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DavidPainter@kw.com
403 Woods Lake Rd, Suite 100
Greenville, SC 29607

HGTV’S HOUSE HUNTERS COMES TO GREENVILLE, SC:

A Behind the Scenes Look

By David Painter of Keller Williams Realty/ March 19, 2014

Click Here For Part I – Do You Really Want To Help Me?

Click Here For Part III – A Trip Down The Rabbit Hole

 

Part II

“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”

HGTV House Hunters in Greenville SCBy this point in my story, I’m guessing that most people could give a compelling argument as to why I should get while the gettin’s good! Just another daily sample of “nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.” Do you know the difference between doers and don’ters? Doers elevate, don’ters bellyache.

Here’s the thing—I’ve placed a self-imposed, aggressive deadline that, even by my lofty standards, may be difficult to achieve. Imagine for a moment that little guy sitting on my left shoulder whispering, “Perhaps, David, you should be more realistic.” SWAT!  It can be said that being realistic often leads to an average way of thinking, thus to the heavily traveled road of mediocrity. Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200. Go take your seat in the Community Jail, with six or a half dozen of the other, while those with higher standards pass you by.

Scott immediately began bombarding me with emails inquiring about various home possibilities, while I was  scurrying through three different MLSs over four counties and trying to set appointments on extremely short notice. I was feeling tested like rarely before. Swing batter, swing! I was not about to let a few curve balls derail my focus. Heck, swinging and missing 3 out of 10 times in the Majors may actually land you in the Hall of Fame. But, regularly maintaining that average in the real estate world may find you asking—Would you like that meal supersized?

As chaotic as things were, Mission 1 was accomplished! Houses matching Scott’s criteria were located and appointments were set! Check. Next up? Meet with Scott and begin building the foundation of any relationship—trust and respect.

Now, what would this story be without a couple of added twists? Just another run-of-the-mill, out-of-town client, right? Well, no danger of that. When Scott rattled off his list of likes and dislikes in a property, he was very direct:

#1 No creeks! Scott didn’t want to be anywhere nearHouse Hunters on HGTV comes to Greenville SC a creek, because he didn’t like spiders or snakes. I’m quoting him here, “While reptiles are a necessary evil in the food chain, I don’t want to be anywhere near them.” I mean, he must be joking, right? Who says that? Hilarious! What we have here, ladies and gentleman, is one of the more fascinating personalities I’ve come in contact with in 20+ years in real estate. By the way, don’t they have bears and wolves where Scott comes from? Colorado!

#2 Vaulted ceilings, 20 feet at least! Very rarely is this a deal breaker, but in this particular case it just might have been. According to Scott, year after year he wants to get the biggest tree on the lot at Christmastime, only to be quickly reminded by his better half that it’s not going to happen. Scott was emphatically clear—I don’t want to be told that anymore. Bah! Humbug!

HGTV House Hunters in Greenville SC

 

 

 

 


With just a few hours of daylight remaining, I finally met Scott Devore—in my mind, the infamous Scott Devore. What is it they say about not judging a book by its cover? I was about to find that out.

Before entering the first home, we stood at curbside for about 15 minutes, getting to know one another. It’s my assertion that when meeting someone for the first time, it’s imperative to bond before business—remember, it’s the relationship that sells!

The rigid demeanor I was introduced to on the phone a little earlier had been transformed into an enthusiastic ‘let’s get it done’ attitude. He couldn’t have been a more engaging person. Let me also note that he was extremely grateful I made things happen in such a short period of time. My anticipation of meeting Mr. Grinch morphed into thinking I had encountered Mr. Rodgers—well, maybe somewhere in between.

David Painter w/ Scott Devore on House HuntersAbout this time, Scott probably recognized he wouldn’t have to micro-manage me. Being a CPA, micro-managing is probably his stock in trade. Secretly, though, I think it was a significant relief to him.

Immediately upon entering the first property, I realized Scott was on a mission—a mission of no mercy to any home that was a waste of his time. Picture this! One moment he was with me—the next he vanished. Where had he gone? It was as if the Roadrunner had been turned loose in this stranger’s home. I distinctly remember our paths crossing in the middle of the stairway and hearing “Next!”

We were in and out of that house in a scant five minutes flat. All I could think was… “Get out of the way, there’s a freight train a-comin’, and it goes by the name of Scott Devore.”

During our time together, Scott shared that he and his wife Misty had toured what seemed like 100 houses in the Atlanta area alone, which boggled my mind. Red flag, you say? Then you’re really gonna love this next revelation.

In a few days he was heading to Hawaii for another job interview. I mean, who didn’t want this guy? Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water…  Now, I know diddly-squat about the Hawaiian real estate market, but I’ll go out on a limb and predict that the median home price is just a tad higher than it is in Greenville, South Carolina—unless it is located in a volcanic hazard area.HGTV House Hunters Greenville Candid Photo

He had one final question before we went our separate ways:  “Where’s your Buyer’s Agency Agreement, David?”  (You remember…the document Mr. Cat in the Hat so emphatically stated a little earlier he “had not” and “would not” sign.) My objective on this day was not to get a piece of paper signed, so I told him I didn’t even bring one. He replied, “Well, bring one tomorrow because I’m going to sign it. If I choose the Greenville area, you’re my guy.”

The foundation of our relationship and—I can now say—lifelong friendship had begun. Stay tuned as the fun is just beginning. I’ll be back soon with Part 3.

 

This is the second of a series of blogs about our House Hunters experience.

Part I can be viewed here

Part III can be viewed here

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