It's times like this that make me so happy to be a Realtor.

Real estate is all about giving people the key to their new home – their new lifestyle. It's not about recognition, as your broker would have you believe. It's not just about being a community leader, as the real estate association would have you believe. It's not just about the paycheck, as your kids seem to believe.

It's about calling Kris and Sandi late on a Friday night to scream, "Congratulations!" because you know they are going to be so excited – and you get to be a part of that. It really is this simple; being a Realtor is about opening that door and standing aside while your clients walk into their empty new home, with nothing in hand but a key, their dreams and some ideas. Being a Realtor is fun, and I'm so excited that I have the best job in the world!

After 13 months of working to help this disabled vet and his wife buy a new home, I got to make that call tonight. A year of struggling to get credit issues resolved, and pleading with Kris to keep his spirits up every time he suffered another defeat. Finally, we’re home.

Four weeks ago we thought we were there, just as we have several times in the past. But after clearing every hurdle you can imagine, the appraisal came in at $135,000 on their $155,000 home.

I offered a rebuttal when the appraiser said the value would come in under $130,000. I showed why this particular model was more desireable than the comps the appraiser was using. This helped, but the appraisal still came in very low at $135,000. My clients have shopped for a year; they know full well they couldn’t get an offer accepted on this house today for $155,000. With 1862 REOs on the market today, homes are generally selling for above list price.

My clients love the home they’ve been trying to buy for 2 months. Before we start looking for another home, I suggested, let’s just see if the bank will reduce the price to appraised value. The banks don’t have to do this; the house would sell again for $155,000 to a buyer with a conventional loan who can pay the difference in cash.

Last night, I received the signed Addendum lowering the price to $135,000. And then I woke my client’s up with the good news. Hey, this is hard work…I have to find my fun somewhere.

We’re going to have one helluva housewarming party. It’s all good.