There is a saying in real estate…

“Want to be busy? Go on vacation!”

I’m not sure why this is, but every time I schedule a vacation, it seems like everything happens at once. Listings go under contract, absentee buyers resurface wanting to look at homes, neighbors call to schedule a consultation to sell, and sometimes, all hell breaks loose on deals currently under contract.

This was the case recently as I was cruising the Atlantic and received a frantic text message:

This message came at the worst possible time. I was on vacation, trying to unwind and enjoy a break from the daily grind. My heart sank as I read the text. I didn’t want to call my client, but I knew I needed to update him and share the facts. With a deep breath, I picked up the phone and let him know about the shortfall. I assured him I would work on a solution, but first, we needed to be clear about where things stood.

His voice was tight with frustration as he said, “Rosemary, you have to figure this out. I’m trusting you. I’ve budgeted for every single penny and simply can’t afford the windfall of losing out on $10,000.”

That was a lot of weight to carry, especially from the middle of the ocean. But instead of letting it consume me, I immediately prayed about it and released it. I didn’t give up, but I gave it to God, literally praying, “This is not my problem to solve but Yours. Please direct my path and give us all wisdom in this situation.”

And He did just that.

The agent on the other side of the deal was incredibly diligent and worked closely with me until we came to a solution. She was an answered prayer. Together, we were able to negotiate terms that satisfied both parties, and my client didn’t have to face the financial burden he feared.

As it says in the book of Psalms, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22, ESV).

Sometimes when a problem comes up in business, we have to remember that God is the ultimate problem solver. After I prayed for the solution, I went on to enjoy my day as God worked it out. I came back to it with clarity instead of overwhelm and frustration, and that’s because I took it to Him in prayer. I want to remind you to do the same. Whatever challenge you’re facing, bring it to God, and trust that He will guide you through it.

Your Real Estate Bestie,