Roxanne Skeie Hillard SFR Real Estate Metro and Suburbs Real Estate Minnesota

This morning I woke, or lay-ed under the covers, not wanting to get up... not wanting to see anyone. Why, cause it's my birthday and though I'd like someone to say it, I don't want it because my expectations have dwindled and maybe so my self worth in this Topsy turfy environment. So I do, (get up) to the quiet, they have all gone (but one sleepy grand baby soon to turn 5). Kick into gear with the real estate, get the paper work done for the short sale package. Time is of the essence. You're needed at school by 8:40 am don't be late...daughters on the Worship team and she wants you there...(see is singing and playing the keyboard...hearts desire). So the grandchild almost made it all the way through... Back home, get to work time is of the essence. keep the cell on silence, don't care to hear from anyone, you know it's my birthday. Then it breaks, all the well wishers get through anyway, ...I was good by myself feeling no pain.... Now here I am ..OK, so I ache, I am loved always had been just times are hard and it's not so easy to feel happy. That's why its so important to get through to the one you love or even know.. to give to them, to remind them life is worth living, that you are important and they you did make a difference. So many well wishers, how humbling, how precious, thank you more than you know. Thank you for not giving up on me... Thank you God, I know you won't give up on me.

I would love to share this very special gift my sister (number 6 of 6) sent me. Maybe you can do the same for someone important in your life. Blessing on this beautiful day the Lord has made.

copy and paste:

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5445334d5459334f4452384d546b354e4451344d7a553d0d0a&sb=1

Hey Maggie, I was compelled to read your post and most of the others as well. Found it fun, informative and quite the open learning forum... http://activerain.com/blogsview/1216113/thank-you-two-timing-buyer-.

Our broker has always encouraged us to make sure to 'get the signature' even if it's a one time showing. One recent situation I had was when a realtor called and asked me if I was working with a client who was standing in her open house, she said my client couldn't remember if she had signed a buyers/agent agreement form or not. She was planning on helping her and showing her other homes. Caught off guard, I said yes she was and then the agent asked me to fax 'the proof' to her. I asked to speak to the client. Usually clam; I was a bit shaken as over the past 4 mouths we had been working on getting there credit repaired so we could get them pre-approved. So now, every Tues and Wed we spend looking at foreclosures, short sales (probably over 50 homes) due to their affordability. We wrote offers, but not the highest and best. I know the client was getting nervous, time was running out, and they wanted to get out of their rental situation. BUT, I knew I was giving them above and beyond darn good service and continued educating them with the state of the market, why homes were said to be sold when still on the market, and the homes they drove by didn't meet the need they had. When I spoke to her on the phone I matter of fact, holding back my anger (which has not surfaced for a long time) stated, if you are not happy with my service it was not a problem, please find someone who would be able top give you the results you desire...I'm not into playing these kind of games...(I was mad and disappointed). I went into my family room and my families eyes were all staring at me almost in disbelief as they heard my interaction and the beast that came out of this mild mannered, yes maam, Minnesota nice realtor. I couldn't believe it, I felt like I was stabbed in the back and the heart! Fine, let it go....no more than 5 minutes passed when 'my client' called me, "Rox, don't send her anything! I don't want to work with her, and I just want to work with you." I said, "Ok, I'll set up showing for Tuesday and pick you both up at 2". End of conversation.

Next time the three of us went out again, I was professional and kind, laying it behind me. She was quiet and I wasn't moved. We had days again of writing PA, homes been already sold, only back up offers would be received. We finally agreed to expand our location. Homes started looking cleaner and a ray of hope came through. Cut to the chase... We now have an accepted offer on a home, not a foreclosure or short sale, nicer than any home we had looked at. Meets all their needs, move in ready and just in time so they don't have to sign a renter's commitment. They love me and I have the signed buyer's agreement from the first time I meet with them over four months ago.

The call came yesterday, "Now Rox, this doesn't mean we're done seeing you does it? I mean we can still get together and you can come visit with us right? :) (Thank you Lord! )

As we are all aware of the ever changing status in the underwriting world, has it occurred that maybe we need customers in order to have a job? It appears that we are 'throwing the bath water out with the baby' or another clique 'going from one ditch to another'. I do believe we will find balance again...somewhere down the road...but in the mean time customers are having to extend themselves to a supernatural patient level in order to comply with lenders, sellers, and underwriters.

My recent scenario presents itself as a flag just prior closing last week. It seems as though the sellers sold the property (in a pool or foreclosures) and now there is a cloudy title. In order to rectify this, buyers underwriters ask for cancellation of the original PA and a new signed PA with new date. Sellers underwriters can't understand, they do FHAs all the time and never had this. Now both sides are looking into the legality with their departments. AH HA, that's the key, we do this all the time and never had this problem! Change happens. As people who serve people we need to adapt to change and no matter how ridiculous it seems, take the extra steps and get the job done.

In this whole process (I'm still hoping to close maybe next week now) my concern is the anger and blaming that occurs when in fact just be the experienced professionals we are meant to be should and not pit each other against each other. We need to build up our network not tear it down. Be like gumby (for those of you old enough to remember this little green bendable guy) and MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

How's your outlook? Although seemingly grim or fantastic, circumstances are all around you concerning our market and the chatter that comes with it (and if you live anywhere North we're not talking just about the chatter that results from the cold). I believe the times we live in can be overcome. How? Honesty, the Truth and a Right Attitude. People are looking for the truth, not just dreams or tell me what I want to hear but the bottom line, "Where am I at and how do I go from here." As agents we are here to inform and work, work hard on our clients behalf. My daughter who is now 25 told me that as a teenager she wasn't looking for answers or for me to fix things for her, she just wanted to be heard right or wrong. Our clients just need to be heard right or wrong and then we need to acknowledge their concerns disappointments, and fears. We don't need all the answers but we do need wisdom in able to help and to keep us honest and truthful. What is the number one golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" We're dealing with other peoples lives, real estate wealth and peace of mind. Once we have informed people of the options, then they will beable to see for themselves the avenues they need to take. P.S. We all need hugs

This home is now sold on a short sale. As a short sale, REO specialist I can assist you to sell and understand the process and uniqueness of todays market. For more informations on listings available call me at (763)548-1461. SOLD Beautiful, split level, 2 car garage with deck. Well cared for home in location, location, location perfect part of Maple Grove. 3+ bedroom, beautiful yard with fenced in backyard. Day care ready. Watch for future post and pictures.