Balancing time is a crucial part of of a professionals' life and keeping that balance takes hard work and effort. We take leaps, bounds and long strides to do our best in thinking in the best interests of our clients.
All of us go through stressful situations. The bottom line is "No matter what it is all in the manner of how I handle the situation".
This is how the last week has gone for me:
Client's arrived on July 17 from Bonita Springs, Florida and I have showing appointments for the next day 18th, and we view 10 properties. After the home inspector had finished and I was having the client's sign for receipt of the Association documents he stops and looks at me and says, "Sally, I just want you to know that I really appreciate you working hard for me while we've been here. And I just want you to know that I have noticed the little things you do." He then mentioned that it's not all about sales and that I really made them feel like it was a nice journey and not just a sale. (can't remember those exact words although the basic meaning is there)
I just about cried. It was hard to show people property who are from Florida where they have seen a decline in the market and convince them it is not the case here. After we crossed that obstacle we were in a situation of the other home "looking real bad" from the first time they saw it. Now they are happy.
Between all the happenings of this transaction and Mr. "W's transaction I worked in the office all week (and was able to arrange with my broker to leave at certain times to accomodate these clients) because the other admin lady is on vacation in Ireland! I'm tired.
They are on their way to the airport as I am writing this. Funny, I got "attached" ....again. The daughter is actually my client. She is in Iraq and coincidentally knows my other client John and they have crossed paths as well over there. My "Clients are dad and sister".
She'll be home soon to a wonderful townhouse.
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
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A Hawaii Real Estate and Relocations Blog. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs your best interests are at the core of every transaction.
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Sis, your pictures are SO PRETTY!! How do you ever get any work done with all that beauty leaping out at you all the time? I'd just sit and stare, I swear!
Sally-You go girl! It sounds like your business is kicking in! I am so jealous....I always think I live in Paradise until I see your posts or videos.
Hi Sally -- You are a fantastic blogger. Thanks for the post and the quick trip around our beautiful Island. Aloha
Excellent Sally! Yes, it's the little things that people notice the most in a good agent. It's not ALL about the money and the sale...and it's great that you are able to show that. Congrats on Mr. W's closing and on this sale! You ROCK!
You also do admin work in your office as well as selling? I would love to hear more about this.
Oh, Sarah...sure and glad you're back....need the balance on AR with ya here! Mom counseled me over email :)
I love Hawaii....when I need a break from all the monotony in my life...on AR I have that to fall back on. You "sound" so happy and I'm so happy you are staying with the RE. I knew you would have some kind of connection out there without the "noise".
Sally,
I love that you allow us to visit Hawaii! You sooo make me want to go there....I'm like you I get attached to clients. :)
Beautiful post, Sally. It's wonderful that so much of your business is based on referrals. Shows how much you are admired and appreciated and TRUSTED.
Unfortunately I couldn't get the video to turn on....hmmm. I'm too tired tonight to figure out what on my browser is stopping it from playing, so I'll have to watch it tomorrow.
((-:
Jo
Midori: You have beautiful beaches and scenery as well (In Florida) and business has been pretty steady.
Bruce: Thanks for dropping by our office more and I'm sooo happy you're doing better.
Mary: Thanks Mary! I have been working part time 2.5 days (Mon, Fri full days and Thurs half day) for the last three and half years. Seems the admin girls would always not be the "right" one for not only admin but support for the office and agents. I've taught a lot to the other part time lady as well. Plus I do a lot of techie stuff......keeping up our property management listings etc as well as our sales..okay. This will get really long. Bottom line, I am 24/7 real estate and happy helping out the admin side (PT employee) and my sales have always been good. Where do I find time to blog? My kid's are adults (25/26), I feed the dog after a long day and plant my behind here in between house duties etc. (Plus I have a wonderful hubbie who really helps out)
I got exhausted for you! I decided yesterday that I'm going to have to share one of my buyers with another agent because I just can't handle the long hours they demand. And feeling appreciated makes all the difference in the world!
Suzanne: That's ok.....sometimes it makes for a good agent. After the home inspection I ran to Home Depot and got Mr. W new blinds and had then cut to size (yes, I took measurements). I'm beat but nice to be here .....staying away from the drama today....and maybe forever...haha!
Jo-Anne: Click video twice to run. And seems my whole year has been like that...enough for me between sales and office.
Lisa: I do that all the time...because of "you know what". I'm physically drained at this point. Makes all the difference in the world with a happy client
Sally, a tiring but well appreciated week. Those pictures are absolutely beautiful; I sure wish we had a few beautiful mountains on this lovely Island! Sounds like it's time to play!
Sally - It is so wonderful when your clients notice the difference you bring to the transaction. They will forever be your client!
Carole: Come visit Carole...you can situate my house for me....I need more energy in here right about now...lol!
Paula: I love my work. I love the feeling inside that I get when people appreciate my hard work. Makes it all worthwhile.
Nicely done!
Sounds like an appreciative client. It makes your day when that happens.
Jeff: Thanks for checking it out jeff!
Randy: Hard one at first....
