Misery Loves Real Estate

Every now and then we have the good fortune to work with clients who “get it”. They just get “it”.

They’re nice, punctual, respectful, reasonable, appreciative and they might’ve even done some homework and have knowledge of the market. They don’t try to negotiate an $8,000 per month luxury loft in Tribeca down to $5,000. They simply see it, love it, want it and do what they have to to get it.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t negotiate. In fact I’m all for it.  However, more often than not clients feel the need to “win” the negotiating contest in order to feel secure with their purchase (and themselves). It’s usually not a huge sum either.  In a rental it could be as little as $25.00 a month and in a sale $5,000 which in the big scheme of things is peanuts. A good agent will do whatever it takes to close the gap and sometimes that means sacrificing a portion of his/her commission.

I’m a homeowner twice over and understand wanting to get all the bells and whistles for the best price. However, there has to be an emotional connection too. Not crying in a corner emotional but rather that feeling, that love-at-first-sight cosmic connection when you walk through the front door. Otherwise it’s just another possession, not a home. When I bring clients to a property that they love, and they do what they have to to get it, it makes me happy because that’s what I would do.  Even if I have to spend a few extra bucks, in the end I’ve won the real prize which is my home. Of course when clients ask my advice and I tell them this they probably just think it’s part of my sales pitch. But at the end of the day, are you really going to walk over $10,000 on a 2MM dollar purchase simply out of spite or to win? Some people have.

This weekend, my intelligent, kind and grateful clients moved into their spectacular Tribeca loft.  Aware of my passion for cooking they sent me this extraordinary piece of crockery as a thank you gift.  Mazel tov guys and thank you for getting “it!”

Le Creuset French oven