Lessons From The 17th Floor

Lessons from the 17th Floor: Integrity, Intuition, and the Unexpected

Early in my career, I sold a high-rise condo—my first time working in a building like that. My client was also new to high-rise living. We were both excited, a little green, and relying on the listing agent’s guidance. When we asked about the cost of cleaning the windows (17 floors up), she confidently said, “a few hundred dollars.”

That sounded reasonable. But after closing, my client discovered the actual cost was several thousand dollars.

It was a wake-up call.

I learned that when a client is considering a service, something unfamiliar, it’s not enough to rely on hearsay. You reach out to the professionals. You get real numbers. You follow through.

That same transaction taught me another lesson—one that shaped how I approach business today.

After closing, my client received notice that the HOA dues were increasing significantly. He was upset. He wrote me a letter. I went to my managing broker, who brushed it off. But my client didn’t. He demanded that everyone involved—me, my broker, the listing agent and her broker, and the HOA management company—pay the difference for one year’s dues. Over $1,500 each.

We sat in a conference room, stunned. He was one of my best friends. The other people involved couldn’t believe he expected me to pay.

But I remembered what he told me:
“Friendship is Friendship. Business is Business.”

And he was right.

I urged everyone to pay their fair share. We did. And my client was most impressed—not by the money, but by the integrity. I was young, but I was pragmatic. I wanted him to be satisfied. I wanted to do what was right.

That experience taught me that real estate isn’t just about contracts and closings. It’s about accountability, intuition, and courage. It’s about showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength.

And as I’ve grown in this business, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, ask better questions, and always advocate for my clients—even when it costs me something.

Because in the end, it’s not just about selling homes; it’s about building trust.
It’s about doing the right thing.  It’s about being the kind of agent—and person—you’d want by your side.