Stay in touch - I mean it......

A few days ago, I received a phone call that went something like this:

XXXXXX: "Hi George, this is XXXXXX. I don't know if you remember me, but you sold my parents' home about 2 years ago."

Me: "Of course I remember you XXXXXX! How is your family? How are things going?"

XXXXXX: "Well, my father is in this hospital and I need to make an emergency trip to Florida. I thought of you because you're an expert on the area and I wondered if you could suggest a place to stay that's close to the hospital."

I immediately found a hotel, got reservation information to XXXXXX and received a phone call a few days later from her telling me how comfortable the hotel was and how convenient to the hospital she found the location. She then asked for a few area restaurant recommendations.

I share this because it highlights the benefit of client/agent relationships. This was one of the best compliments I could have received from a former client. No, she wasn't calling to ask me to list another home or find her a property to buy, and to be honest many agents wouldn't have bothered to gather information for her if they weren't getting something in return ($$$). But she automatically thought of me when she needed information in this area. She was in a crisis situation and I came to mind.

A good agent is a problem solver. A good agent not only tells you he's an expert in a certain area, he backs it up with facts and performance. And I guarantee that if in 5 years XXXXXX hears of a friend wanting to buy a property in this area, or knows of someone selling a house, she'll think of me again.

A real estate transaction can be very stressful and emotional. But a good agent will guide you through the process, remain focused and positive, and leave you feeling happy and satisfied when all the documents have been signed and the dust settles.

I want to thank my former client for thinking of me and extend my condolences to her and her family for the loss of their father. I'm here if you need anything.