Strike 2

First I booted a listing, now possible clients, buyers as well.

Our initial exchange (they were a couple that came referred) went something like this:

Them: "We're not sure we're willing to live in West Adams."

Me: "That's fine, though technically at your target price range, it's unlikely you could afford West Adams proper, but I know you mean the larger South Los Angeles area."

"Nor are we willing to live East of downtown."

"And how do you view the communities along the Arroyo."

"Those are East of downtown."

"Yes, just checking. What about just West of downtown, in places like Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown?"

"Aren't there gangs there?"



"There likely are, in a lot of neighborhoods wherein young people have real or imagined problems, they form gangs."

"We can't live anywhere that has gangs."

"There are gangs across most of Los Angeles. But I understand, you need to feel comfortable, secure."

"Exactly."

"I hope as we explore these places, we may find some pockets, some sections, in which you think you could feel secure.

"We're concerned about safety."

"Naturally. Returning briefly to geography...."

"We're thinking about Pasadena, though not North of the 134/210 freeways."

"Okay [long pause]. You also said 'you're not sure you're willing to live in West Adams', under what circumstances might you be willing to consider living in West Adams?"



"It's really just a feel thing".

"Could we start by driving around, trying to identify some qualities that are appealing."

"That'd be great, particularly since we've never been there."

Me: "Never been....where?"

Them: "West Adams."

Me: "[Long pause] On second thought, maybe we shouldn't--you know there are gangs there."

I'm leaving money behind at the table. Leaving money behind at the table. Money behind at the table.....