There Are No Emergencies in Real Estate.

This post was inspired by Patricia Kennedy's Hey! Nobody Died on the Operating Table!

As a former Registered Nurse, I really do understand what an emergency is. In the beginning of my real estate career, I received a '911'  on my pager. Immediately I returned the call. It was an agent wanting to show one of my listings. When? The following Thursday.

"Why would anyone  use a '911' for an appointment?"  Her response.. "I wanted to make sure you got the message."  That was the last time I used my pager. I stated then and still today...

 There are no emergencies in real estate!

 
However, we have seen hysteria over so many situations including but not limited to....termites,  elevated radon levels, a failed septic system, FRT plywood, a Federal Pacific Electric panel, a missed appointment, a late appointment, a house left unlocked, lost keys,  lights left on, an unflushed toilet, a missed phone message, a lost key, a security system set off, as well as simple misunderstandings.

We have seen breakdowns over delayed closings, failure to get a mortgage, dry settlements, discrepancies on the HUD 1 and I could go on with many other examples...but I think you get the picture.

Are they true emergencies? Are they life and death situations?  Of course not!
 
But they can seem that way to a buyer or seller under tremendous pressure. If you are going to be successful handling these situations you need to understand the dynamics. 

I am convinced that much of this "hysteria" is caused by the stress of moving  and the high stress of selling a house!

How we, as professionals, handle this stress has to do with our own level of tolerance. If we are not bringing our 'A'  game to each and every situation... this stress/hysteria/emergency can escalate, damage relationships, delay, interfere, and jeopardize transactions.

In this business I Don't Do Upset! because..
There Are No Emergencies in Real Estate!

There Are No Emergencies in Real Estate!

  I wrote in my book  Real Estate the Rome Way   "There are no emergencies in real estate."

  However, there was an emergency this evening.

                                  

My daughter (who is fine now) had to be taken to  the Emergency Room. I was at her house in no time for the quick trip to  Sinai Hospital, where I was a former Head Nurse.

She was taken care of quickly and her treatment took  only a few hours. That part of the emergency was handled with ease. The doctor, nurse, and the entire staff were efficient and very professional.

But now...the real  emergency!  How was I going to write my blog???? I thought about doing it on my  phone...the Palm Pre, but then I had a much better idea.  Erica , brilliant daughter of mine, brought her laptop and is doing the typing right now. 

                                                                  

 Tonight's blog!

Lee and I are contemplating adoption!  Erica has been scouring the internet for the perfect cat. She's been emailing us photos of  special kitties available at  the local adoption sites. And tonight she found Phoebe who seems to be everything we want in a cat. 

 Here is an excerpt of her profile :  "Phoebe is a beautiful well tempered Siamese mix  with diamond blue eyes.... approximately 7 years old... up-to-date on all her shots... spayed and declawed... very clean and litter trained. She has been in a home with two older people for the last couple of years....." 

But it was her face that I fell in love with!!

                                                                                    

We are making plans to meet and "view" Phoebe next week. We are qualified, we filled out the adoption papers and...  If Phoebe likes us, it's quite possible that she will become the newest member of the Rome family.

How the heck is this related to real estate? Well, when a buyer finds "their perfect house" on an internet ad, it may or may not be "their perfect house."  People, pets and houses all have personalities. Without seeing the home...a decision cannot be made.  

Just like a home needs to be previewed and touched and felt (inspected) ...so does Phoebe need to be touched and felt!  

Stay tuned.