Back in December I posted about first time buyers I met at a showing that were being advised by their parents to not sign a buyers' representation agreement. The theory was that buyers can make a better deal working directly with the listing agent who would receive both sides of the commission. Since the parents were at the showing, I had the job of explaining why this isn't a great tactic to both the buyers and their parents. Read the whole story in my post: The Thousand Dollar Gamble-Why Buyer's Representation is Essential!
Over the course of a few weeks, I won the parents over and this young couple became my clients. We subsequently found them the ideal home in the Twin Cities north metro and they just recently closed on the property.
This past Thursday, after a long morning of continuing education, I got home found this email waiting for me in my inbox. It was from one of the sets of parents.
Dear Teri:
Kevin and I would like to "Thank You" for helping Kelly and Nick find the perfect house. You were so patient with the first time home buyers. Also, the picture of the house you had made for them was awesome. What a special gift. You are a great Realtor and we appreciate all that you did for the kids.
Nancy and Kevin
PS - You will have to stop by - they painted the whole upstairs and it looks awesome!
What a GREAT note to receive! First time buyers have a plethora of choices in the marketplace today. I know that this young couple was overwhelmed with their choices because they told me so. Finding the perfect place to start a new life together is hard to do without expert assistance in this ever changing real estate market. Having a Realtor by your side make the job much simpler.
If you are a first time home buyer or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. 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.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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 or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. 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)
Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Hi Teri,
It is a nice feeling to help out a first time buyer. The extra hand holding definately pays off.
Michael A. Caruso
Teri, congratulations! For someone to actually take the trouble to thank you is amazing. I have no doubt you were/are a great Realtor!!
Teri,
What an inspirational story. I worked with 2 sets of clients today, one of them 1st time homebuyers. I just love working with clients that "dive" into everything that you say to them - until their parents get involved because they know everythig. NOT!!!
The bottom line- 1st time homebuyers need a Realtors knowledge, expertise, and help with their 1st home. Pick Teri as your agent and you'll get the best service in Minnesota.
PS for Teri >> I lived in Minneapolis at the age of 6 while my dad was getting his PHD in Psychology MANY MOONS AGO! I just loved the ice skating there!!
This reminds me of the last deal I closed. I came to realize very soon in working with this particular client when she had recently talked to her cousin. Her parents were deceased so her cousin was giving her advice. My client and I emailed and talked often. However, everytime I got a mean email or voice mail I knew the cousin was in the picture again giving advice. I would calm the storm with my client and she would apologize and admit that her cousin was making her ask me all these things. I thought the closing would never come.
The night before the closing, the client called me upset (I could immediately tell by her tone that the cousin was involved again). She demanded to know why her closing costs was over $10,000. I was driving and after a moment realized and said, "Sweetie, your down payment is $8,000 of the $10,000 and is paid at closing. Once again she apologized and said her cousin demanded that she call me." The closing was successful and she apologized for being mean and said how patient and nice I had been to her. I might choose acting as a second career!
Tracy--I love meeting the parents!! Since we are both on the same page...Looking out for their children's best interest, I have never had a problem with parents. It sometimes takes a bit of time to educate mom and dad to bring them up to speed on what is going on in the market but once we make that connection and build trust, they are great to work with too!
Lots of frozen lakes and ponds to ice skate on up here...In fact, these buyers got a wonderful skating pond in their backyard! :)
Lindsey--Most parents just have their child's best interest at heart. It was rewarding for them to thank me!
Michael--I thought so too. Thanks for commenting!
Karen--The looks on their faces says it all doesn't it? They are so happy to have a place of their own!
Rosario--More than luck, it is hard work! I spend time explaining to the buyers and their parents the pros and cons. Once parents see that I have their child's best interests at heart too, they relax more and trust me to do a professional job.
Thesa--Thank you for the kudos! Very appreciated! :)
Isn't THAT the greatest compliment of all!!! It's one thing to get a compliment from the buyer, but the PARENTS?? How wonderful! I, too, love working with FTHB's. It is my niche. Because of this, I work with the "kids" parents all the time. It is such a good feeling when you start out by dealing with that protective parent skepticism and end with a strong, trusting relationship. This is also a great foundation for many referrals!
Congrats, Teri!