Sometimes the old school way wins.

In the age of technology, real estate deals have changed. Emails and e-signatures are the norm. Agents text back and forth instead of picking up the phone. Buyers and sellers are lucky if they get to meet at the closing table.

Well today I want to tell you a story of how sometimes, the old school way gets it done best. Today I'm going to tell you the story of Mike & Mike.

Mike and his wife were selling a vacant lot in front of their farmhouse. We knew it would be a desirable lot, so we priced it anticipating a lot of demand. Mike and his wife really wanted the lot to go to someone who would build a nice little house since this would be their neighbor.

It didn't take long before I got a call from another gentleman who happened to be named Mike as well. He was looking for a spot to build a home for his daughter and her family. The lot was a little more than he wanted to spend, but aside from that, it was perfect. We set up a time to meet at the lot that afternoon.

We opted for the three of us to meet up in person. It was Mike and Mike, plus myself. Mike and Mike got to know each other. Mike the seller shared his heart of wanting the lot to go to the right person who would love the lot as much as he did, and who would be a great neighbor. Mike the buyer shared his heart of wanting to build a wonderful home for his daughter and her family. They worked with one another and empathized with one another.

At the end of that meeting, we agreed to a price. It was a little less than the seller Mike wanted to take. It was a little more than what Mike the buyer wanted to pay. Both men were ok with giving a little to make the deal work and to make the other happy. Both men said they would be good with a handshake agreement. Obviously I had to get them to sign an actual contract, but I'm confident if I didn't, they both would have honored their word.

“Sometimes the old school way wins."