When I was teaching full-time, I didn't have time to do all the work on the backend that is required in a Real Estate transaction. Scheduling inspections, appraisals, engineers if the foundation is questionable, getting creative with the offer. So many things that I would've gladly done myself, but I had football practice most afternoons. I wouldn't get home until 6/7pm and I liked to spend the 2 hours before bed researching new deals, not writing paper work. After 4 transactions with an agent, and 1 on my own, I realized I might as well get my license and start doing Real Estate full time. If I freed up my days from the classroom and the football field, I could spend that time doing my own paper work and save on the transaction. I never planned on being an agent as a career, I just wanted to get into houses faster, save some money, and if I get 1 or 2 clients a year. Cool! Then I met Danny (He asked me not to show his face but we have a great picture together at closing). Danny called me looking for a furnished rental, while he was looking to buy a home. I shot my shot and he was happy to have me as a Realtor. BOOM! First client. We scheduled a call to get his criteria set up for his home search and his personality shined when I asked him what his budget was. I quote. "I don't care what the house costs, as long as I get a discount" LOL I knew it was going to be tricky. His only stipulation was he didn't want to pay this list price because he wanted to "win". Not to bore you with the details, but after some negotiations we got almost 10% off the asking price of a house he liked. I felt like the best agent alive! On the backend of a market where things were going 20% OVER asking, I was able to facilitate a discount! The way we got them to accept? Cash. 2 week close. Not realistic for everyone, but the sellers were desperate enough to get out quick. I thought it was smooth sailing to closing. Then the phone started ringing. Danny needs this signed, sellers need this, POA doesn't have a listed phone number so good luck asking questions! (Shout out to John No Last name that runs the POA. Once we got in touch he was amazing. ) But the biggest concern? The repair of a leak a year prior was not to Danny's liking. He wanted even more off the price so he could have it done right. Which actually just meant he wanted to do it himself, just the type of guy he is. I told him I understand what he wants, but we've already asked for so much. The following conversation is what made me realize I may be able to make a career as an agent. "Danny, are you willing to lose this house over $1000 off the price?"
"No, but we aren't going to lose it. They're going to say yes' "I think you're right! But if they don't, are you willing to walk away for this? Start the search over and spend another 2 weeks doing inspections?" "Well, no. I have to get out of that hotel. I want to be settled.
BOOM. Right there. It clicked. The most important thing to him wasn't more money off, it wasn't if the kitchen had a gas stove, it wasn't the square footage. It was to get moved in ASAP! He's been in hotel for 3 weeks. He wants to be HOME! Luckily, my background in property management kicked in.
" Well Danny, how about this. Instead of asking for money off. We ask if you can move in tomorrow as a TENANT, and the rent will be credited for the repair of the water damage. So instead of getting it off the price we just get free rent for a couple of days." His face lit up and he smiled so big I thought he was going to hug me right there. "Can we do that?" He said "I think we can!" I replied. Danny moved in 24 hours later. Was able to get furniture, utilities, and planned the design for an in-ground pool all before closing.
After closing Danny called me and said "Isaac, I have bought 8 houses in my life and no agent has ever listened to what I needed more than you. You got creative and solved a problem. You're going to do very well in this industry. I guarantee it." This was my first time helping someone buy a home. It was challenging, and a roller coaster. But man. Handing over those keys was an incredible feeling. (Not actually because he had already been living there a week. But you know what I mean. LOL)
If you need an agent, or know someone who does. Give me a call!
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