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Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World | Colleen Lane | The contest is on and here is an entry for the greatest real estate agent in the world submitted by Colleen's husband Joe. Let the games begin!
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Let me begin with a little background information about Colleen and I, which contributes to Colleen's stature as the Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World.
We retired financially several years ago. I am 48 and Colleen is 40. When I was 42 we took stock of what we had accumulated and chose to sell off our real estate and our business in Southern California, and move to the Tri Cities Washington area. One of our priorities in life is our children. We have 5 of them (oh my!) and by moving to an area with a lower cost of living, we were able to live off rental property income, as well as other modest investments. Thus, allowing more time with the family. Fast forward a few years. Colleen has had a real estate license going back 15 years, however, we decided last year to actively represent buyers and sellers in the Tri Cities Washington marketplace and donate 100% of the proceeds to World Vision. Thus, what Colleen does she does for charity. Colleen is working to help folks like the ones in this video, of which is just one of the opportunities we fund.
What follows is a husband's view of Colleen Lane, the Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World.
Real Estate Webmasters has posted a contest for the Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World. Here is my entry for why Colleen is the Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World. I am Joe Lane, her husband, and here to tell the world why. Proverbs 31:31 writes:
"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
In times past, business and communication of important information was done at the gate to the city. Today, I'm here to stand at the gate and tell folks what a great REALTOR® and all around great person my wife is. A Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World tribute, if I may.
I met Colleen 22 years ago when she worked as a property manager in a real estate office. By the time we were married (A few months later, I might add. Not one to spoil a golden opportunity. I knew a good thing!) she was working in a very large mortgage company. Being new in this office of 130 employees, she started at the bottom. Months turned into years, then the mortgage industry went belly up. It was during the time when interest rates were at all time highs in the 1980s. Colleen would come home to tell me she survived another lay-off. Well, after 130 employees, several lay-offs, Colleen was the last person standing. By this time she had learned the mortgage industry and the bank that owned the mortgage company wanted to keep her for good in the bank's branch headquarters. Why did Colleen last so long? Competency. During her tenure at the mortgage company, she exemplified competency and to this day has always been the most competent person I know.
Colleen's only sin in life was the candy bar she swiped when in 3rd grade! When her parents found out about it, they marched her back to the store, made her pay for the crime, and made her apologize. Well, that was the last sin my honest wife ever committed. Colleen brings this honesty with her wherever she goes. Her honestly and forthright manner keeps her clients coming back. Some say communication is accomplished by 10-20% word, the remainder body language, facial expression, etc. Clients read the honesty in Colleen as honesty emanates from every part of Colleen's being. Her integrity goes before her and opens many doors. It's this integrity and honesty that brings her previous clients coming back for more great service.
Colleen has her priorities right. Colleen places family and her relationship with God over business matters. Colleen has always been committed to being a great mother and wife while being a great business woman. When Colleen is hired to represent a buyer or seller, the client receives an agent who is committed to them. An agent who is not committed to the most important persons in their life, the family, will not be committed to the client. When working with a person who is committed to the client, the client's best interests are made a priority and not the agent's self interest. Colleen exemplifies commitment.

Colleen and our youngest Carly. I'm almost 49 and two years ago we had a vasectomy failure. When Carly turns 18 I'll be 65. Ouch! I guess we'll be in business for quite some time!

