The POWER of NO!!!

It has been a while since I have posted or written a blog however this I must share;not only to real estate agents but also to those that feel compelled to sometimes feel obligated.

There is a property that is in need to be sold, brief scenario, parents have passed away and the property was willed to the family. For a while now the one brother has contacted me several times to sell this property, unfortunately he suffered some health complications but has bounced back. Due to him being several hundred miles away we decided on a fair market price; a difference of several thousands of dollars they thought they may sell the property for. Hint, hint, the need for a REALTOR.

He informed me that the other brother, the one that lives local to me, will contact me so we can get the property on the market. I received the call, set up the appointment, even called to confirm the evening and the morning of; no response. Although I did not receive a call back I still went to the place we were to meet, no one home. Ok I waited for a while, called, and then left. The appointment was set at 4 p.m. and I received a call back at 4:45 from the brother asking where I was. Uhhhhhh.....Hmmmmmmm.

By this time it was rush hour traffic and I was already stuck in it. "Yeah, well we can reschedule our appointment, what do you charge?" he stated and then asked. "I need to sell the house in 30 days and I am only going to pay xxxxx" he said. I let him talk and then responded, "Mr. xxxxx, the price of the properties in that neighborhood is selling for xxxxx, and due to that price my fee is xxxxx. The next available time I have is next Monday or Tuesday, are you available mornings or afternoon?" I was rather irritated that he did not respect my time, however I have been informed that I have the ability to hide my emotions well.

"You need to come back now and then we will discuss what 'I' am willing to pay you", he demanded. I took a deep breath in and informed him I was stuck in traffic and I was now heading home to have dinner with my family, we can reschedule for another day. "You need to come back now!" he demanded again. "Mr. xxxxx,"I stated "Thank you for the opportunity of considering me to sell your property, however I feel we will not be a good business team and I have to decline the offer." There was complete silence on the other end of the phone, and then "But you have to!" I replied and enforcing my decision, "Mr.xxxx I stand by my decision and the answer is no." He responded, " I'm gonna talk to my brother about this and we'll get back to you." The conversation ended and I thought to myself I will not hold my breath waiting for the call back.

Did I lose a listing? Yes. Did I keep my sanity? Yes. I took a stand that many will not, and stood by what I am worth and what is valuable to me. If I would have gone back, that would have been a long road of many headaches to come. There was no respect of time or value, and I know what my time is worth, and what value I have to offer.

Please keep this word in your mind's eye, NO! Always ask yourself is it worth it? If you have doubt and have to ask this question there is a high probability your answer will be no.