GREAT READS → FAMILY DIARY Issue 932 · October 18, 2022

Close to Home: Chapter 16 

“Just stop talking,” he snapped. “I have two eyes. I can see things for myself.” I didn’t say another word during the rest of the showing

Close to Home: Chapter 16 

 

Shimon and Baila Kleinberg were married a few years and ready to buy their first home. Over the course of a few weeks, I showed them half a dozen houses, but they didn’t like any of them.

Baila had many specifications regarding what she wanted — the kitchen had to have an island, there had to be a spacious playroom, and she wanted a walk-in closet too. Then she heard about a house that was going to be put up for sale on one of the most happening streets in the area.

Baila did some googling and called the owner directly — which was out of bounds. The owner was irritated and told her to call his agent — also against protocol; if you’re working with an agent as a buyer you should have your agent call the seller’s agent. The agent was put off and told her she shouldn’t be contacting him directly — who’s her agent? She gave him my name, and he then called and yelled at me.

I tried to smooth the ruffled feathers, told him he was entirely right, and this wasn’t the way things should be done. But, I gently reminded him, I also can’t control my clients’ actions. Then I asked when we could come see the house.

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