Your Success Is My Business

Funny Thing About Real Estate

When helping my clients, I draw from a lot of tools and resources, and one that always comes in handy (at the appropriate time) is a sense of humor.

Keep It Real

Throughout this site, I highlight how buying and selling real estate is a big decision, how complex and time-consuming it can be, etc., but it is also true that it can at times be stressful. In order to try and be completely honest, I sometimes tell my clients in the beginning of the process (especially first-timers) how difficult things can become so they are not taken by surprise (forewarned is forearmed). And even when I say that there could be problems, they are still surprised when the inevitable speed bumps crop up in their path. 

This is where a positive attitude and sense of humor come in. My philosophy is to try to remain upbeat and to help you ENJOY the home search and make it FUN for you! To LOVE showing off your beautiful home and be TICKLED with how many offers you receive!

Most deals have a happy ending. You get a better deal than you initially thought, you can afford more than you thought, things were easier than you expected, the perfect buyer shows up, you get multiple offers, etc. JOY!

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Don't Get Stuck

The home buying and selling process is a journey, and it is important not to get bogged down in too many details or to focus too much on something that is not a high priority. I am not saying ignore something of high importance; what I am saying is don't jeopardize something of high importance for something low down on the priority list.

You may even need to think outside of the box a bit (it is usually best not to get into the box in the first place). Don't be surprised to find that by the end of a home search, you fall in love with something entirely different from what you started out dreaming of OR you decide it's okay to leave behind your old refrigerator, lighting fixtures, etc. for the new buyer because they don't work in your new home!

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Expect the Unexpected 

I was showing properties to a prospective buyer in a condo development, and as we walked from place to place, we were being followed by someone's cat. Finally we went to the last home on the list. I allowed the buyer to enter first and made sure to shut the door securely behind me so Mr. Cat would not follow inside where he did not belong. As I was pointing out features in the kitchen, the front door burst open and in walked Mr. Cat! And I mean BURST open! It was not the wind and no one else was around to open the door. The friendly feline came inside like he owned the place (but this was not his home) and I had to grab the big fellow before he could find a secure hiding place. I successfully and safely caught him and escorted him from the premises. The buyer and I could only look at each other and laugh at the odd and unexplained experience with this "house cat"!

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Fear Factor

In my experience, there are a few fears my clients have in common:

• Fear of paying too much/selling for too little

• Fear of not finding what they want in a new home

• Fear of not qualifying for the loan they want

• Fear that their real estate agent or other participant is not being honest with them

• Fear of compromising too much

• Fear of being surprised in the shower by an unprofessional realtor showing their home unannounced
  

While I can't really tell you to NOT be afraid, I CAN help you to put all these worries into perspective and help you take some baby steps toward your goals. These baby steps help you to not jump too far ahead in the process and right into fear and/or into the very mud puddle you are afraid of. But just in case you get mud on you, I have some clean towels and a sense of humor to share. And if need be, I will jump in and get muddy with you. We are in this together!