Today I had the pleasure of running into some of my favorite past clients. None of them knew (yet) that I had left the business and gotten a new job so they were all surprised to say the least!
The first couple (Jeff & Lee) I met back in 2005. I helped them relocate from Florida to Illinois and along the way we developed a friendship. I also helped them buy a new house in 2007 and we tried (in vain) to sell a condo they own last year. We've been trading phone calls and emails for several months but I hadn't told them that I had left the business because I felt our friendship deserved that I deliver the news in person. As we caught up and I filled them in on my new life, they were so wonderfully supportive and complimentary. I told them that when the time came to put the condo back on the market that I would gladly refer them to another terrific agent. They said, "Kel, no one could possibly do everything you did for us." Awwww.
While running errands, I also ran into another of my favorite past clients. I completely admire this young woman who, as a single woman with a terrific job, bought a house of her own (and renovated it!) a few years ago. As we chatted and caught up, it occurred to me how many of my past clients I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Karen is definitely one of them.
I then stopped by Ann Taylor Loft (losing 12 pounds means new pants, yay!) and ran into yet another terrific past client. As I filled her in on my new dream job she said the most amazing thing, "I wish I could find a job like that!" No one ever coveted my real estate job (except the ones that thought it was all about looking at pretty houses, lol). In fact, when I was an agent most people went out of their way to mention that there was no way they could ever be a real estate agent (the crazy hours, the nights and weekends, the instability). But, having had a cutie-pie of a new baby recently, Katie saw my new work hours, schedule and vacation as a huge benefit. So do I!
It's always gratifying and fun to run into past clients. I love hearing all the renovation and decorating updates, learning of marriages and babies, and catching up. When you work with someone for several weeks or months and share in such an important milestone in someones life, you develop a relationship that (in many cases) transcends the transaction. In my opinion, it says a lot about the type of agent you are (or were) if you can count your clients among your friends!
It's been a terrific week for me. I started my new job on Monday, had the pleasure of having my son (who is in college) home for the weekend, and then ran into some wonderful past clients (er, I mean friends). Oh yeah, I also got paid on Friday. Hallelujah!
If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.
It is one of the highlights of my career also. We have made some lifelong friends in the Real Estate Biz.
Kelly, congrat's on the weight loss, (( jealous)). Did you change jobs again?
I've been blessed to work with some truly great families over the years and love watching them change and grow. The relationships I've built with my clients is my favorite perk of the job. I got an email from a past client last week inviting me to come to her home for lunch to see the changes she's made to the home. Such a warm feeling. :)
I always find my next deal by talking to my past deals.
Congrats
Tony
It is always great to run into past clients. Past clients are very important to build your business. I wish you the best and hope you have a great week.
Kelly, sounds like you are into an exciting new chapter! I think a lot of us are feeling a little tinge of envy reading your recent posts!
Kelly: Congratulations on your new venture. I love all of my past clients and they all have been absolutely superb. I get so attached that when the closing is over, it's hard for me to go away but I do and give them their space. But I do love to hear from them and catch up on the happenings in their lives. I get a real kick out of the ones who stop by to see my out of the blue!
Deanna: It is definitely a highlight!
Missy: The referral business was my first step in getting out of the business and I'm still doing that. But last Monday I started my "real" job (totally non-real estate). Quitting real estate, literally and figuratively, removed a weight from me.
Lina: Don't you just love that?
Tony: Referrals from past clients are golden ~ good for you.
Nate: Thank you!
Patricia: It's great. You'd be surprised how many agents are envious of my new situation! I'm a lucky girl.
Donna: It's always fun, isn't it?
it seems as though you are extremely happy and comfortable now (comfortable in a good way!) - i am very happy for you. as for the past friends, it is wonderful to run into them by chance and catch up! not a note, an email, a phone call but a genuine "bump into".
Kelly,
Congratulations to you on your new venture. I am surprised I have not bumped into you in the neighborhood, I live in Deer Park. Thank you for your class on blogging, you got me started at your seminar for the board and I am on a roll. Not as good as you yet but I will get there someday:)
Enjoy your new job, I am happy for you!
Julie Anne
KW Barrington
www.homesbyjulieanne.com
ok Kelly, I'm a little jealous... this was my week- gained 5 lbs, and no paycheck on Friday. Do they need anymore help?
Leesa: I am comfortable and happy! Yay!
Julie Anne: You are a wonderful blogger, keep up the good work! I loved teaching those two classes last year...an example of going outside of your comfort zone and trying something new...and discovering a talent you didn't know you had!
Judy: You silly, silly girl. How would Buffalo Grove and Long Grove cope without you?
Kelly, I love hearing the uplifting spirit and enthusiasm in your voice. Life is good. Keep us posted on the new job. I think you are the mystery woman or maybe I missed the details of reading somewhere what it was. Patience Gary. Kelly will tell us when she's ready. Congrats also on the losing the pounds. New clothes have to add some more pizzaz to your life. You are my most pragmatic writer I read out there. No one is immersed more in reality than you.
Running into my past clients is the best part of the job. I have worked with McCue Mortgage for just shy of 30 years and am now seeing the children of clients from back in the 80's coming in to see me. It doesn't get any better than that.
Kelly, I really enjoy checking in on or running into past clients, also. The relationships that develop through a transaction (which can sometimes be very long!) are really great as our clients and us get to know one another better. Keeping in touch with past clients that I enjoy is one of the best perks:-)
I just emailed you a little earlier and asked "what's new?" and I see there is a LOT new for you. I'm so glad things are going well and congrats not only on the new job but the 9 missing pounds, too! I am so happy for you!!!
Kelly, Congratulations on the new challenge - you have taken on a huge responsibility finding qualified agents for consumers, Karen
Gary: Too many agents aren't grounded in reality IMO...but that's another blog.
Philip: That's really cool!
Deb: Now I'm missing 14!!! :)
Karen: Yes, that can be a challenge. Of course, it's just my side job now!
Hi Kelly...Your loss was my gain.
I'm happy that you are happy!
Kate
Kelly - It's wonderful that you are so happy! I still would like to know what your new job is... :)
Kelly & Kate - I accidentally "reported" Kate's comment. I'm not really sure what that means, but I think I did it...but it was an accident... I take it back! I'm not sure how I did it or how to undo it...I hope it's not a problem... :(
Kate: Hee hee...now I've lost even more weight...how are you holding up?
Debi: I'm not sure what you mean about reporting Kate's comment...? See my answer to your question in my other post!!!
Kelly - I must have missed this post. You sound very happy and confident with your decision to leave the business. Some days I probably envy you. And, other days I don't know how I would ever be able to acclimate to a regular routine and schedule.
Carol: Adjusting to the routine was easy...easier than I thought it would be! I soooo enjoy having my nights and weekends to myself again!!