Ok, without further fanfare.....
My first listing in the business three years ago was a crash course, I fondly look back at it as my "Difficult Client 101 course".I took an overpriced listing on a four bedroom home in a local neighborhood. This was after the homeowner waffled about doing FSBO... I was so excited to get the listing and went all out. Taking pictures, making a home book, welcome signs, the Perfect Flyer, and making sure the MLS was spot on!
My client fancied himself as a contractor. He had replaced several floor surfaces and counters in the home with a mismatched mess of carpet, tile, hardwoods and granite tiles. EVERYONE who toured the home during broker's opens and public open houses commented on the uncomfortable feel of the home. It just did not flow, many thought. As a new agent, how was I to tell "Mr. Handyman" that his home remodel was a mess?
Well, after a Broker's Open where I handed out envelopes of cash, cookies, sandwiches, and flyers, and a few months of little activity, I asked for a price reduction. Oh, did I mention the green water mosquito filled above ground swimming pool in the back yard? The seller did not want to reduce the price more than $500 dollars! A month later, my client was "drunk dialing" me at midnight, complaining about my service and lack of salesmanship to sell his home.
I was so stressed out, thinking I was doing 110% to sell this home and my wife stopped me. She asked me my I was giving so much time and attention to this "black hole" of a house that was not going to sell at that high price, and it that terrible condition. She was right. I called my client that day and FIRED MYSELF!!!!!!!
Man what a relief. I looked a few months later and that house was back on the market AT THE SAME PRICE and sitting. At least it was not my envelopes of cash this time!!!
I now know that we are professionals, and, as such, do not accept overpriced listings or extremely difficult clients....but if you do..............follow these rules!!!!
I stopped by King's buffet today in Marysville for the Sunday Seafood Brunch. I had the two little ones and My 11 year old daughter as well. Mom and my 14 year old were at the Mariner's game watching them, CRUSH the Yankees (GO M'S!!!!).... So I was hanging out with the other three and had a great brunch at the all you can eat Marysville King's Buffet.
Located in an old bank right on State Street, King's Buffet welcomes hungry folks from around town. When we stopped by it was fairly empty, as we had missed the lunch rush. We arrived around 1:30 to a few families and a church group enjoying the buffet.
Now I am not much of a buffet guy, as I am always concerned about germs and sneeze guards, etc...BUT this buffett was terrific. Tons of great food, great tastes, lots of variety, and something for everyone. Even the little ones had their fill of fresh fruits, breads, meats, and, of course DESSERTS!!!
My 11 year old daughter loves shrimp, so I was excited to see that many of the dishes had large amounts of tasty shrimp. She told me that the dishes were good, and she certainly had her fill of shrimp by the time we left!
Service was good, as we were seated quickly and drinks were quickly served. We would definitely go here again!
I highly recommend Kings Buffet in Marysville. They have a lunch special during the week for under $7!!!
Enjoy!
Jim
Jim O'Day
RSVP Real Estate
425-359-2708
Sometimes clients come to you from the strangest places. The moral of this story below is this:
Our Real Estate office was having a food drive at a local supermarket. I was out front collecting food when I just happened to look up to witness two vehilces coliding in the supermarket parking lot. I walked over to the "crash site" to see if I can help. I approach the driver who was run into. She is shaken up and very upset. The person who crashed into her is yelling and blaming her for the accident. I call 911 and stay with the drivers. After a while, insurance info is exchanged and the police arrive. I give the driver my business card and ask for her info in exchange.
I stayed in touch with her for 6 months before she called me out of the blue one day. She wanted my help in buying a condo! Of course I have worked to foster that relationship during those 6 months. Pop by's, cards, and phones calls monthly. It paid off! I was able to help her find the perfect condo and we proceeded to close, as they say!
It just goes to show you that any moment could be the opportunity to increase your business. Put others first, "giver's gain" and all!
Jim O'Day
RSVP Real Estate
425-359-2708
Brandon and I enjoyed four fun filled hours playing paintball in Arlington last weekend. Skinny Joe's Paintball on the Burn Road in Arlington charges $30 a player for four hours of Paintball blasting fun! We had our guns, air, paintballs and protective gear all included.
Skinny Joe's field is split up into four different sections. All of the fields are unique and create a great experience for the newbie or the seasoned pro. Brandon and I had a blast, even though we were teamed up against some real pros. These guys showed up in full camo, with top of the line guns and accessories that would have made Rambo jealous! As novice players we felt part of the team and had a blast.
We blew through the paintballs and bought some more. Each game was about 10 minutes or so - until the last man (or woman) was standing. We went home with a bunch of extra paintballs, some bruises and a lot of good memories.
We highly recommend Skinny Joes! We will be back soon to get shot at, and, to be sure, get our shots in as well!
Jim
Jim O'Day
RSVP Real Estate
425-359-2708
Ok, sorry to mislead you. The title was tongue in cheek. When I first started Real Estate 3 years ago, I thought I needed to read books. Gary Keller, Jeffery Gitomer and other authors filled my days. I read The Millionaire Real Estate Agent three times! The Sales Bible sat by my bed for two months and I highlighted it, read it and re-read it.
Ok, after reading those books it was time for me to get started! I know it all, right? Ok, but one more book to make sure I had it figured out. If I did not know EVERYTHING, what if I looked stupid when a client asked a question? So there I was was reading just one more book. Problem was, that one more book turned into two or three.
Ok, now I was ready. I knew it ALL! I hit the road running and fell flat on my face. I ran into questions I had no answers for, and clients that didn't follow the book! I attended home inspections that found issues that I knew little about. How about the time my home inspector Paul (Who is the best, period! with A-Team home inspections!!!!!!) asked me to come out and look at the siding on a home. As I stood there, Paul easily and nonchalantly pushed his finger all the way through the siding! AGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! What do I do now?
I wanted to share that learning from books in great, but until you get into the meat and potatoes of real estate, you know nothing! I quickly learned that balance is important in real estate, as well as in life!
Read, learn, practice, learn more, read more, do more. I also learned that YOU NEVER KNOW IT ALL. My broker was always there to help and answer questions. If I dod not know an anwer, I never made it up. I made a phone call, shot off an e-mail or went to see someone I respected.
If it is slow at the office while I am on floor, I NEVER hang around the water cooler and complain about the terrbile market. Instead, I read. And only one book!
Jim O'Day
RSVP Real Estate
425-359-2708
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When you need a trusted advisor to provide guidance in your home sale or home search, I will be here to help. Call or email me anytime for "professional help"! Jim
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