Closure is a myth. While I realize this is not the first time that statement has been made aloud, it’s a first for me. This is somewhat of a relief that I have finally arrived at such a conclusion. Now I can get some closure on it … except I can’t because closure is a myth. Bear with me for a moment while I wax philosophical. Some years ago, at the end of my 27-year marriage, I began to examine this idea of closure. I wanted it; I even knew what I needed to get it. However, I could not have it. I realized that this existential idea of “closure” doesn’t exist in this realm.

In the world of real estate, that is a fundamental goal, closing. We “close” on a transaction, hand over the keys or deed to the property, or whatever it may be to symbolize that the deal is done. It has come to an end. It is over. However, anyone who has ever experienced an unexpected loss of any kind knows that, although the proverbial keys have been turned over, the “deal” has not really come to an end.

Many Realtors spend countless hours with their clients. This could be in the form of days, weeks, months or sometimes years. During that time, we come to really know them. We see them at some of their more vulnerable times. We get to know families and friends. We learn about their goals, their worries and their successes. Essentially, we learn their stories; and everyone has one. Our clients quickly become very three-dimensional to us. We find ourselves empathizing with them and cheering them on in their endeavors both in the realm of real estate as well as in their personal lives. And then it’s time to close. We meet at the title company, watch them sign the papers and our job is done.

We urge them to reach out with questions. Little do they know, we are serious. We want them to reach out. I personally love getting a phone call asking if I still have the disclosures, or a copy of the Home Inspection, or the phone number for a good plumber. This is a great opportunity to reconnect.

As time progresses, we continue to reach out. Just to see how things are going. We “like” their Facebook posts and some of us even keep up on Snapchat and Instagram (someday I’ll figure out these smarter-than-I-am apps.).

In fact, last week, I ran into a past client at the grocery store. The fact that I was in the grocery store was in and of itself an anomaly. I abhor grocery shopping. In fact, I really loathe any kind of shopping, with the exception of house shopping. Between my husband, who does all of the grocery shopping, and my more-stylish-than-I-am-by-far girls, who pick out all my clothes, I find myself not having to frequent those detestable places. This time, however, I was completely out of golden delicious apples and had to fetch them myself.

Either way, I hadn’t seen this client for some time. She was with two of her kids, who had grown considerably. It was literally like a family reunion (with the good side of the family). I ran to this family, in what I envisioned as slow motion, and threw my arms around the kids, who had no idea who I was. I quickly explained that I helped them buy the house they are currently living in. One of the kids, who was probably less than a year old when I sold them the house, stated, “Oh yeah, I remember you.” Clearly, he didn’t, but he totally made my day.

So, my friends, in a society full of beginnings and endings, I have learned that there are really only beginnings. We move forward, however, not to reach any sort of conclusion, but just for the experience, and we keep adding to it. The more the merrier.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.

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