First Impressions

One of the first impressions you can have of a person is their handshake. Is it a pleasant firm handshake or a limp damp handshake or a hard knuckle cracking handshake? That first touch can say a lot.

When a client enters a home for the first time, that hand on the door handle is a handshake – it conveys a lot about the house. Does the door feel solid and secure or cheap and flimsy or hard to impossible to open? Does it swing open quietly or squeak and moan loudly as it is pushed open? Is the surface clean and pleasing to touch or covered in spider webs and dust? Is the handle solid or about to fall off? Remember this is your client’s first impression – their first handshake.

I have been on the hunt for a door for my rehab that says welcome to a peaceful haven. My door had to be solid wood – heavy enough to say safety and beautiful to enhance the home. I finally decided on a magnificent craftsman style door with windows at the top. I priced the door at a number of places and had prices of $3200 to over $4000 PLUS I would have to wait 21 days or more for it to come in. Patience is not one of my virtues.

THEN I went over to see Mike at Surplus Warehouse. I walked in the front door and THERE WAS MY DOOR!! The exact door I had been pricing – a beautiful solid mahogany door! I was shocked when I looked at the price – just under $1000! Incredible! Needless to say, that door is in my possession!