WooHoo: what a beautiful video--and a beautiful 10 days! Hard work and good people always equal A+
Thanks for sharing. Gosh I want to go to Hawaii some day....
Kat: That's a good slogan....I like that...thanks kat...you're always around to support everyone.
Sally.... need a vacation? Did you ask Chris Griffith if she knows your clients, since they are from her area. Lastly.... great video. So relaxing. Did you take the video? The scenery was fantastic and breath taking...
Jeff: My vacation is a day off tomorrow. First day off in 10 days. I'm way ahead of you....as soon as they got here I had her send me business cards....she also sent decals .....my client's are on their way back with her card/decal in hand. Those were ALL my own pictures.
video... so cool.... I loved the water and mountain shots. And in regards to your cards and decals, I know you were a smart cookie. ;o)
I love cookies....mmmmm.
My favorite.... chocolate chip and peanut butter chips.... ;o) And you?
Fresh out of the oven toll house. Now...ice cream...hagaan daz macadamia nut brittle...I can power a pint in one sitting while we're watching tv. lol. Okay...how'd we get to food lol
Sally, GREAT pictures...and they're yours! Your clients have to love you. See my short blog today about my first Tucson realtor--the two of you must be peas in a pod!
Well, look what came through the "Bonita Springs" alert. Way to go Sally.
Sally,
I absolutely loved the video! It brings back lots of memories of our trips to Hawaii!
Thanks,
Lucky :)
Sally Congrats girl! Great Show too! I forgot about Rabbit Island, I always wanted to swim out there and check it out. Has Ala Moana always had a marina? I don't remember? I used to go to the beach there a lot tho! Ah the memories!
What a beautiful show Sis! I'm on a mission from God to visit someday.
By the way, great job just being you!!!
Excellent show ! I want to come visit your state, it is on my 100 things to do before you die list.
Sally-This is a beautiful post! You do the extra things to make your clients happy. You truly have the ' How can I serve today' attitude. It is all about them , not us and that really shows in your actions. Your true colors show in your AR posts as well. And you are appreciated. I am always amazed at what a great AR following you have. When I get to your blog, which I subscribe to, there are always like 30 people who already commented! That is not counting all the people who read and did not comment.
Beautiful video of Oahu. Like Midori, we call this Paradise but it is not compared to Hawaii. Yes, we have beautiful beaches, but it is miserably hot in the summer and it lacks the Aloha spirit. My favorite parts of your posts are your videos and photos of Hawaii! Those are truly treasures you share!
You are so good when you were able to convince your clients that the market is different than here in Florida. Believe me, different right now! You have clients, here most agents are leaving the business! Thank you for another lovely post. Katerina
Just show them the comps and they will see it is a different makret than ours.
Sally--Now everyone will want to come and visit you...OK they all ready do! :) You are always the true professional and handle your clients and transactions with class. Thanks for sharing! My prayers, thanks and best wishes to your clients who are serving in Iraq and may they stay safe!
Hey Sally, busy week? :) Sounds like you did a great job with your clients...like always. I get attached too, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
Loved the video and pictures!!!
Mike: Thanks..okay.
Chris: I knew you'd be by if I typed in Bonita Springs..haha.. Anyway, they're home already...with your card/decal in hand!
Lucky: You're welcome...I like doing the RES for you all!
Lysa: Yup....I wouldn't swim out there.
Jason: Thanks little bro. One day we'll meet ....HERE>.....haha.
Missy: That's neat...come!
Katerina: Thanks and hey...it all worked out in the end.
Neal: 3 times...and had to let them do their thing.
Teri: Thanks Teri! I especially love these client's. When we were talking about her on one of those days I started tearing up!
Stephanie: Nah....I love that part of my job...of course there are times we get the "all business" ones...that's okay too.
Your posts could really inspire an empty nester like me to visit or move to Hawaii. Beautiful! And I enjoyed your little digest of a week with Sally Cheeseman
Margaret: (do people have a nickname for you?) Yeah, stressful....and it gets to the point I had a bad hair day as well. In the end I am enjoying my first day off in 10 days ...just commenting with my cup of Kona Vanilla Creme coffee!
Sally - it has been a busy 10 days for me too.... I did take Saturday with my hubby - and boy did it feel great - saw a movie - went to wal-mart - groceries.... hang out on the deck - and took the dog swimming.... and to think.... today I am cleaning house and catching up with my favorite people.... just to start another 10 day run tomorrow.... I am enjoying some chocolate macadamia nut coffee while I check out a few posts :o)
Isn't it wonderful when our clients become friends and they recognize that we don't do what we do for the money. There is such joy when we facilitate a home purchase, especially when we are appreciated in the process.
Thanks too for the tour aroung Oahu. It brought back some sweet memories. Is Rosie's still on the North shore?
Thesa: I had Kona Mac Vanilla Creme...yummy.
Marlene: That's why we sleep good at night.
Sally- Isn't this the second clients who have moved from Florida to Hawaii? That is such a big jump and a long journey but one that I would make any day! I told my family that when I go see my grandfather in CA, that I may just jump on a plane to Hawaii and never come back:)