Sometimes we forget what business we are in. It's easy to be caught up in listing and showing and negotiating and settling. But that's all just the mechanics of our business. Today I got a delightful reminder that we really do is make dreams come true.
A few months ago, I wrote about a house that was a "disastrous, dirty, cluttered, smelly, mess" and could only be sold after it was stripped bare – carpets, appliances, window treatments, everything had to go. The buyers didn't think they could ask for that, but the sellers were delighted to take their "stuff" with them, and both ended up happy. The young couple who bought the home then painted, replaced flooring, did over the kitchen and bathrooms, and enjoyed their five-bedroom brick home for five years.
Last fall we put this home on the market and it found new owners, a family with two young children. This house that was once a disaster area has become a family's dream home…again. They are so happy and wanted to show me how they are doing with their own decorating. The children's rooms didn't need any change – the girl's room is pink and white with a colorful border, and the boy's is Spiderman-blue. Colors in the bathroom they share work for both children.
New landscaping has made the front more inviting, and wicker furniture makes the front porch a pleasant place to relax. Inside, the still-new kitchen is warmed by decorative accessories above the cabinets. Some new furniture and a carpet remnant make the dining room inviting, and now the owner isn't bothered anymore by the parquet floor that she doesn't much like. The family room with its brick wall is warmer now with the sofa and comfy pillows. Some of the rooms, like the living room, are still a work in progress, but you can see that this is a warm and welcoming place.
I am so proud of putting this family in what turned out to be their dream house. Knowing they are happy and that they wanted to share that with me – it was a feel-good day!
And that is the business we are in.
Margaret, I work with Rehabbers and Investors of distressed properties. The joy of watching a derelict property returned to the community as a showplace is very satisfying. Most of my clients most of my clients and I communicate daily about there projects. They request and are given my oppinions thoroughout the renovation as to what changes should be made.
It is what drives me in this business.
I love stories like this, especially dealing with transformations. Isn't this what it's all about. Thanks.
Fran
Hi Margaret - that is EXACTLY what great real estate stories are all about! I love it when buyers I've worked with want to show me what they've done to the house I helped them buy so they could make it a home. How special is that? This story of yours shows what caring REALTORS mean to the buyers and sellers we help achieve their dreams - wonderful post!
Ann
Good job. I like selling new homes and I have as much fun watching our buyers select their options and upgrades as do they.
Rebecca, Thanks for stopping by. It is the best!
Joeanne, All of us who love what we do have become role models to so many. You are a prime example.
Jason, You certainly understand and are doing the right things.
Lane, Thank you for sharing "big girl" room. Our rewards come in many ways.
Herb, That you are being asked for your opinions shows that your clients trust and respect you.
Kris, Thanks and it was a great way to end a day.
Celeste, This was a very appreciative family and they adore the house. I am so glad that wanted to share it with me.
Linda, Thank you.
Thank you Colleen.
Fran,Yep that is what it's all about.
Andrew, The buyers and sellers of this home were all wonderful, caring, and appreciative.
Ann, This new home owner called to remind me to get my name riders. She later "confessed" that was her way to get me back to see how she made this house in her family's home.
Lenn, It is so obvious that you really care about your buyers!
Jennifer, Happy clients..that's what we all are striving for.
Bryant, Yes.. making dreams come true. That's what we do!
Thanks for the gold star!! But now look at all the work I have to do. Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars
Jennifer K, It is up to us to get these positive stories out there. Remember good news is not what sells papers... how sad!
Gary, So happy that you made it happen and saw those tears of joy!
My wife STILL tears up when she would watch those FHA first-time homebuyer commercials...especially the one when the parents were watching their kids playing in their new back yard after just moving in. The husband looks at the wife and says "Why are you crying? Because it's their first back yard?" She turns to him, with tears streaming down her eyes, shakes her head, and replies "No. Because it's mine".
I feel the same way, especially with first-time homebuyers - they are thrilled when they finally become homeowners - mortgage and all!
Nice reminder. Interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
Margaret,
When clients share with you what they have done, that is when you know you are doing a great job!
Nice Post!
Margaret,
I love stories like this one. We had an agent in our office years ago that specialized in the ickyest most disgusting dog houses around. He had quite a NICHE and did very well. He would list the houses other agents wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole and became very well known for this. He had investors and rehabbers following him around - waiting for first crack at any of his listings. He would then be the listing agent when the house was done with rehab.
Great story..
You are absolutely right... this is the business we are in!
Thanks for the post!
Hi Margaret,
I guess I will just echo all the above comments...it sure is very satisfying to see all the changes we can make in a persons life. I love going back years later a hearing the stories of how we climbed the mountains, swam the rivers, and fought off the dragons to help them obtain "the house"
Dick Beals
I will get to all of your comments but just had to share what my wonderful seller had to say after reading the blog.
"WOW! What a treat. Thank you so much for sending me this link. I have shared it with Alvin and my mom as well. The house looks GREAT and I am so thrilled that everything worked out so well for the newest and proud owners of 3951 McDonogh Rd!!!
My family has actually commented on how nicely the landscaping looked at the home.
It is a wonderful feeling to know that after all we went through to sell that house, it went to a family that soooo wanted it. God is truly AWESOME!
I hope all is well with you and Mr. Rome. We are doing wonderful.
I will speak with you soon.
Take care, Nicole"
And here is the new owner's comment:
"Thank you very much. It was a dream come true."
Dick and Sandy, Thanks for reminding us of what we do.
Joan, Magic is a good way to look at what we do.
Joe, We all love that satisfying feeling.
Debi, That was the first time I have asked the house to be completely empty. We removed the stove after the appraisal.
Armando, You are so welcome.
Debbi, What a great niche. Never would have thought of this. Is this agent still around?
Paul and Michelle, You are so right!
Thanks, Margaret. The new owners were asking what I was going to do with the photos and I think they really liked the fact that I was so proud of their new home.
Joe, We just have to recognize the diamonds.
Bob and Carolin, thank you!
Stephen, It is wonderful to see those tears of joy!
George, Thanks for those kind words!
Sharon, You are the perfect example of making a difference in the lives of others!
Brad, I appreciate your kindness.