I was referred a client beginning of 2011 that was "thinking" about buying a home. She was not sure where she wanted to live since she was fairly new to the Sacramento area. We talked briefly and I had advised her of the first steps that she needed to take. I referred her to a loan officer Jim Hanson of Comstock Mortgage and hoped that she would then get pre-approved for a home loan.
After following up a few times, I figured she just might not be ready and also touching base with Jim the loan officer finding out she had not returned phone calls to him either. Life gets busy and we move on hoping that when clients are "ready" they would call you directly.
It's now summer time and my phone rings and the call is from Jim. He tells me, "Hey Joy, remember our client? Well she finally called and she is pre-approved!" I was excited because so much time had past, that I almost forgotten that I had to follow up with her. I quickly thank Jim and I dial the client's phone number. Her first response was 'Wow, you move fast, I just got off the phone with Jim." I went on to catch up with her briefly and schedule the buyer's consultation.
My days have been busy and schedule kind of tight, so the next time I was able to meet my client, I had to juggle my schedule around. The night before our appointment time, I get a call that she has to cancel and re-schedule. I tell her not to worry and that I can meet her when she was next available. She then advised me it would be Thursday at 6:30PM. I told her that I would see her then.
Wednesday of that week I was stuck working late at the office catching up on my files. Our office usually close by 5:30PM and the building then usually is locked. About 6:30PM an agent walked in and said "Joy you have a client outside waiting for you?" I said I was not expecting anyone so I went out to check. My poor client had mixed up the days and came a day early for the appointment. I told her not to worry because I can see she felt terrible. I told her I just would make a quick phone call home to let my family know I was running late. She thanked me and apologized and I told her since she was already here, we might as well make the most of it.
We then proceeded to talk about her goals and wishes for her dream house. At this time my client pulls out a list. The list reads "My Taj Mahal" The list was long with details of what she envisioned her perfect home to be. At that point I was a little nervous. I never had a client draw up a wish list before. I usually have to ask many questions for my clients to really narrow down what they are looking for in a home.
As I was reviewing the list I was truly getting nervous because I was not sure we could find something she was looking for in the price point she wanted to stay in. I told her I would do my best and we would begin from there.
That Friday night we went to look at a house and my client was thoroughly disappointed when we got there. The property wasn't nearly as nice as the pictures online, nor did the pool look anything like it should be. One of the top priorities my client wanted was definitely a swimming pool. I told her we would go back out looking at homes the next morning and not to worry.
That night I was determined to go through the available properties on the MLS to see what fits her criteria. I strike upon a listing that right away my gut instincts tell me this is "THE" house for my client. I look up the listing agent and realize it's with an agent I had done an escrow with in the past. I send him a quick email and confirm the status and sure enough it's available. I could not sleep that night thinking how excited that this could be the home for her. I still gather a few more listings, just in case...
I pull up to the property and I see my client standing outside. I was a bit alarmed because I thought maybe I was late since she looked as if she had been there waiting for some time. I greeted her and asked her if she had been waiting long and she said she actually was early because she wanted to scope out the neighborhood. As I try to get the keys out from the lock box my client says "Joy, if the house is as nice on the inside as it is on the outside, I think this maybe the one." I was shaking with excitement because when I did pull up to see this cute house, I could already feel the positive vibes that it truly was the one for her.
I opened the door wide and my client walked in and this house was gorgeous. Everything about it was open and inviting and so many wonderful characteristics about it. The look on my client's face as she glowed walking through the home was just priceless. I then proceed to tell her "You know I am not a pushy salesperson at all, but if you don't jump on this opportunity, we might not find something else quite like it" She immediately responded "Joy I was about to tell you that I don't want to look at anymore homes, THIS IS THE ONE!"
Thrilled and excited we rush back to the office and write the offer. We both just can't believe how beautiful and perfect the house is. From the size, to the location, floor plan and the gorgeous back yard with the sparkling pool! It's as if she has her own resort right in the backyard!
I tell my client the reality of response times on bank owned properties. I told her that I will submit her offer now, banks will probably review it Monday and likely we will get an update Friday. She was so excited, but I am sure could not stand waiting till Friday.
3 days later on Tuesday my phone rings from the Listing Agent. He says "Hey Joy, does your buyer still want the house?" I reply "Yes more than anything!" He then responds, "Your client got the house, the bank accepted her offer!" I literally jump up and down in the halls of the office with my excitement! I thank the listing agent and quickly call my client to share the news!
I call my client and tell her the awesome news and she is literally in tears! I am so happy she didn't have to wait much longer and most of all that her offer was accepted.
30 days later, I was able to present the keys to my client. Special Thanks also to Jim Hanson of Comstock Mortgage for his diligence and hard work on this smooth escrow. My client definitely was still in so much shocked that it happened so quickly! =) She found a gorgeous home in a wonderful neighborhood and in her budget. I am so honored to have helped her find the perfect home! When it was meant to be, it just IS meant to be!
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment