This morning is a beautiful Spring Saturday. I came downstairs to check my emails and get ready for the day ahead. The first thing I saw was Sally Cheesman's email announcing the winners of her latest POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul.Group's contest - Spring Fresh Contest. So of course I needed to check the list to see how many of my old friends made the cut. I met some new friends there and of course saw the names of some great old friends and now have a great list of positive reading for the next couple of weeks as I work through the list.
Today in many ways is like a lot of Saturdays. I get to show property. That's not just part of my job, it's a privilege. There are some nice folks who have entrusted me with the responsibility of making the many phone calls to line up the properties that are appropriate for them to see. This task has become a bit more lengthy than in previous years. Selecting the properties, then calling each agent to see if the short sale truly is a short sale and if the agent is skilled at working with short sales or REO's is an added layer of effort. The few extra hours of effort in the office can save countless hours and possible disappointment for my clients.
Today, as I began collecting all the materials and staging them next to my front door, I thought about how many times I've gone through this process before. It's a little like a matador who prepares in advance for his work (my job isn't quite so glamorous or dangerous). I won't be donning a suit of lights, but I will be putting on appropriate attire for the day including flat shoes that allow me to keep up with the long strides of my 6'2" client. My shoes are also slip-on so I can easily kick them off to protect the freshly cleaned carpets in homes we will be seeing today. All the listings of the homes we'll be visiting are neatly organized in little books for both my clients. Pens have been attached for their convenience. My GPS has been programmed with the addresses we'll be visiting. The car is clean and has a full gas tank.
As I began preparing for the day, I thought of how many times I've done this before and yet each time it is brand new. There's a hint of excitement in the air as I think that today may be the day that we find the perfect house for my clients. Today may be the day that we all get to experience that wonderful AHA moment where we all know that this is it...the home we've been hoping to find. No matter how many times that happens, it seems new every time. That's just one of the best parts of what I get to do as a REALTOR®. I get to participate in one of the most exciting times of another person's life. I get to help them find their dream homes. What an extraordinary opportunity that is and one of the many reasons I realize that I love what I get to do for a living. It's an honor, privilege and joy. Today is a good day!
If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Orange County California it would be my pleasure to work alongside to help. Helping you achieve your goals and dreams is what I get to do...it's my profession and my joy...I'm here to help!
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.
Hi Marlene, You make me feel ashamed of myself. I am somewhat less jubilant than that.
... you and I are going to get along extremely well !!!!
I didnt know that there were many others who have that zest for what we do like you have described here !!! I just got back from showings all morning, and had done many of the same things - programmed my gps, arranged fact sheets chronologically for the scheduled showings, buyer tip sheets were attached, and although my shoes aren't slip ons - they are kick-offs with no laces !!!!
Love this post Marlene !
... you just added a new subscriber too !
Cheers !
Sheldon :o)
PS: Thanks for the great comment on my blog and for subscribing my way too !
I just love your attitude. We do get to help people and that's why I love this business after 17 years. At the end of the hard work is always a great reward. Usually by the time I am done with a deal my client has become my friend.
Hi William - I assume you're referring to the photo. Pretty cool, huh? BTW - I don't think I was EVER that limber!
Hi Sheldon - Looking forward to reading more about you and your Adventures In Real Estate and being father to two adorable young men.
Hi Tammy - I feel exactly the same way. My friends become my clients and my clients become my friends. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Reading your posts is always a positive thing for me. Your great attitude should be a shining example for others. Big HUGS sent your way. =)
Hi Marlene,
Sounds to me like you were going to make it a great day!
Hey Maggie Darlin' - Big hugs right back at ya!
Hi Lynda - You and I both know that it's a decision we make every morning...right?
"As I began preparing for the day, I thought of how many times I've done this before and yet each time it is brand new".
Marlene, that perfectly describes home inspections. We do the same thing over and over but, quite often, we find something new and have to do some head scratching to figure just what to say about it.
Hi Steve - You are so right. There are no two people exactly alike, no two homes exactly alike and so many other variable is what we do. That's what make this business so much fun, right?
Hello Marlene, I love this post. Each time is new and exciting for me too and I tell Buyers that I realize they could have chosen another Agent and that I appreciate them choosing me to represent them.
Hi Vickie - You are so right. Our buyers certasinly do have a choice of who they want to work with...although those choices seem to be getting fewer these days. But, when buyers choose to work with us it indeed deserves a thank you. You sound like just the kind of agent I'd love to be working with in Fort Lauderdale.
Aha! This was a nice aha moment.... I've had some duds lately...that didn't pan out for some reason or another....and needed a spirited positive note to look past the bummer and move on to brighter days...thanks Marlene....a little late...but needed this :)
Aloha Sally - Looking forward to more AHA moments for you.
Mahalo my friend,
Marlene
Wow! well written and soothingly positive :) cheers!
Hi Mario - Thanks so much for the lovely compliment.