Friday, February 8, 2013

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm
The blizzard of 2013 has just begun.  Unlike the blizzard of '78 (yes, I was around then) when we really didn't have much notice, the weathermen and the politicians have advised us all to stay in and off the roads.   The offices in our area are closed and agents are already canceling appointments and open houses for the weekend.    (Quick note.   Unless we lose power, my open house and appointments are still happening for Sunday!)

So here I am, making calls and finishing up for the day.   The snow is falling at a good clip and as I look out the window it reminds me of my very first buyer. snow storm

They were relocating up, or down, from New York and as relocating couples sometime have, their company had given them a weekend in Boston for a house hunting trip.    We had been in communication over the phone, (computers were not really heard of in our business at the time), and I was prepared for their trip, ready and anxious to help them make the move to our area.

As luck would have it, the forecast for their trip was snow and lots of it!    It didn't phase these buyers and the wife was ready for her new adventure while the husband went to the office to get acquainted.   Fortunately, I had access to a 4 wheel drive vehicle and took advantage of using that.    I picked Marlena up at the hotel and off we went on our house hunt in the snow.

It wasn't too bad when we started out, but it started to get worse as the day got longer.   Pretty soon it was getting close to dark and we had a few more homes to see.    We pulled up in front of a new build in a neighborhood that seemed perfect for their family.   I remember the house well, still 25 years later.   Why?   Because the driveway was not clear and neither was a walk to the home.    We trudged through now pretty deep snow and when we got to the house, the steps were not in yet.

Determined to make my first sale, I found myself giving this gal a "ten finger" boost into the house.   With no cell phone or way of communication in my pocket, and with what little daylight we had leaving us fast, it was kind of foolish to be entering a half built house with no stairs, especially being surrounded by high winds and swirling snow.

I remember thinking, this job is just crazy!

Fast forward 25 years.   Marlena and I have been friends ever since.   Her quest for a new home and mine for a first sale brings a large smile to my face. 

I have to say though, I am not sure that today I would be giving anyone "ten fingers" to get into a home, but hey, who knows!   

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About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with Al Mussi have helped hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group


508-494-9061

4 comments:

  1. Great story - You didn't mention if that was the home Marlena bought or not! Inquiring minds want to know!

    Seriously, you have many interesting stories that would make for a great BOOK! Think about it!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  2. You have always been there to give a helping hand. For as long as I can remember!

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  3. Hi Nancy. She did not buy that home and I do have the story for the one she did buy! I will have to ask if I can share because it's a good one. Hope you are enjoying the storm!

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