LJ Idol X - Week [18] - Intersection - "Location Location Location"

[penpusher]

“There’s nothing more terrible than being in trouble, being unable to accomplish the task to which you have been assigned,” stated Tom Higgins, realtor, junior class for Homestead Properties as he spoke to the company's monthly newsletter. “But then, there’s nothing more wonderful than getting your first ever sale!”

Higgins looked out from the windows of the employee lounge. The skyline of Midtown Manhattan never looked so great.

“There’s a certain feeling that happens when you put someone right where they belong!” he exuded. “It’s that distinct response when the person and the property are a perfect fit. My client, Eve was just that person.”

Higgins scanned the blocks, finding first the Seagram Building, then tracing a finger along the glass north and east to the block where the property was located.

“Eve is a woman who needed a change in life, and who had the opportunity to move up. I’m really pleased I could help her.”

“Homestead just acquired a building in Turtle Bay,” Higgins continued. “Fourteen units! And it really was ideal for my client who was really in need of some alone time. Sure, she could have gotten a larger place, say in Inwood, but her commute would have included a bus AND a subway. Here, this charming one bedroom means she doesn’t have to deal with anything but a delightful stroll from the East Side. Unless it’s raining, then hop a cab!”

“What I really loved is how connected and receptive she was throughout the process,” Higgins continued. “It was like we were on the same page the whole time!”

“The very fact that she didn’t know where she wanted to be, that’s where my expertise came in,” said Higgins modestly. “I have been hitting the streets for nearly a year now, and during that time, I’ve worked the pavement from the Hudson to the East, and from the Battery to Grant’s Tomb. I’ve run into the cast of “Law and Order SVU” more times than most New Yorkers have been to Katz’s Deli!”

Higgins paused to reflect. “But that’s why we do what we do. We are here to help our clients find the place that is going to make them happiest. And you know something? A lot of the time, they think they know what that is, but they really don’t. It’s up to us to show them!”

“Yes, sometimes the client will flirt during a visit to a listing,” Higgins bragged. “But the idea is to remain professional at all times. In this case, I know she was interested in more than just the property, but there is an element of decorum that must be maintained at all times. The client isn’t ALWAYS right!” he winked.

“Still, we have to stay on topic, and that means finding the right place to be. And really, when you’re in a great space, that’s in a great place, the rest of your life kind of falls into place, especially if you have a great face!” Higgins nodded. “I’m sure Eve will acquire a whole harem of guys based on her apartment alone!”

“The beauty of New York is that it is a playground, a place where anything can happen, and where everything does!” Higgins stated. "And if it doesn’t go right, that’s what the ‘Missed Connections’ section of Craigslist is for!”

“I use a three-word mantra that gets me through; certainly, it got me through my first year with this company even when I wasn’t closing.” Higgins solemnly said. “It’s something that is so simple, yet many people overlook it. I’m sure you want to know what it is. What three words could allow you to survive in this city?”

Higgins paused for dramatic effect, then broke into a broad smile. “Life is good!”

//

This piece, written for LJ Idol, was created for the phrase: "Location Location Location"

I am teamed with xlovebecomesher who wrote on the topic "The Distance Between Us" and I hope you give her piece a read as well!

Comments

[i-17bingo.livejournal.com]

Higgins's enthusiasm was infectious. His view of New York is different than your average resident's, and yet it is somehow the same. I enjoyed this piece.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

I always suggest that why New York is so fascinating is because there are all these different "New Yorks" that exist in the same space. And I know it's true because I've paid visits to many of them, though the one I live in is quite a bit different from a lot of the others!

Higgins ekes out a NYC life and works for people he would likely never cross paths with again, because they live far away in THEIR New York!

Thanks for reading and a great compliment!

[wildrose.livejournal.com]

Okay, so he -is- a bit of a creep but somehow I can't help liking Higgins :D

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

I was hoping to make him somewhat likable and for sure he's a little creepy. He's working the Real Estate market in New York!!

