I must admit, when I entered into this industry about a month ago I found myself asking, “I wonder what my first sale and my first clients will be like?” I worried it might be some horribly ugly situation, yet clung to the notion of beginner’s luck. Either way, thanks to my mentor and colleague Michael, plus a little bit of luck and circumstance, I didn’t have to wait very long to find out.
Let’s start the tale with the clients. I’m going to call them G & G for Grandma and Grandpa because that’s who they reminded me of. G & G lived in an old but charming home in the John Wanless neighbourhood. Upon meeting them for the first time I was immediately put at ease. Warm smiles to greet me, intelligent conversation, and what would a visit with G & G be without a few stories from the past?
Gramps’ mobility had become an issue and getting up the narrow staircase typical in many of these homes was beginning to become problematic. This is the saddest part of my tale, I promise. After speaking with their son and daughter-in-law, who had a peaked interest in real estate investments, they decided they would all like to buy a new condo for G & G to live in.
In the first couple of days following our original meeting, I tagged along with Michael as well as G & G to look at a few condos. One, which still had cigarette smoke lingering, was a great unit but the smell was too potent and costly to eliminate. After a few more days, Michael let me know he planned to leave the city on the upcoming weekend for a family event. Cue the luck and circumstance. Michael told me they may or may not want to see some condos on said weekend. I crossed my fingers that G & G would take me up on it. They seemed so nice, I wanted to do everything I could to help make things easier for them as well as for Michael.
So, one Saturday afternoon I took G & G to see another unit in a building we had seen before. Sometimes, there’s no hiding your joy (especially when you haven’t bought a house in 38 years). Gramps barricaded himself in the den of the condo and closed the door. Grams, while I was talking to the listing agent, hid behind the agent while secretly and inconspicuously trying to get my attention by using international sign language. It was too cute for words. Upon entering the den, negotiations between them were already taking place. I thought, “Uh oh…..Michael’s not here and they want to put in an offer now!?”
Thankfully I have another great colleague, Corinne, who was able to help us make sure the offer was done correctly. We are a small but mighty team. We presented the offer on Sunday evening, with negotiations lasting well past midnight. It was a long day, but in the end our lovely clients got the condo they had their hearts set on.
Here comes the best part of the tale. After dropping by a few days later to discuss next steps and get some waivers signed, Grams presented me with the best kind of remuneration. A freshly baked loaf of bread made from scratch. You just don’t get this kind of stuff everyday. There was probably 50 years of trial and error that went into making that bread. And let me tell you….it was as delicious as it sounds.
This tale reaffirms why I got into this business. Working closely with people is what I love to do. When your clients happen to be awesome and bake delicious goodies it just makes my job that much easier and more enjoyable. Just seeing their excitement, (and Grams’ sign language routine), was enough incentive to keep on this career path with all I have. Knowing this adorable elderly couple would still be close to their children, grandchildren, and their rescue dog Charlie only added to that feeling.
This tale also reaffirms why I’ve chosen to work under the Advocate Realty banner. We are a small team that is deeply invested in one another and our respective clients. It feels right that we work as a team and help each other without negotiating for something in return.
In the end, this is a very happy tale. I truly feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful team, and to have enjoyed such a great experience on my first sale. I hope this is the first of many, but no matter how many homes I sell in my career, I will always remember this experience with great joy!