Several years ago, just as we were about to step off the curb into the busy parking lot of the local Target, I attempted to take the hand of my almost three-year-old son when he announced to my husband and I, "I can hold my own hand!" And being obstinate and two, he did.
He put one chubby little fist inside the other behind his back and attempted to step off the curb and into traffic. Realizing his need for independence, we explained the dangers of his actions to him. (Hey Buddy...Drivers have no way of seeing a tiny person below their windows as they back up their cars.) We compromised. He was allowed to hold his own hand everywhere except busy parking lots and when crossing the street. Then he would be required to hold mommy or daddy's hand or hang on to the stroller for his own safety.
That precocious son will be heading off to college in a few weeks and the mom in me is again struggling as he "holds his own hand" and steps of the curb into his future. He doesn't need mom or dad to help with many things anymore. He is well prepared for the real world or at least this next part of it.
Holding your own hand is good in life but there are times when one must rely on a professional to help them through a new or difficult situation. As a real estate agent, I realize most clients want to "hold their own hand" through a transaction with the knowledge that when they will need to "step off the curb" I will be right by their side there ready to explain and guide them through every step of the process. Whether it is a question from a home seller at the time of listing the house about whether they should start looking for another home now or wait for an offer or a first time home buyer wondering whether a townhome or single family home would be a better investment, I am there ready to educate and assist. A good REALTOR® knows it is important for the client to make the decisions-it is our job to guide and educate our clients through the home buying or selling process.
Are you ready to step off the curb and need a good REALTOR® by your side?
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota..JPG)
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Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Teri, this is a wonderful post and so true! I remember those days of holding my children's hands and now they are adults and can hold their own, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to help! :-)
Teri,
Had to respond to this because I am going through the same thing with my son and he's my baby!
Both my husband and I will be going through the empty nest syndrome this year and although I am happy that both of my children are growing up and independent, I do miss them needing me for any little thing.
Best of luck to you and your son!
Susan--He was pretty outspoken early on and still appreciates our help as long as it is his decision to accept it.
Michele--This is not my baby, he has a younger brother so not the empty nest for us quite yet. Best to you and yours too! :)
Teri this is a great analogy between kids and letting them 'do it myself' and home sellers. You bring home with this one!
Featured in BananaTude!
Anna--Thanks...Glad you enjoyed and I appreciate the feature too!
Hi Teri,
What a great story! I felt my eyes get tears in them as I started to read. You seem very compassionate and intuitive and would be a joy to work with!
Maya
Maya--Why thank you...he was a cute little bugger and I get tears in my eyes every time I think of having him leave the nest. I appreciate your comments and I do enjoy helping people through the buying/selling process. :)
Great analogy, Teri. Luckily there are all kinds of clients and not all of them are stubborn and independent. We have to watch out for those and make sure they don't get into trouble.
Jane--Thanks, I am so glad you enjoyed the post! I do not think that most people are stubborn or independent but do believe that everyone wants to make their own decisions without being pushed into a purchase by an agent. I am the kind of agent who will stand by my client's side throughtout the transaction but I leave them in the driver's seat!
Teri, It is so hard to let got of that hand but they do need their independence. It is good for them to know that Mom/Their REALTOR is near by.
Teri That is a lovely sentiment, but it is a turning point in their life just as it was in yours - great analogy with clients in mind
Marchel--Okay...Okay I will let go now. :) Still it is hard some days but I do know he is ready!
Karen--It is an important step he is ready to take...but in my mind it was just yesterday when he was that little boy in the picture heading to his first day of preschool! :)
Nice post, great analogy.
John--Thanks...so glad you enjoyed the post!