# The Most Unexpected Lesson in Real Estate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Wholesaling\ **Created:** [May 2, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511 "2025-05-02T17:32:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jayhoward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5a626/32.png) [@jayhoward](https://forum.retipster.com/u/jayhoward)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/1 "2025-05-02T17:32:08Z")
Real estate is full of surprises, and every deal seems to teach something new. For me, one of the most unexpected lessons was realizing how essential follow-up is especially in situations where the seller initially seemed uninterested. I once had a lead who ghosted me for months, only to text back later ready to sell because circumstances had changed. That single follow-up turned into a deal I almost gave up on. I’d love to hear from you all. What’s the most unexpected or unconventional lesson you’ve learned on your real estate journey? ---
**Author:** ![David\_Krulac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ec9cab/32.png) [@David\_Krulac](https://forum.retipster.com/u/David_Krulac)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/2 "2025-05-02T20:24:01Z")
I sent out a massive but targeted mailing. 5 years later somebody called and said they were going through their late mother’s papers and found my letter. They asked if I was still interested and I ended up buying the property. The first time this happened I was surprised, then it happens several times thereafter. ---
**Author:** ![DirtGuy](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forum.retipster.com/dirtguy/32/5884_2.png) [@DirtGuy](https://forum.retipster.com/u/DirtGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 4:10pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/3 "2025-05-03T16:10:06Z")
I had the same experience as David Krulac. I woman called from a letter I had sent her mother a year earlier. She sold me the property for less than the assessed value. It was a triple lot and became a very profitable deal. ---
**Author:** ![jayhoward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5a626/32.png) [@jayhoward](https://forum.retipster.com/u/jayhoward)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 1:03pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/4 "2025-05-05T13:03:58Z")
Amazing. It’s wild how something as simple as a letter can lead to a deal years down the line. ---
**Author:** ![jayhoward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5a626/32.png) [@jayhoward](https://forum.retipster.com/u/jayhoward)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/5 "2025-05-05T13:04:23Z")
Jim, that’s a great win! A triple lot for less than the assessed value sounds like one of those dream deals. ---
**Author:** ![jayhoward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5a626/32.png) [@jayhoward](https://forum.retipster.com/u/jayhoward)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 1:09pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/6 "2025-05-05T13:09:56Z")
Hi Jim, Since we’re both in the real estate space, I thought it’d be a great idea to hop on a quick virtual coffee chat. It’d be awesome to brainstorm some ideas, exchange insights about the market, and explore potential collaborations. What do you think ---
**Author:** ![DirtGuy](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forum.retipster.com/dirtguy/32/5884_2.png) [@DirtGuy](https://forum.retipster.com/u/DirtGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 9:09pm UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/7 "2025-05-05T21:09:29Z")
Sounds good. I’m pushed this week but should be okay anytime next week. ---
**Author:** ![selenataylor](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forum.retipster.com/selenataylor/32/5690_2.png) [@selenataylor](https://forum.retipster.com/u/selenataylor)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/8 "2026-01-03T08:07:00Z")
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? People matter more than property. You can fix a leaking roof, paint walls, or stage a home, but building trust with tenants, buyers, or partners makes or breaks your success. I once lost a deal because I rushed the paperwork and didn’t communicate clearly – the property was great, but the relationship wasn’t. Always invest in people first. ---
**Author:** ![Jollyjet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/54ee81/32.png) [@Jollyjet](https://forum.retipster.com/u/Jollyjet)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2026, 9:21am UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/9 "2026-03-31T09:21:15Z")
I’ve had sellers go cold for ages, then call out of nowhere ready to sign. I just keep light, simple check-ins so I’m the first person they think of when life shifts. ---
**Author:** ![mattewwade06](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forum.retipster.com/mattewwade06/32/5671_2.png) [@mattewwade06](https://forum.retipster.com/u/mattewwade06)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2026, 10:52am UTC](https://forum.retipster.com/t/the-most-unexpected-lesson-in-real-estate/9511/10 "2026-06-04T10:52:17Z")
Great insight. Sometimes the biggest lessons in real estate come from unexpected experiences rather than successful deals. Building strong relationships and understanding people’s needs can create long-term opportunities. We see the same when helping businesses find suitable company let properties across London.