I treat every new prospect as though they will be a lifelong client, but some situations just standout more.
A few years back I received an inquiry on my website from a military serviceman serving in Afghanistan.
He indicated he would be moving to our area in about 18 months but wanted to start learning about our market now.
I set him up a search for his particular needs and he then started to receive listing updates via his e-mail and then would e-mail any questions he may have.
After about 8 months, he referred his brother to me who also was serving in Afghanistan. I set up his search and we began to build our relationship.
The Start Of Our Trusting Relationship
About 6 months out from his scheduled transfer to our area, he really started getting serious about his home search. Several of his co-workers from around the country had already moved and had given him some advice on places to consider as a purchase prospect.
He mentioned to me a particular subdivision that many of his friends had recently purchased in that was new construction.
I personally felt the area was too far North of where he needed to be in connection to his work and I had serious concerns about the builder. I shared all of that with him but told him I would get him all the information he needed including pictures and plats.
I contacted the listing agent and he gave me the plat showing available lots, the subdivision covenants and restrictions, and available house plan choices. My customer then selected a lot sight unseen and I had the agent provide several pictures for him.
He then selected his house plan, made revisions, and we negotiated a contract. The home was scheduled for completion within a few weeks of his arrival with his family.
When Plans Change, Stress Can Happen
My customer and his wife did make a trip down shortly thereafter to explore the lot themselves and view some of the construction. They also viewed one of their friend’s homes, and were very happy.
I was told by the listing agent that at this point the design team would take over working with my customer, and assist in the selection of flooring, colors, fixtures, etc.
I continued to contact my customer who said they were working with the team and all seemed fine. I also made frequent inquires with the listing agent to make sure progress was coming along.
I then discovered that they had not started clearing the lot let alone pour the foundation due to not being able to get the permits approved yet!
I was stunned and told him that I felt there was more to it as it doesn’t take that long to get permits. I informed my customer and he contacted the builder as well. They gave him some assurance that all would be taken care of but it may be 6 weeks behind!
My customers finally arrived on a Sunday afternoon and drove up to see how their home was coming.
The lot had been cleared but nothing else was done! They were furious with the builder, as was I. They wanted out of their contract as the builder has failed to perform according to the contract timeline.
Now What Will We Do?
I told them that I knew a great builder that I felt we needed to go and speak with and see their options.
I picked them up the very next morning and we spent the day looking a few other places and then went to the subdivision I had originally thought would work best for them.
They loved the area and it was much closer to his work.
We found a home in the final stages of construction that they both fell in love with, and…two of their friends were building behind them!
We went and negotiated the deal and within four weeks they were completely moved in and thrilled with their new home!
They told me they wished they had listened to me in the beginning and were so grateful that I knew where to find what they wanted.
My Lifelong Client
They continue to stay in contact with me and often contact me for information or recommendations, and send me referrals.
Why do they continue to keep in touch? Because they trust me as their Realtor.
Trust is something you earn and it is priceless!
Because I knew the market, and had my client’s best interests at heart, they were able to trust me when things didn’t go according to plan.
I have gained a lifelong client because of this and am so grateful to have them in my life.