Throughout my real estate career, I have truly been blessed with amazing clients. Believe me when I say that having fabulous clients is everything in real estate.
You spend countless hours with them, and you are guiding them through the biggest purchase of their life… there are tears, there is drama and sometimes there are moments no one is proud of. And at the end of it, there are genuine friendships. #rideordiefriends
I have learned a lesson from each and every client I have encountered, so here are the best of the best… and they just happen to come from some of the most well-dressed (yup, that rhymed).
1. Best friends come in all ages…
Some stories start out sad. Three years ago, I had just lost my dad unexpectedly and was struggling with the reality of never being able to speak with him again. Around the same time, I was showing houses to Ron and Loretta, a sweet couple who would change my life. I met with them on a very cold day, and like most first-time meetings with an agent, it can be a little awkward. My charm was slower than normal that winter, but I remember making small talk with Ron as we toured the house. Ron could have been my dad’s twin, and he just happened to share many of the same traits, including speaking Czech and having an amazing blend of a little grumpiness mixed with a lot of humor. In the midst of our conversation, he started talking about his dog, Buddy, who, you’re not going to believe this, is a black and brown wiener dog, just like my three! Ron showed me a picture of Buddy that he kept in his wallet (I mean, how freaking cute is that?!) and my heart melted. Clearly, if you have a wiener dog, I will love you unconditionally.
The best part of the showing was when I walked into the kitchen and there was Ron’s wife, Loretta. There are no adequate words to describe Loretta, but I’ll try… amazing, inspiring and knows how to accessorize with the best of them. And did I mention she’s in her 80’s? Loretta and I still lunch monthly and she has truly become a part of my heart and soul. I look back on that day and know I didn’t meet Ron and Loretta by accident… they were definitely sent by my dad.
2.There is no stronger bond than that built over a pair of shoes…
Last summer, I had the good fortune of working with Robbie; funny, laid-back and super nice, he is everything you could ask for in a client. During the course of his house hunting, Robbie would bring along accomplices, including his amazing girlfriend and his entire Italian family. Now most agents will admit that significant others and families can make the house search a little more difficult, but not Robbie’s. His just made it better and better!
One day as we were looking at a house, my eye happened to catch Robbie’s girlfriend’s Adidas sneakers, which were completely #onpoint. I have always had a soft spot for sneakers and have quite the collection (shocking, I know). As the three of us conversed about Adidas sneakers, my heart grew and grew. And every showing after that, we all made sure to put our best footwear forward. I don’t get to see Robbie as much as I would like to, but I have no doubt that the next time I see him his shoes will be perfection.
3. Hashtags say it #better…
Anyone who knows me knows my love of hashtags runs deep. Most of my texts are hashtags and if I could write this entire blog in hashtags, I would. #trust. But with the reality of being an adult and a professional, I have to keep my hashtags at a minimum. #sigh.
Then this past spring came Tyler. From the moment I met him I knew, I would like him. He was kind of quiet, but was wearing great jeans and there is nothing I admire more than a pair of good-fitting jeans. So after a few showings, I felt like we had come far enough that I could show him the real me… the hashtag side of me. Tyler accepted me instantly, and even tried to include a hashtag in my review on Zillow (Zillow denied the hashtag :/ ). I plan to send random hashtag texts to Tyler for years to come.
And last, but certainly not least…
4. Life is too short to be basic…
I am all for standing out and being your own person. And clearly, the most endearing parts of each of us are the unique things about us, the things that separate us from everyone else. Some people are super smart or funny or have fabulous personalities… or really great hair. For me, it’s good style sense. Then there are those people who have all of the above.
Enter two of my recent clients. From head to toe, they are flawless, including what’s on the inside. Recently, we were touring some new construction condominiums downtown, and while looking at the available finishes, were shocked to find out that the countertops were laminate. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with laminate, but for the price tag of these condos, we were half certain the countertops would be made of solid gold! As I picked up a sample of the laminate and turned it over, I saw the name on the back of it was “Basic.” It could not have been more fitting. Two life lessons were learned here: don’t ever settle for being basic and definitely don’t overpay for a house.
I literally could write pages about all of the things I’ve learned from my clients, and I could not be more excited to get the chance to meet amazing people day after day. I tend to learn things in life the hard way, but thankfully, these lessons came so easy and with so much style.
Feel free to share your love of houses, handbags or Adidas with a comment below (please incorporate as many hashtags as possible)!
No matter what stage of life you’re in, P.J. Morgan Real Estate is here for you. We offer commercial sales, leasing, and property management; residential sales, leasing and property management; business brokerage and real estate auction services. We’re with you for life.
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I think I’m a little bit in love with Ron. Bless his sweet heart for loving his dog so much. And I’m grateful he came to you at a time when you most needed him – sent from your dad.