There are moments in this business when the adrenaline hits differently.

It was a quiet weekday afternoon, and I got the text, from my first-time homebuyers who had been circling a new build community for weeks. We’d toured the models. Run numbers. Dreamed. Hesitated.

Then finally, they said the words every agent loves to hear: “We’re ready.”

I moved fast. Within minutes, I sent a message to the builder’s rep to reserve the lot we’d been eyeing. It was the one. But what came next stopped me in my tracks:

“We just saw a lot reservation come through for that same home.”

Cue internal leopard-mode activation.

I screenshotted timestamps. Took a deep breath, put on my metaphorical (and literal) leopard hat, and went to work.

Let me be clear, this wasn’t about ego. It was about representation. About making sure my buyers didn’t lose their dream home over ten minutes. About someone being in their corner when the process moved faster than anyone anticipated.

I made the calls, leveraged the facts, and stayed kind but firm. And you know what? We secured the lot.

Not only that—we negotiated a 4.75% interest rate, 1.5% in closing costs, plus a full appliance package (hello, refrigerator/washer/dryer bundle). We got it all on the table—and then some.

The Lesson?

In real estate, timing is everything. But advocacy? That’s what turns a near-miss into a win.

Sometimes I wonder if I need to be “on” all the time, if that kind of vigilance is sustainable, or even necessary.

But that day reminded me: when the purpose is clear, the effort is worth it. Being “on” isn’t about perfection. It’s about being ready to fight for people who’ve entrusted you with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

For this couple, their homeownership story started with a ten-minute gap—and ended with a win, a welcome mat, and a whole lot of joy.

If you’re thinking about buying, especially new construction, don’t go it alone. You deserve someone who sees the full picture and acts quickly when it counts. I’d be honored to help you make your move, leopard hat and all.