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It Was My First Time September 12, 2005 marked my 20th year as a real estate salesperson. I hope you will take a moment to read the story of my very first sale. In the fall of 1986, with my new real estate license in hand, I listed my very first property – a 1400 sq.ft. frame house with a ‘stone’, two storey work shop, a large 3000 sq.ft. newer steel sided shop on one acre with commercial zoning in a village near Guelph; all for $89,900.00 (not a misprint). For those of you who know me know how careful I am, so prior to listing this property I had my evaluation confirmed by three real estate brokers. Within a few weeks of this property being placed on the open market, my client received two competing offers. The first offer was from an out of area salesperson and the second offer was from the listing agent, yours truly. Both offers were $89,900.00 and were similar except that the buyers I represented required financing; hence my offer had a one week condition of conventional financing. During the offer presentation, with my seller client present, I asked the other agent, “Does your client have $89,900.00 + costs in cash?” He said yes. He was then excused so that my seller client and I could discuss both offers. Much to my surprise my client said that she was prepared to accept my offer and that her logic was, and this is where it gets really interesting, I would make ALL of the commission. I was grateful and thanked my client very much, however, it was my duty and obligation to point out that the other offer was a cash offer with no conditions and superior to mine. Therefore, I respectfully recommend that you accept the other offer which she did! A couple of days later I got a call from a bank appraiser requesting access to the property for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage. After consulting with my client and her lawyer it was decided that ‘no’ further access to the property would be granted. Consequently, I received less than delightful calls from the buyers’ agent and lawyer. My answer was the same, “We have a cash deal.” You see, I may have been green, but I never have been yellow. Finally, the buyer herself called me and I may have been soft hearted or soft headed, I will let you decide, however, I asked my client and her lawyer if we could allow the buyer to visit the property with her appraiser. They said yes and this transaction closed with no further problems. Over the last 20 years, the real estate industry has undergone some dramatic changes. The quality of the sales people has improved, the bodies that govern our industry are far more superior and the technology is extraordinary. One of the things that has not changed is to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, put the needs of your client above your own and in the end you will be rewarded. You see the greatest compliment that someone in my profession can receive is the trust of you, your family or your friends doing business with me. For the first 20 years, THANK YOU. Tom Clinansmith Tom is a residential only, licensed real estate salesperson. He specializes in the city of Guelph and the county of Wellington. His area of expertise is in both urban and rural residential real estate. • Former member of Guelph & District Homebuilders Association (10 years) • Built his own former home • Former banker (9 years) • Has the resources to stay current on the issues pertaining to the local housing market as well as the professionals in other areas of housing related matters • Built his business on repeat and referral Tom is a single dad co-parenting two teenage sons. He lives in Puslinch Township between Guelph and Cambridge. He is involved with minor hockey and a supporter of junior hockey. He is an avid landscaper and nature lover. The corner stones of Tom’s business can be summed up in four words: HONESTY, INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE |
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