A couple of weeks ago I received this email (used with permission):
Dear Mrs. Rome, 
I don't know if you remember me. My name is Kaliq Simms, and about six months ago, we happened to be getting gas at the same station on Reisterstown Rd. I recognized your name on your license plate. You had been the seller's realtor for a house we contemplated buying about six years ago when we were shopping for our current home.
I was so impressed with your professionalism and great personality. We ended up buying another home (no fault of yours, of course), but I continued to visit your website periodically over the years, as I knew we would eventually want to sell our current starter home. Long story short, you gave me your number at the gas station that day and told me to call you when we decided to sell. Well, we've decided :)!
I hope we can work together. We need a speedy and smooth sale because we have found the house we want to buy. We are already pre-qualified and have a realtor for the buy-side of this transaction. Please call us as soon as possible. Thank you!
That Saturday I went on a listing appointment, and though they said they absolutely wanted to use me, they also said they wanted their attorney to look over the listing agreement. I told them, "Absolutely, and here is what he'll say: he'll tell you the commission is too high and the term is too long, and that you shouldn't sign it."
While they were waiting to hear from the attorney, as a surprise for this delightful young family I put their home on my website with no address, no price, and a "Coming Soon!" heading. Later that week they reported that the lawyer said exactly what I predicted, but after thinking it over some more…they listed their home with me. Up went the listing on MLS, up went the listing on Active Rain, and we've had three showings already, one with good interest.
I've always insisted on showing my own properties whenever possible. Six years ago, a showing that did not lead to a sale created an impression. And today I have a listing for 7529 Rockridge Road, Pikesville, MD because of it.
This is a great story and what a great listing to have!! It is darling and in immaculate condition. Price look right too. You should have it sold for them in no time.
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Margaret - what a great story! We just never know when, where, or how people will come into our lives, and this is a perfect example of just that! You obviously made a great impression on them, and now you have a great listing as testament to that - way to go!
Hope you have a nice smooth sale before too long!
Ann
Rebecca, Let me know how it works for you.
Missy, Thank you and thank you for reading!!
Rolando, No signs on the car, just the plates.
Debbie, Thanks, I really love this home, the sellers and the immaculate condition.
Shannon, Good story! You showed your concern, you showed that you cared.
Linda, This is a darling house and I hope we find the right buyer soon.
Ann,I was so pleased when Kaliq remembered me from 6 years ago. They are a wonderful family and I am honored to be their agent.
Michael, Thanks for your kind comments and glad you like this idea.
Great license plate! Someone suggested that I put signage on my vehicle regarding insurance and I thought better of it. Putting an auto insurance Co. might lead to a stop and rear end accident here in Ca. lol
But it is amazing how we become our jobs. When we love what we do, it becomes so natural to talk about our business in the oddest situations.
Very cute "dollhouse" good luck on your sale!
Margaret,
My old manager told me a story about a family she helped move with a truck...a few years later their children called to thank her and give her 5 yrd of free food at the restuarnat chanin her parents owned before they died for being so kind. It was a famous restuarant. And then they let her sell their house too.
Isn't this type of relationship a wonderful reaffirmation that you are doing a great job and make a wonderful impression on those around you? Great job Margaret.
Good story. It's a testament to your image and hard work. Congratulations!
.
That is a great story, Margaret. Just another example of how you never know when a connection might lead to business down the road. Good luck selling the home quickly at a great price.
Jeff
Yes, YES, YES! We can blog our brains out, drip email, have fancy cards and presentations, but this is a PEOPLE business. It's YOU, and your professionalism that got you this listing. This is a PEOPLE business and a personal business.
Thank you for a great post and a perfect reminder of this. Good luck with the listing.
Margaret, This story speaks volumes about your ability to convey your professionalism and leave a lasting impression. I wish we could do "coming soon" in our state but I don't think the Northwest Multiple approves that kind of thing. It does the heart good when someone is either referred to you or returns as a client after a few years. You know you're doing something right!
Sally, Thanks for your comments and understanding how important to understand follow up.
Steve, i am glad that I wrote about this.
And look,this just got a featured gold star. Thank you moderators..Did you not read this? Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars
Paul Francis, We are going to be very hard to replace.
Nancy, Foreclosures are marketed a bit different. Interesting to get an offer before a price is established.
Linda, You are so right. Kindness goes a long way.
Jennifer, I had that licence plate before I even got into real estate. Just added the web address to the plate holder.
Terri, Yes, it is apparent when we love what we do! Thank you.
Judi, What a good lesson..."what we do follows us around..."
Neal, You do Get by Giving! Thanks for sharing with us.
Kris, We all love affirmations. Thanks so much.
Al, Thank you, I appreciate your comment.
Tom, You did a good job the first time and special people remember.
Wayne, You are so right! We never know where we will meet good people. Being prepared is important.
Ruth, Thanks! I am just glad I got to the gas station before I ran out.
Jeff, I have another showing tomorrow and a call back from an agent with some serious interest.
Gena, you have such a nice way with words.
Patricia, Wow, thank you for remembering.
Jessica, Thank you. We are always on "duty".
Tracey, And a yes, yes to you. This is a people business. It is wonderful to have such good people in our lives! Thank you for the comment.
Bryant, Good idea to keep your phone number. Mine is the same from my single days and you know how long I've been married.. 14326 days.
Scott, Thanks! You might want to read Yes, I DO!
Irene, I appreciate this comment: " It does the heart good when someone is either referred to you or returns as a client after a few years. You know you're doing something right!"
Lola, How true ! "A lot of success is simply continuing to do the right things well, consistently, over time. Eventually you reap the well deserved results."
Sarah and Brian, Over time we learn to meet the objections head on. I did suggest that the lawyer was welcome to call me while reviewing the listing agreement. It was not an easy decision for the sellers to go against the attorney's suggestion.
Margaret,
Congrats on the listing. That's what some realtors forget is that you never know where you might find your future client. Always impress it may take months or years to get them to contact you but your story proves they will. Great story.
Dacia, I like your name. Welcome to Active Rain. There are so many people who are willing to help you get started.
Ronda, Thank you. Those of us who are "seasoned" agents know that this is not "overnight" success but is built one client at time!
Bob and Carolin, Let;s all continue to make good impressions.
Bill, Glad you liked the cool story. Preparing clients for what is going to happen is what we all should be striving toward.