What a week in the pressure cooker of real estate!
I was waiting for a lunch date today when a client called. My last phone conversation with this client ended on what he thought was a negative note and he called to say that he appreciated the hard work I was doing to sell his listing and that he valued my efforts. That's all it took for the tears to flow. A week of frustration came out right there in the restaurant. My lunch date showed up, saw my face and thought someone had died.
My frustrations include several escrows disrupted by appraisal issues. One escrow, only 2 days from closing, had a desk review of the appraisal that came in 15% below the purchase price!!!! The mortgage broker, dumbfounded, talked with the underwriter who admitted the desk review was done by someone who used "public records," had no access to our MLS or comps and was not a licensed appraiser.
The underwriter, not wanting to disrespect the company that does their desk reviews, refused to deal with this problem. We are working it out, but not without A LOT of frustration and nail biting.
In another instance, I had a client let me know she decided to list with another office because "a friend who knows a lot about selling houses told her that it was a good idea to use the other office." Ouch! I did let her know I have sold more listings so far this year than any other agent, but I know how convincing friends can be, so gave up on trying to win her back. You win some, you lose some.
I could go on with one hurdle and disappointment after another, but what's the point. Every real estate professional is running up against trying situations that call for diligence, perseverance, ingenuity and prayer, so I wouldn't be telling you about anything you probably haven't experienced yourself.
Along with the frustration, there has been a lot of joy. I had the honor of handing the keys to a first time home buyer last week. A lovely lady who purchased her first home and was beyond happy and thrilled with her purchase. I had the pleasure of giving keys to another first time home buyer this week who had a huge smile and thanked me profusely and I closed today on a home for a couple relocating from out of the area. All were happy with their home purchases and thanked me for my hard work.
My job is the greatest. I love it most of the time. Even when it's frustrating, difficult and I'm dealing with people who make no sense (desk reviews [with no comps] of appraisals done by licensed appraisers), I focus on the fact I am learning how to be a better professional with each hurdle I maneuver.
Have a wonderful weekend and find time to decompress.
Thank you for stopping by. Your comments on this post are welcomed and appreciated.
No one sold more homes in Del Norte County in 2009, 2010 and 2011--*in units sold and volume--than Fran Gatti. Put Fran to work for you!
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Fran: incredible that the underwriter's desk review would use public record to get comps...they better stick with the opinion of a licensed appraiser. On the other side congratulation on the other sale.
Hi Fran, If it was easy, anyone could do it. There are so many things that can go wrong with a transaction these days.
WoW and I thought my week was bad. Have a peaceful weekend.
Fran
When you are the best at what you do, these things are bound to happen. Nothing really seems too easy these days!
But it appears that you just keep working, praying, and moving forward!
Well done!
I have to say that writing about it somehow helps.
In Real Estate you can have some bad days. In more than a single year I have had 6 or more transactions colapse on a single day. I usually leave because it is impossible to work. The next day I have always been in a frame of mind to fix the majority of the problems.
Tim,
When I woke up this morning, I knew I was weepy and shouldn't go to work, but had a closing that needed tending to, got dressed and went to the office. I have floor tomorrow as well, but I think I am ready to jump the hurdles again. If I had 6 escrows collapse in one day, I would faint.
Keep it up. RE needs more people who truly care and will persevere to solve the problems. And re: the listing you lost...real estate AGENTS sell home, not offices. Her loss, not yours.
Fran -
Could have been worse....the non-appraiser cold have used Zillow.
Then there is the old saw:
Be thankful for the problems associated with your job - they account for over half of your income. Were it not for those problems someone could be found to do what you do for half of what you are paid.
Fran, weeks like this make you wonder why we sell real estate. On the other hand, think of all the new listings you will have in 2010 and all the great people you are going to meet. If this was easy, everyone would be a realtor.
Very well said, Fran.
I have actually left listing appointments and cried.
The sellers are upside down, have a true hardship and it is so sad.
Then there are the appraisal issues.
My daughter said to me recently, "Where is the Joy?"
The joy is like you said, finding the truly appreciative ones and handing them the keys.
Fran... I think your candor will always keep you successful. It's obvious that you put your heart into your business and that will keep you going even when times are tough.
Fran... I think your candor will always keep you successful. It's obvious that you put your heart into your business and that will keep you going even when times are tough.