Practice

Yesterday the much-fabled and two months late snowstorm arrived. I was all set to stay home and enjoy some pajama and TV time. In the middle of the afternoon I received a call from someone who wants to look NOW! She works until 6pm and doesn't get a lunch break, so now is the time. I took a deep breath and said, "Let me make some calls and I'll call you back with our plan." For a few minutes, I ran around in a tizzy, trying to figure out how I can make this girl happy. I made my calls. Listings manager didn't answer his phone right off the bat. I expected him to be a little distracted since his family just expanded, but no, he was right on target when I did speak to him a few moments later. Fortunately/unfortunately, the apartment I was calling about was gone. This meant I wouldn't have to leave my house, but I might not have what this girl needs either. I also called the brokers for two co-op sublet apartments I had shown to other clients. Both great places. But lots of extra charges. And of course the board package. I did get both of them on the phone and OK'd showing the apartments for tonight after 6pm. All I need to do is get a couple of great kick-ass rental properties into the mix and I think I could close her. In case you don't get it, the practice was to take a breath, take a moment, think about the property and make a match, not to scramble and see her asap. The practice was to get her to trust and believe in me because of my knowledge and experience and calm energy. Now I just have to do that again today.

I got some more practice with an email I received last night. This guy had responded to a doorman studio ad for $1900 or so. This does exist, and even in the building the ad is from. But there isn't anything right now. So I wrote him a short email telling him a little about two places I have that are doorman and cheap. Good apartments too. Anyway, he writes back last night wanting to know the prices and telling me he is "flexible but wants to move sooner rather than later." What I read was "I am picky and looking for the perfect place. I need to look at a lot of apartments because I have time to pick the RIGHT one." So I wrote in my email that one of the two places is already gone, the other was $1750 and was great but lacks a lot of light--we can see it tomorrow--and when other things come up I will contact him since he is flexible with his move date. I tried to make it sound like a positive that his move date is flexible but I was really saying "I am not going to give you much attention because I don't think you are serious about moving." Practice. I am trying to get better at identifying the people who spin my wheels and waste my time.

And of course I have the people who want to live in this one particular Flatiron building. When what they wanted came up I telephoned the straightaway. In fact now there are three of what they want. Seems great right? Well they're out of the country until Tuesday, so they say. I am ready to pounce, but each phone conversation I have had with them is a little fishy. I'll just have to see what happens on Tuesday.