Going the Extra Smile

You’ve probably had one of those moments—when someone goes the extra mile for you, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Maybe it was a server who comped your dessert after noticing you’d had a rough day, or a hotel clerk who upgraded your room just because.

Those small gestures don’t just make an impression; they build trust, loyalty, and a feeling of genuine care. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years in real estate, it’s that these moments matter just as much—if not more—than the contracts and negotiations.

Real Estate is More Than Just a Transaction

Great teachers don’t just show up, hand out assignments, and clock out. They stay after class to help struggling students, buy supplies out of their own pocket, and cheer from the sidelines at weekend games. Their impact goes far beyond the classroom.

Real estate is the same way. Some agents do the bare minimum—take a few photos, upload a listing, and wait for buyers to come knocking. Others? They make sure every detail is handled, from crafting a killer marketing strategy to making the process seamless, stress-free, and—dare I say it?—even enjoyable.

That’s the difference between just doing the job and being a true advocate for your client’s success.

Thoughtful Touches That Make a House Feel Like Home

A few years ago, I had a couple moving into their new home, thrilled but exhausted—only to get the dreaded call that their moving truck was stuck in a blizzard, hours away. That meant their first night in their dream home would be spent sleeping on the floor.

I wasn’t about to let that happen. Before they arrived, I set up an air mattress with fresh bedding, left a basket with dinner, and added a few flameless candles to make the space feel warm and welcoming. It was a simple gesture, but one that turned a stressful situation into a moment of comfort.

That’s what real estate is really about—helping people transition into a new chapter of their lives, not just closing a deal.

Trust is Built in the Small Moments

A friend once told me about a local restaurant where an order had been messed up. When she called to let them know, they didn’t ask for proof or make excuses—they just made it right, no questions asked.

That’s how trust is built.

In real estate, it’s the same principle. I’ve advised sellers to wait before listing because I knew they could get a better price later. I’ve talked buyers out of properties when I sensed they weren’t the right fit. Could I have pushed for a faster deal? Sure. But that’s not why I do this.

I want my clients to know that when I say I have their best interests at heart, I mean it. And that’s why they come back when they’re ready for their next move.

Real Estate Isn’t Just Business—It’s Personal

I once heard a story about a coffee shop that made space for a grieving group after another restaurant turned them away. The staff rearranged their break room, gave them privacy, and made sure they had what they needed during a difficult moment.

That’s the kind of business I want to run.

In real estate, it’s about being flexible. It’s about understanding that life doesn’t always fit neatly into schedules. Maybe it’s accommodating last-minute showing changes because a seller’s toddler is having a meltdown. Maybe it’s making sure a buyer understands every step of the process so they feel confident, not overwhelmed.

It’s about recognizing that buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s one of the biggest life changes people go through. And that’s something I take seriously.

The Little Things Matter

At the end of the day, going the extra mile isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. It’s about turning what could be a stressful experience into one that feels seamless, exciting, and even a little magical.

That’s the kind of real estate I believe in.

Have you ever had someone go above and beyond for you?