Why can't I do that for my clients?

I bought a house in July 2010 for 168,140.00 and the house across the street sold for 250,000.00. And I keep asking myself why can't I do that for my clients??? And it hit me like a ton of bricks... I know my market!!! I make my own decisions!!!! I was going for the deal... Another agent emailed the listing to me as we all do and I recognized the street name as one that I grew up near. The neighborhood has always been wonderful with strong neighbor connections. I went to look a the house and had an offer in an hour later. The seller countered and I accepted. After inspections I asked that $7,000.00 be credited at closing as I would rather have the work done than have the sellers do the work. So my price went form 180,000 to 173,000. AWESOME!!! I love it! How did I get it down to the 168,000.00??? I took my commission off the sale price.

So here leads to the question- why can't I do this for my clients?

1. I was willing to walk away if they didn't meet my expectations- I own my other house and had no intention of selling- it now is a rental.

2. I went in with vision- I was not looking for particular colors on the walls or the perfect kitchen. I went in knowing that I would do extensive work to the house.

3. I did not have to pay for any of my inspections- (after sending people business for over 10 years- this is their way of thanking me- thankfully) So I did not have anything invested, which helped the theory in being able to walk away...

4. I didn't have to discuss my purchase with anyone else- I agreed with myself;) I did ask my daughter if she liked the house and her response did carry some weight- but she has vision too! She loves the house and the location!

5. I was willing to put an additional $15,000.00 in the house before I even moved. (everything painted, new flooring, new garage door, added insulation in the attic, new windows, moved and installed new electrical wire service into the house and upgraded to 200 amps, all new light fixtures, etc... )

So now 6 months later- I bought a house put some work into and I now have $65,000.00 in equity.

Which now leads to the answer to the first question- Why can't I do this for my clients?

A. They fall in love with a particular house.

B. They don't take the time to have vision.

C. They don't always have the ability to walk away and stay in their current living situation.

D. They would rather spend more money so they can "just move in" and not have all the work done.

I take the time to discuss these options with all of my clients- so far none of them have followed my lead but there are a few of them thinking about it!

Have a wonderful day- I know I will!!!