She packs up loads of books, pamphlets, documents and brochures for her listing appointment. Hmm...she snaps her fingers as a signal that she almost forgot something. The camera and flip video; and she grabs them and places them in her satchel as well.
Hair neatly combed and dressed in a nice pantsuit she retrieves the lint brush from the kitchen drawer and gives her pants a good go over; lest the seller take notice to the little lint balls that accumulated on the knees of her pants. Darn that Gary....he threw a wash rag in with the dark colors when doing the last load of laundry over the weekend.
One last check....and she throws the doggie a treat before exiting the home through the front door.
One last errand before the appointment. She picks up her mom and takes her to the airport as it's the annual Las Vegas trip with her sisters...there are four of them left now. Mom is happily jabbering away and when they arrive at the airport mom insists she'll just hang out until Aunt Nancy arrives. She slaps her daughter's hand away when trying to help her with her rolling little suitcase...packed for four days.
This is my 81 year old mother....independent to say the least. I learned good morals and values from her.
In deep thought while driving to my appointment, I just knew what I'd be telling them when I sat down with all the information. They would lose over half of the cash invested into the home if they sold it right now. Other options were available and I ended up referring them to another agent on Maui as their other property on Maui would be a plus to sell.
It takes a lifetime to build a reputation. In this case I gave an honest evaluation and assessment of this particular situation, listened to their needs and gave them sound advice and guided them in the right direction.
I WILL SLEEP VERY WELL TONIGHT.
I LOVE MY MOM.
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
It is truly great knowing an ethical agent such as yourself. Being truthful and honest with a seller and buyer results in you having a good night sleep. Keep up the great work my dear friend.
Hi Leolinda...you're doing a great job out htere in Sun City too! Thanks for popping by...:)
Woo Hoo, you really reeled me in on this. The day in the life of a REALTOR. Cool lady your MOM. I can visualize her and her sisters in Vegas, how wonderfully happy they be. I recall that video at her last Birthday. You seem to be richly blessed with what matters most in life.
Sally - It is important to be able to sleep at night or look at yourself in the mirror. Giving honest answers based on statistics and trend in the marketplace is what I do and I know some sellers just don't want to hear it.
Your mom is a beautiful lady.
Sally
Excellent info. Send me an email and I will send you some super flyers and follow up letters you may be able to use.
Tom
That's one thing we can always count on, Sally - you being true to your values! Very nice, honoring post.
Sally, great job! Too many get caught up in the money issues and not in doing the right thing! Thanks for the story!
Doing the right thing always makes me feel good. You have also saved yourself from a lot of sleepless nights of worry about these sellers. I wish them the best. Sweet Dreams!
The news we deliver isn't always good news. Its best to be candid. So you learned all this from MOM? Great Teacher she must be.
Sally, mabye you should have Vegas Bob take the ladies out for lunch!
Very good thing you did. No, it's not always about the money. It is about doing the right thing first. Thank you!
Sally...
My late mother was confined in a wheelchair but made a trip to Vegas with a connecting flight in Atlanta so I got to see here. She had this bag that weighed a ton and I asked her what was in the bag that made it so heavy.
"Quarters for the slot machines."
Apparently, mom didn't know they could make change in Nevada!
Your Mom sounds like a handful. Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with people. You have to tell them the truth, even when it keeps you from getting a listing.
Sis - And I bet she adores and is so very proud of you. By the way, this is one of my favorite pieces of writing you've done in quite some time.
I agree with William and Jason. I'm sure your mom is equally proud of you as well she should be. Look what a great daughter she raised!
Your mom must be a hoot! Good to know she is so independent, and having so much fun! I always enjoy hearing about how you stick to your honesty and ethics. Thta's the way to do it!
Be back...acupunture/deep tissue massage time...yeah!
Sally, it takes a life time to build a reputation as you so well stated, but it only takes a second to lose it if we are not careful.
Never thought about doggie treats before. What a great idea.
Hi Sally, Honesty is always the best policy in the real estate industry, because what goes around comes around over time. Great job. And it sounds like you have a great mother!
William: It IS ...my day as agent daughter lol.
Jennifer: I will continue to sleep well at night...it's a given...when doing the right thing :)
Thanks Tom
Randy...it's an honor to be around honored people as well :)
Tony/Darcy: You're welcome...I love bringing stories and reading them too :)
Thanks Paddy...they're in good hands now :)
Laura: Oh...a wise ole woman she is for sure!
Andrea: Mom is going to have a good time...they meet another sister and some cousins over there too....her other sister just had a stroke.
Richard: My mom took a couple carry on bags...and dragging the wheely suitcase too...she's one tough cookie. :) I bet your mom had muscles!
JL: Oh...believe me...she's a handful and then some :) And I agree....I'd rather have a good sleep...and not waste everyones time :)
Bro: Oh...she is ...she drags me around when it's time to buy a new car.....she's got an Impala with a spoiler on the back right now :)
diane: Oh, she is....and I am proud of me too :)
Michael: She sure is! Thanks Mike...it's a given....
George: It does take a lifetime....and I don't plan on losing it for anything. :)
Ginger: You mean to do the right thing :)
Sandy: It is...and it goes around and comes back for sure....if anything ....a good feeling that allows me to be comfortable with ...me. :)
You always win when you put the clients needs first. Referring them over was the right thing to do.
Your mom obviously taught you the right things while raising you. You should both be very proud of each other. Great post.
I can see a lot of"Mom" in many of your posts. Doing the right thing...why do some find it so tough. Nice post, Sally "C"!
Hi Sally,
Nice to know there's other Cheeseman's out there In the big world!
I live In Canada,and I'm 39 yrs old.
Feel free to contact me,via,e-mail above,If you would like to get to know each other,more.
Wow! A Cheeseman who lives In Hawawii!
Bye for now.
Thanks Randy..that's what we do :)
Thanks Irene...she comes home from Vegas tomorrow....:)
Thanks Gary...and I know you would do the same?
Brian:....well, my husband is actually the Cheeseman...he's from PA> :)
There is no harm and no foul and no loss of integrity when referring to another agent for better handling. Honesty is the only way to go. You handled yourself exactly how any mom would want. Being able to sleep well at night is the mark of a job well done. Cheers,
Thanks Amy...I presume it has to do with experiences through life...and where I am now....it's just the right thing to do :)
Sally - Love your attitude. To me the big payoff of doing the right thing, is that the next time you tell someone that you will do the right thing, you know in your heart that you will... because you have proven it to yourself.
You should start an "I love my Mom" group... I'll join.