pages of the booklet, I came across a photo of our house. I jumped off the couch and ran to show my mom. I was so proud that our home had made it into the "house book." It was with a resigned sigh that I was to learn that my parents were getting a divorce and that our 6 bed/3 ba house sitting on 2 acres was quietly up "For Sale."
TODAY:
As sad as that may have been, eventually everything worked out for the best. But even after 30+ years, I can't help but to always consider the story behind every "For Sale" sign. The sellers are most likely anticipating a new beginning or possibly coming to terms with what they see as a tragic ending. In this market of ever-increasing short sales and foreclosures, I think we can safely assume that its mostly the latter.
Last week when showing a buyer a property that was by "appointment only." We noticed the tight smiles on the sellers' faces as we slowly walked though their home. Clearly the kids were on their best behavior because I'd never seen three 6-9 year olds sitting side-by-side so quietly with their hands in their laps.
After the tour, I thanked them for allowing us to see the house. As we turned to leave, the wife stepped forward and asked my buyer directly if she liked the house? Both my buyer and I simultaneously responded yes, although I already knew by her body language that it wasn't at the top of her list. We walked to the car without saying a word. A few minutes later she broke the silence and simply said, "That was sad, huh?" My response, "Very!"
It wasn't what the seller had asked, but how she had asked it. There was such a sense of desperation and urgency in her tone that it immediately formed a lump in our throats.
TOMORROW:
Although we didn't make an offer on the house, I was glad to see that it is now placed in "Backup Offers" status. We as Realtors are oftentimes assisting people through such difficult and challenging times in their lives. A friend of mine who was recently laid off said to me that she was seeing it as a place she was starting from and not a place where she had ended up. WOW! What a great attitude! If we can successfully convey that to our sellers, we will have earned so much more than a commission check.
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Andi -
This is a lovely post. Thanks for sharing. We all need to keep some of these points in mind.
Brian
Andi--awesome first post. I too wonder about all the "stories" behind every house-----seems like more sad ones that happy ones, but like you found----most journeys do work out.
WOW ANDI!! -- This was a wonderful first blog post!! Much success with your future blogs!! I wasn't the "first one" to congratulate you!! DARN! Oh well . . . What an insightful blog! Yes, behind EVERY "move" or lift transition . . . there is a story. Some start off bad, and can have those wonderful happy endings. We all wish the seller in your story, with the children -- as you pointed out -- so neatly placed, hands folded, will find a buyer soon!! You are a great writer, AND a insightful, empathetic person. Two worthy traits for a real estate agent!
P.S. I'm subscribing!!
ETA: That's ok Carla, you were the one to nudge me to post anything at all! I just told two RE agents not even 3 weeks ago that I would never post a blog. :) That may have to be a future blog title, "Never Say Never"
Oh, you got your pic up . . . NICE!!
Never say . . .
No, I actually posted a temporary pic until I can figure it out. lol
Well---so much for that theory:)
Andi, great job on your first post! If it wasn't mentioned I would have never guessed that it was your first. Some of the situations can be sad, especially in these tough times. I'm glad those people you wrote about were able to get an offer on their house.
Great job, great post!
Thank you Mike! Wow...coming from a "featured" blogger...:) Congrats again!
I clicked through to read this after seeing your comment in Katerina's post. Wow, I can see why it left you choked up. It was and is a power blog. Would you mind if I re-blogged it? (Not sure I'll get back to check for your comment back, so maybe you wouldn't mind sending me an okay (or not) through the AR contact button. Thanks!
It is a difficult market for many and it is good that you remind us that every house does have a story and many lives are being affected.
Wow says a lot when an Ambassador Reblogs your post and it WAS WORTH reblogging - Congrats -
Andi, this was a wonderful post. Today so many sellers have hidden motives for selling. Hope this one has a happy ending.
Thanks Margaret!
Joan - thanks! It's always great when it is from a point of contentment and a job completed i.e. downsizing due to empty nest and kids off to college. Wish they could all be from a good place.
Marcia - thanks! I was honored that she asked about it. I couldn't say yes fast enough! :)
Kay - the home sold so hopefully the family has moved onto better and less stressful horizons. :)
Andi, I totally concur with Mike (#8)....if not told this was your first post, I would have assumed you wrote it as an experienced "Rainer." Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Thanks Mary Kay! I was encouraged by Carla Muss-Jacobs to get off the sidelines and finally post one. I seriously felt like I jumped off a cliff when I did so. Very scary to do so publicly... in front of your peers.
Andi, this is a great post and enjoyed reading it! Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thank you so much Rebecca!!
Yes, every listing does have a story and we must make every effort to make sure it falls on compassionate ears.
Andi, a great post. Seldom do the buyers of a home understand the pain that a distressed seller may be encountering, and it's understandable. One person's misfortune is another person's good fortune, and hopefully the new owners will treat the new home with the same pride that the previous owners had.
Hi Norma! Compassionate ears now there's a premise for a blog!
Ed thank you so much for your kind words here and on Margaret's reblog!