You know there are times that we are just ON OUR GAME! There are times that you jump through those hoops and are just so proud and beaming that you can make things happen for your customers that you just want to shout to the world. I ROCK!
I had those moments this past week and I thought - Why not write about it?
You see my business has always been built on service. When I write a purchase and sale contract I get that over-whelming feeling that I must preform to the highest expectations of my customers, who ever those customers are.
In my life before real estate I worked in the Aerospace profession and embraced the TQM (Total Quality Management) philosophy that was the buzz in the early 90's. What it taught me was that you must strive to reach the expectations of your customers and there are many customers. Internal and external. So, that is what I do when I have pending contracts.
I see all of the parties involved as my customers. Escrow, title, listing/selling agent, my office transaction coordinator, office manager, inspector, etc. and of course the buyer or seller.
I can tell you that I turn in a package to all involved that is not missing anything. I make sure that deadlines are met and that any communication with all parties follows the PSA. I receive that "shock and awe" from people working in escrow. I receive that "shock and awe" from lenders. To me it is just doing my job and meeting their expectations. I know they appreciate that I take the time to make sure their part of the process flows.
This week I had a day where nothing seemed to be going right for a deal that was to close on Friday. This was a simple deal - a cash deal. Cash deals should be simple. I see them as "karma" deals. For all the tough deals you have done and done well here is your reward - a cash deal. It was pretty simple except we had a very aggressive close date.
So the day I was to meet my buyers at their soon to be new home so that the appliance company could deliver the new washer and dryer I received permission from the seller to have installed prior to closing I was feeling pretty on top of everything. The inspection items were complete or scheduled and I myself had signed the buyer's documents with them the day before. (Yes, I volunteered).
I opened the door with my keypad and first thing I did was run up the stairs to see if there was hot water in the bathtub (inspection item). I was told it was fixed and complete. I turn the faucet and you guessed it - NO hot water! Hmmm
I went into the garage and saw the three yard signs left by the agents that had the house listing 2 agents back still in the garage.
We had snow that morning so I knew that the listing agent was going to be unable to drive to the home and remove her staging items - hey no fault of hers weather happens.
I stood in the living room thinking about how I could get things fixed and get my buyers early occupancy so they could stay in the home for a couple of days before their big move.
I called the listing agent who was very easy to work with and told her there was no hot water. She started her job to get that done.
I carried the yard arms out of the garage and laid them at the side of the house and called the name on the sign rider. The agent was now retired and wanted me to load them up and take them down a couple of miles to an office. I told her no and that if they were not picked up by Friday I would dispose of them. Funny how she had a different plan and said someone would be there today.
I kept thinking about how I could get the staging materials out of the house. I thought I would "make a deal". I called the listing agent and told her I would pack up her things and remove her keybox and her yard sign for her if my buyers could have the key right then. DEAL! She was thrilled. ( we were both out of area agents) So I started to load all the staging materials into my coupe - yep coupe! She said I must have an SUV - I said no but I have a huge trunk! It all fit and is in my garage. Next week I will meet her in Bellevue somewhere to exchange!
Staging materials/key box/construction key ::check::
I looked out the drive and a plumbing truck pulled up. I really let out a scream and I am sure I "jumped". I am sure the plumber thought I was a crazy lady because I was so excited to see him I talked his ear off while he was there.
Plumbing ::check::
As the plumber was putting on the final touches of caulking I saw a pickup truck back up into the driveway. I went outside and asked the man if he was the husband that was picking up the signs - yes he was!
Yard-Arms/Signs ::check::
I was on a high! My buyers pulled up and I was able to explain all the things that had happened and handed them the key to their new home and let them wait for the washer and dryer on their own. I needed to get back to town and work some magic on some other transaction.
Last night I picked my buyers up to take them to the pick-up spot for the airporter prior to their flight out. They took me to dinner and gave me a gift. It was so very nice. On the card of the gift was the phrase

Hey that rhymes! Maybe it will be my new tag line! Some of my colleagues may think this post is a bit over the top to brag about myself to others, and well if they do I really don't care. It is an insight to my business and who I am - and yes there are days that I ROCK!
Search all homes here. Sign up for email delivery of just listed homes. Search Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Naval Base Kitsap area or any home listed in the huge Puget Sound area. All homes that are for sale with any agency through the NorthWest MLS data base.

FIND ME, FRIEND ME, FOLLOW ME. Check out all the other areas we can connect!





About the Author...
Jo began her real estate career back in 1994 and soon found out that she loved selling real estate and that she was really good at it! Lots of people sell real estate, but not everyone is good at it. Jo brings to her clients the commitment to work hard and have fun along the way. As Jo continues to learn the technology of today to be on the cutting edge of multimedia she takes pride in her ability to keep her trademark "old-fashioned" customer service alive. If you are looking to sell or purchase a home in Kitsap County call her office today. You can also find out more about the area by visiting her blog www.WestSoundLive.com or her web sites www.HomeFrontRealtyOnline.com
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: http://cmp.ly/0