When we finished, she stared at me and blurted, “The prices of these 3 houses range between 3 and 10 million dollars. Do you have the money or wish to get a mortgage?”
I laughed, “I can call the bank and get the money as we speak.”
Rachel smiled warmly, “Sir, may I pick you up tomorrow at 10 am, and we’ll check these 3 houses?”
“That will be fine.”
I accompanied her outside. She glanced at my old Subaru that was parked in front of my house and grimaced. Obviously, she doubted I had the money to purchase the house and suspected I was wasting her time.
The following day, she rang the bell. I let her in. She stared at me and said, “Mister, I thought about our business last night. How do I know you can afford what you wish to see?”
I smiled menacingly at Rachel and said in a low tone, “Lady, I do not like to be judged by my current apartment or my car. You have 2 options: Either you want to leave, and I’ll find another agent, or I’ll prove to you I have the money, but it’ll cost you.”
“If you don’t mind, I wish to see proof you have $10,000,000.”
“As you wish. To prove to you it’s not a trick, please dial the phone number of the Chase-Morgan branch on Park.”
When she got an agent on the phone, I asked her to tell the agent to put the manager on the line for Evan Lockwood. She did as told, and I heard Mr. Thompson saying, “Good morning, Mr. Lockwood; what can I do for you?”
“Can you remind me how much money I have in the bank?”
After verifying it was me, he started saying the sum. I stopped him, asked him to repeat it, and handed the phone to Rachel. I could hear him saying out loud, “Slightly over $100,005,000. Do you need the exact amount?” I grabbed the phone, “No, thank you. That will be all.”
Rachel blushed, “Sir, I am very sorry, but you have to understand I do not have time for people who pretend to buy but leave after I spend days for nothing.”
“Lady, I understand you, but this is not MY style. As I said, now that you know my credentials are OK, let’s see the houses.”
We drove first to the least expensive house. I liked it a lot. Compared to the home I grew up in, it was a mansion. Rachel saw I liked it and inquired if I was ready to make the deal. I answered I wished to see the other 2 houses before making up my mind. The second house was more modern and better equipped. The third one, which cost 10 million, was by far the most impressive: Everything oozed richness and luxury, from the rugs to the curtains, with antique furniture and large paintings on the walls. The yard was spacious with several fruit trees, vegetable and flower gardens, a 25m swimming pool, and a large jacuzzi. By 2:30 pm, we finished our tour.
I said, “Let’s go back to my apartment and talk business.”
Rachel was all smiley in the car and upon entering the house. She chuckled, “So, which one did you select?”
“Since I am not married, I thought the first one was good enough.”
“Evan, if you go for the second one, I’ll take off 1% of my fee.”
I watched her eyes, “I was under the impression that the seller was paying the commission. Am I wrong?”