Thanks for reading and for your lovely comment!

[xlovebecomesher.livejournal.com]

“Yes, sometimes the client will flirt during a visit to a listing,” Higgins bragged. “But the idea is to remain professional at all times. In this case, I know she was interested in more than just the property, but there is an element of decorum that must be maintained at all times. The client isn’t ALWAYS right!” he winked.

Everytime I read this line, I get creeped out by Higgins! But I really do love his enthusiasm for the job :D You are an awesome writer and a great partner - thank you for partnering up with me again!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Higgins is, admittedly, a creep. Although I'm positive he doesn't think so!

Thanks for agreeing to partner up again, and thanks for a great, great compliment!

[eternal-ot.livejournal.com]

Haha... I loved how the POV differed from Eve's. He is pompous but likable. I enjoyed the last bit where I expected it to end with the prompt but the change brought a smile on my face. A nice speech!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! I was trying not to make him too detestable, which, if you know about NY real estate, was a challenge indeed!

[rayaso.livejournal.com]

Being a new real estate agent in Manhattan must be so difficult! Finding the perfect fit for a client must be difficult. I enjoyed the dialog.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Really, just like great New York apartments, to get a great real estate position in this town is like waiting for people to die! And even then, you have to make nice with all the other realtors on staff before you get to move up.

But all that requires a certain attitude, which helps explain how Higgins is not exceptional in any way! Thanks for reading!

[beeker121.livejournal.com]

He seems enthusiastic. optimistic, and smarmy, and it's telling that this is essentially a monologue. I wouldn't want to be friends with him, but I might hire him as a realtor.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

I think your assessment is pretty great, but so many properties are being shown by multiple agents (probably a no no in most other cities) that sometimes you'd be better off with someone who cared more about you and less about their commission! Thanks for reading!

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

I like your take on the topic - there's SO much to NYC that's worth investigating - fortunately, I've never tried to purchase property there.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Haha! Yes, come to think of it, I never tried to buy property here either! That could be partially because most real estate agents I had were like Higgins!

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

This guy seems to really like his job, and certainly finds satisfaction in finding the right place for people-- and seems convinced that he can, no matter what.

It was hilarious to read the customer's impression of him in the other piece, which certainly was not how he sees himself!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Sometimes you just have to believe your own myth to survive this town. It also helps explain the current politics. Thanks for reading!

[devilz-workshop.livejournal.com]

The fact that Higgins read the signs so wrong, makes me wonder how good he would be socially. Seems to be a decent guy though. This was fun to read.

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Yeah, going to a party with Higgins would likely be a challenge, or at least a constant conversation about real estate! Thanks for a great compliment!

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

I'm off to read the intersection....but I can't help wonder if it's going to address the overly-enthusiastic creep factor of your Higgins! LOL! Great work on building character through dialogue!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for a lovely compliment, and I'm sure Higgins would see it as a compliment too!

[murielle.livejournal.com]

This piece seems to speak as I imagine New York would speak, if it could. There's a wonderful rhythm and bustle to it. Clever use of the prompt! Kudos!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much. Admittedly I did go the "write what you know" route this week! Thanks for reading and your comment!

[flipflop-diva.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I'd want him to be my real estate agent, but this was a super fun read! I love how enthusiastic he is!

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

NYC really is a manic/depressive town a lot of the time. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!!

[lordrexfear.livejournal.com]

Even I haven't met the entire cast of Law and Order: SVU...

and I was ON Law and Order: SVU.

(what? That's where my brain went)

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

Haha! That's so cool. I think just about every working actor in this town has turned up at some point on that show. It's sort of like what soap operas used to be, a place to get some experience and exposure!

I think if you're in the streets as much as Higgins is, rather than honing the craft of acting or sitting in one of those omnipresent trailers parked on the curbs of any city block, you'd probably meet a lot more celebs! Thanks for reading and commenting!