By Gabrielle Enfield, February 7, 2020
per·se·ver·ance /ˌpərsəˈvirəns/noun persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
My client Veronica is a great example of perseverance.
We met in spring of last year when she found me after looking at my reviews; she and her ex were amicably splitting and needed to sell their house, she wanted to buy. In order to qualify for a loan she needed a court settlement to fund. That settlement ended up taking 8 months. We stuck it out, and started the hunt for her house when she was notified it was closer to finalizing. Then it wasn’t. Then we waited some more.
She found a home that checked all the boxes for her: close to work, new construction, low maintenance yard but room to grow… so we took a shot and wrote a contingent offer. I made sure to explain to the listing agent what was going on, and because the home had been on the market for a while, the seller was motivated to get it under contract.
That actually leads me to a segue — as a buyer (or potential buyer), don’t get spooked by homes that have been sitting on the market for a while. It’s likely a pricing issue, and the seller will be more motivated to review all offers. Just because it’s been on the market more than 30 days doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something *wrong* with it. — OK, back to our regularly-scheduled programming.
Three or so weeks in, it became clear the funds were not going to happen on time. So, through the relationship we’d built we asked for more time, and got it. Veronica agreed to release a portion of her earnest money to show the seller she was still in it to win it. 50 days later… I handed her the keys.
The moral of this little story: Sometimes a real estate transaction can happen so fast it will make your head spin. But if it doesn’t, stay the course. That’s one reason why I always encourage my prospective clients who are meeting me for the first time to be really thoughtful about selecting a broker. To me, it’s a relationship for the long haul, and perseverance is key. Get it, “key”?
Till then, high fives,
Gabrielle Enfield
Broker | OR
She/Her
Real estate can be a wild ride. It's important you find your wingperson.
At Working Magic Group, we understand the important decision of choosing an agent partner for buying or selling in Portland. It's a relationship for the long haul. The team's goal is to apply myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide client partners through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Founded by top broker Gabrielle Enfield, Working Magic's goal is to bust down the stereotypes of who Realtors are and how they serve. We are full service brokers, in it for the long haul, and believe in the relationship imperative. We operate from a place of trust with people at the center. Without that, we can’t do our work. Need an understanding of where to start, when it comes to getting ready to sell? We'll put backgrounds in project management to work and let you know what needs to happen, complete with spreadsheets, if you're into it. We've got the magicians on speed dial to show up and get it done so you can hit the easy button. We treat each listing as a brand we're launching and create emotional and sensory experiences that stand out. Custom playlists, anyone? We've been told our open houses are the best in town. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Expect sharp pencils to make sure the numbers make sense. We can even help with the interior design and advise how to set it up to make top dollar. Ready to downsize? We'll be with you on this important chapter and gently guide you to what stays and what goes. First-timer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? Mama Bear's got you covered, and we'll be sure to point out what you need to look for or stay away from. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Gab's a Pac NW native, and even with all its growth and change, this place still gives her butterflies. Plus, her background in video production makes those remote FaceTime home tours a breeze. About Gabrielle Enfield, Founder, Working Magic at Living Room Realty: I grew up in Woodland, Washington, and live in the wooded hills of Bridlemile, where I'm raising my family. #boymom. Today I am the #1 agent at my brokerage - which is Portland's #1 real estate office - and consistently rank in the top 1% of more than 8,400 brokers in the Portland metro. I love what I do and it shows. Before real estate, my career spans two decades of expertise I'm fortunate enough to apply every day. These experiences range from being a TV news anchor (visual storyteller) to helping develop some of the world's beloved brands like Xbox and Dave's Killer Bread (strategy and engagement). I also helped launch Paul Allen's MoPop to a global stage; it combined two of my life loves: music + architecture. I was on the forefront of integrated media, crisis communications, digital productions and managed events and massive teams that delivered headline-making news. I was practically born to sell Real Estate: my Dad is a retired custom home designer and builder, my Uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones", and solving my clients' real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. In my spare time, I am raising my kiddos to be confident weirdos, championing my spouse Per who is an IP attorney at Nike, hitting the thrift store circuit as often as I can, and volunteering my time as a Broker Advisor at Living Room. In 2023 I launched Hi Buddy Hospitality Group, a burgeoning hostel and restaurant in NE Portland. I also am a member of Project Color Corps Portland Chapter, a national non-profit that collaborates with people to add color to their essential community spaces, creating beauty, belonging, and joy. Please give a call – I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you. For a look inside my everyday life, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Let's Work Magic together. High fives!
- T: 503-388-2788
- gabrielle@livingroomre.com
