I've been working in real estate for years now, and there are times still that a client will come up to me and thank me for going beyond their expectations. Hearing that makes my day.
I explain to my clients that I was in their shoes at one time. Wanting to buy real estate, needing to sell another one, and not knowing what to do, who to go to, and the stress was very high. This all happened when I was going through a divorce, with two infant children,and had a lot on my plate. Going through a divorce is stressful for anyone. So, I hired a big name real estate company (thinking the bigger the better), but I was wrong. Not only did they over price my house, but when it came to finding suitable housing, I was looking for a 2 bedroom townhouse condo with a finished basement, family/den,etc, I was looking for living space, I did NOT want a garage I wasn't being heard. I was shown a 2 bedroom ranch with a garage, and no basement. Being told I should be happy to find anything.
Every 2 weeks we would have an open house, this realtor was upset with me because after 8 of them, I wanted to take a break, and be with my sons... I would clean the house on my hands and knees, just to get ready for for them, and I was tired of it. Her reply was "I have to stand around for 2 hours". But this is your job. After a while, I smartened up.
I signed a contract to sell my home with the realtor/agency, but I did not sign a buyer/agency agreement to find a home, so I changed to a different realtor in a different agency. This agency was Johnson Real Estate, Inc. in Cromwell, CT the owner/broker, Glen, helped me out. (By this time I was living in a hotel with my two sons and a dog.) I was so impressed, everything fell into place and I was in my condo in 5 weeks.
After settling in for a few months, I went back to see Glen at Johnson Real Estate to see if he was hiring realtors. He was and thought I would be a good fit. I left the field of finance after 25 years, and started a new career in real estate. I take this job seriously to the point that I have helped physically challenged clients shampoo rugs from a rental property so they can get their deposit back. I have spent days moving clients because they had no other resource.
I've been asked by clients (and friends) why I go to such extremes simple...'I feel like an Erin Brockovich in the world of Real Estate'. I will always keep plugging away to make sure everything goes right for my clients and that people will have someone to come to that will listen to them when buying or selling... not just be a number. Which was the way I was treated originally.
Info about the author:
Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, as well as the surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.635.0387 #2 - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net
Copyright © 2008 By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...* TAKING PRIDE... AND GOING BEYOND....*
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Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
(Accredited Buyers Representative)
Is a Full Time Realtor® with with Johnson Real Estate, in Cromwell, CT who specializes in Homes and Condos For Sale in the Middlesex and Hartford Counties in CT.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR ~Johnson Real Estate, Inc.
cell: 860.883.8889
email: Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
website: www.CTrealtorMLS.com
