Over the years my love of dogs has helped create bonds with people who end up using me to help them buy or sell a home. It’s not something I shoot for, but let’s face it – many trustworthy connections are made between people who have some sort of common thread. Which brings us to my dog Jack and how he cost me from making two big sales. Thanks Jack.

The winter of 2013/14 had a stretch sort of like we are having right now. Snow fell, and it stayed. My new dog, Jack – already full of energy – was even more of a handful. When I would put on a jacket or gloves he would immediately “attack” me. All in good fun. In his eyes! One day he ripped my coat, which I promptly fixed with duct tape. Wrapped completely around about 8″ of sleeve near my bicep, it did the job. A couple more strips of tape in strategic places on the back, and near the pockets and I was all set! The coat transitioned from an everyday wearer to “play with Jack” status.

Flash forward a few days and I’m on an appointment with some newer clients. Nice people, but they made it clear they were working with me because of my strong reputation and knowledge of estate-style homes. They had a great house to sell, and were looking at a very interesting home set in the woods on a number of acres. The showing didn’t go well. Something was off – but I couldn’t tell why. They seemed quick to say good-bye.

When I got home Jen said “You wore that coat?”. I had on the duct tape coat.

I noticed a blinking light on my phone. A voice-mail. My clients decided to look for another agent. They didn’t have one in mind. Just someone that wasn’t me.

In the end, I’d take Jack over them anyway. But I did learn a lesson. Look in the mirror before you walk out the door.