Chanti Niven, click
here to update your pages on AuthorsDen.
Blogs by Chanti Niven
You are a woman of your Word" 4/27/2007 1:36:42 PM
As I explained in a previous blog, since I've been back in South Africa, I've been working part-time selling Real Estate. I have found it challenging and I have met many interesting people in the course of my work. I've also enjoyed finding people homes and feel a great sense of satisfaction when I've managed to find them a home they really love. Money has never been my prime motivator. I derive much greater satisfaction from doing something I feel is worthwhile or in knowing that my efforts will impact positively on the lives of people.
One of the people I met recently had put his house on the market because the bank was about to foreclose on him. He was in desperate financial straits and really needed a small miracle to save him from financial ruin. When I met him and his family, I confidently announced that I was going to sell his place and at the full listed price. He smiled nervously at me but didn't seem to be very encouraged by my confidence. I had a feeling that he was so hammered by hard knocks, he didn't dare hope for fear of disappointment. Deep down a little voice of contention said things like, 'Why are you putting his hopes up? What if you can't sell his house?' etc. Nevertheless, I put my heart and soul into selling the place but it seemed that all my efforts were thwarted one way or another and it became difficult to remain positive. I knew that other agents were bringing buyers around but most of them were offering way below the asking price with all sorts of conditions because they knew it was an urgent sale and the poor man was desperate. I felt so sorry him and even though I had become a little discouraged, I became single-minded in my determination and renewed my efforts. 'I AM GOING TO SELL THIS HOUSE, DAMMIT!!!' It was a little neglected but a great buy at the price. Why couldn't people see this? I imagined it was that they sensed the dark pall negativity surrounding the sale and it put them off somehow.
Last night I worked late at the office making calls to prospective buyers and exhausting every avenue I could think of. I eventually put my head in my hands resignedly and silently admitted, 'I don't know what more to do.' and then prayed, 'God please help me find someone, the right one for this house.' Suddenly a strange thought popped into my mind. I had recently sold a townhouse for a young couple. I don't know why I thought about them but before I could question myself, I picked up the phone and dialed.
I won't go into all the details. They're not important. What is, is that this couple were the buyers I was looking for. I finally got an 'Offer to Purchase' signed and with great excitement went to present it this evening. When I arrived, I was invited into the lounge and the man's wife offered refreshments and the children gathered around to hear what I had to say. I felt like visiting royalty, this family were so welcoming and hospitable. Finally I pulled out the OTP and with a broad smile on my face, announced the good news. The man was stunned. He had all but given up hope that he'd get anything close to the asking price, never mind full price and with a reduced agent's commission (in all honesty I would have done this for free because the reward was so great but I work for someone who would not see things this way). Tears welled up in his eyes and he thanked me profusely for selling his house at literally the eleventh hour.
"I told you I'd sell your place." I smiled.
"Yes, you did but I thought that was sales talk. You probably noticed I didn't look too excited. I didn't want to get my hopes up again. I've had so many disappointments lately."
"Then it's time things changed. I believe that this is only the start of all the good things that are going to happen for you. I may have sold your house but I know it was with a little help from God. He's looking after you."
"Thank you. I believe so too" he agreed. "We've been praying for a miracle."
"Then don't stop. I believe in miracles with all my heart." (I can say this because I know that I owe my life to one)
You..." he said, "...are a woman of your word. Thank God you were sent to us."
It was the greatest compliment anyone could ever have paid me. The greater blessing, however, is knowing that a family will rest a little easier tonight. I left that place feeling humbled and so grateful.
I am a 'Woman of my Word'. If that sounds boastful, forgive me. It is nothing more than a faith statement. If I didn't believe it, how could I ever be?
