As a local real estate agent with over 20 years of experience, I have had my share of interesting, exciting, and satisfying transactions. One of my favorites, however, occurred early in my career.

    I started selling homes in Palo Alto and the surrounding communities in the early 1980's. Those of you who were around back them will probably remember that interest rates had skyrocketed, to as high as 18 or 19% for a first mortgage. That made selling real estate more than a little challenging, and homes tended to stay on the market a long, long time.

     I was sitting on an open home one Sunday afternoon when a young couple came by. They were looking for a home in Palo Alto. With four school aged children, they were especially interested in moving into a community with good schools, and Palo Alto was "it".

     There was only one problem: They had essentially no savings! They had met a number of agents at other open homes who had told them it was hopeless, but I was young and naive, and eager for business, so I told them I would work with them. And there was one thing in our favor: Creative financing was in. So, we calculated what they might be able to afford, looked at the few homes in Palo Alto they could qualify for, and they chose one. This home was an Eichler, in pretty rough condition and owned by a crusty old investor. But it had been on the market for months and I had a genuinely interested buyer.

     I wont bore the readers with all the details, but after several weeks of negotiating, we had a deal and I had two very happy clients. The house was barely habitable, but they had a vision and I am happy to report they are still in that same house. It has been completely remodeled (but maintaining the original Eichler character) and we have become close friends as well. Now that is why I love to sell real estate!