We started the search like any other. Niceties and formal introductions, exchanging contact information and urging my clients (husband and wife with a three year old) to contact me any any time if they should need any assistance. Lining up with a stellar loan officer that I've conducted many a transaction with, we were good to go and the gate was released for the rodeo.
We began with an MLS daily search, which quickly offered more than enough in the way of properties to look at and in the beginning, it appeared to be a short race to the finish line. With so much (easy, cookie-cutter) product, there was an abundance to choose from. But as many know, Buyers can sometimes be a little cloudy when it comes to understanding what they are truly looking for in a home to purchase. I urge, as with almost every client, "this purchase is a big chunk of change and not just a few, but 360 payments... in a row! Let's make sure we find the right home for your needs."
At the time, this looked like a new development to them. A home that had a builder upgrade package but some history behind it to feel lived in and not freshly mortared. A neighborhood with kids. Close in proximity to shopping and entertainment. Four bedrooms plus, in case of any future stork visits.
Today, it is a rural property, reminiscent of their former home in Indiana. It sits on four acres and cattle visit the property line throughout the day. It's a pier and beam with the creaks and echoes of an older home. It's a place to hang a hammock and grow a garden.
We've visited many properties through our search and spent a lot of time on the road driving to the North end of the Metroplex for showings. We've tossed around ideas and options. We've made a run at a property only to be defeated in a Highest and Best situation. But I wouldn't trade it.
These clients knew what truly mattered to them in a home, but didn't know what it looked or felt like. With family at the forefront of their thinking, they've now fallen in love with a home that is completely out-of-line with their initial hopes and I'm working to make it a reality for their future. As Realtors, we can sometimes become frustrated with the interim, the hunt and the high-hopes. But in the end, it's about creating happy clients out of prospects and enjoying a few laughs now and then.
Ashley Cox is a Realtor® with Dallas City Center Realtors and strives to provide excellent service and assistance to Buyers and Sellers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. If you are in the market to buy or sell and need the assistance, guidance and support of a professional, call (972) 978-3109 today.
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