Colleen may not be the Greatest Skier In The World, but she's a keeper! Skiing and/or riding is a requirement to be in our family!
In all the years I've know Colleen she has had only one enemy. About 10 years ago a woman decided she didn't like Colleen. Not sure why. Perhaps this lady was jealous of Colleen's incredibly handsome husband? I dunno, however, this woman chose not to like Colleen. I watched over the next several months as Colleen treated this lady with respect and kindness and eventually won her over. Colleen is amazing in this way, but make no mistake, as she can be a fierce negotiator or confronter. As a matter of fact, just the other week we had a tenant (we have several investment properties) who has been late on her rent one to many times. Colleen and I discussed this and decided this tenant needs be sternly warned. Well, I drove Colleen to the meeting with the wayward tenant, and Colleen informed me she wanted to handle the confrontation. We met at a parking area where the two agreed to have a little discussion. We arrived, Colleen got out and met with woman and I watched as they chit chatted and seemed to have a jolly good time. At this time I'm thinking, "What about the confrontation?" They finish and Colleen gets back in the car and I asked, "What happened?" She then informs me that she told the tenant that if she is late one more time she will evict her. I drove away thinking, "You go girl!" Only Colleen can communicate such stern news and walk away with a smile and a handshake. It's this same toughness that Colleen brings to the negotiating table when representing a client. She battles for her client's best interest, all the while keeping a climate of professionalism mixed with niceness.
She's gorgeous and not aging. Can I complain about that? Ok, a little venting is in order. We are 8 years apart in age, and I knew I was in trouble when we were getting our licence to get married over 20 years ago. I was 27 and Colleen was 19. The lady behind the counter asked if I was Colleen's Dad! Well, fast forward 22 years. I've aged 22 years, while Colleen has aged 5 years (and that's on a bad day!). So, Colleen REALLY looks like my daughter now. I don't dare grow any hair (what little might grow) as it's all gray. What would I look like then, her grandfather? Gees!
We have 5 children. The first two were born back to back and are 17 and 18 years old, then we took a break and had 2 more, ages 8 and 9, then our last, a vasectomy failure, is 1 years old! When all seven of us go for a walk, I can easily get self conscious as folks have to wonder which children are whose. Since my oldest daughter and wife look the same age, a question like "Who's kid is the 1 year old?" Or, since our kids are so neatly spaced apart, "How many marriages is this guy on?" Oh well, needless to say, Colleen is certainly a professionally looking lady, of which is an understatement by any standard. She looks great and represents the client well.
Colleen and I are a great team. When a client hires us, the client gets me on the marketing end of things, as I handle our websites, blogging, marketing, etc. My wife, on the other hand, handles the client representation. Colleen is the one who works with our clients on picking the right property, showing properties, listing properties, CMAs, etc. So, if you want me on the backend, and Colleen as your point person, you've come to the right place. Consider Colleen and I for all Tri Cities Washington Real Estate services.

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Book Description
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From the Back Cover
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From the Back Cover
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Funny :D squirral hehe Also im scared 40,000 views+ ORIGINAL :(
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| katzwebdesign
Wow. Pretty in-depth look at why your wife is the best :-) You sure this is for the contest, and not for Valentines day? Posted April 25, 2008 |
| RyanRE
It looks like you guys are on the 1st page of Google as this contest nears an end. Even if you don't win, you are still great real estate agents and did a great job in the contest. Posted April 21, 2008 |
|
gods_grace_notes
Dear Joe, Posted April 14, 2008 |
| Arora
Collen, Posted April 12, 2008 |
@GayleC ~ For the most part, Colleen is about volunteer work! ;)
Posted April 07, 2008
|
GayleC
GREAT LENS! I hope you win the contest. However, I was looking for nonprofits and volunteering information here. Posted April 07, 2008 |
|
theawristocrat
Wow.. One of the best lens Ive read. Rated 5 stars. Posted March 31, 2008 |
| animal_lover79
If only I could have a man speak of me that way! It's so nice to see good people enjoying life! Fabulous lens...5 stars!! Posted March 30, 2008 |
| AmyP
Great lens Joe. You both sound like the nicest people in the world! Wishing you continued happiness and success! Posted March 29, 2008 |
| spirituality
This is touching: a husband lensing his wife (was that a verb?). Sounds like the perfect marriage to me. And great if you win this thing too. Posted March 29, 2008 |
|
Wayne_Long
Wow! You have done an really great job with this Joe. I would have given you 10 stars if I could. Posted March 24, 2008 |
Great lens! Keep up the great work. You have my vote! ~V
Posted March 22, 2008
|
ShortSaleRealtor
great lens and good luck in the contest Posted March 20, 2008 |
|
rwoman
Great lens! Posted March 18, 2008 |
|
daoine
It's great to meet you both "properly" :) Welcome to the Phenomenal Women group Colleen - you're an inspiration. Posted March 16, 2008 |
|
Elee
oh... how I wish I'll be right where you are in a few years time... Posted March 14, 2008 |
| pyngthyngs
Best of luck to you in the contest. I'm a big fan of your work on Squidoo. If you put in only half the hard work and dedication that shows in your Squidoo work, you would easily be the World's Greatest Real Estate Agent. Posted March 13, 2008 |
| lens4Him
What a wonderful lens Posted March 13, 2008 |
|
adez7
Hi Joe, Posted March 13, 2008 |
|
flowergardener
This is a beautiful tribute to your wife. She is greatly blessed with a wonderful loving husband; the type of marriage God outlines! :) Posted March 13, 2008 |

Tri City Washington Real Estate | Washington Real Estate News Blog
Some of this work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. All original work, design, and imagery is Copyright© 2007-08 The Lane Real Estate Team.
~Joe Lane, singing Styx's Lady to Colleen:
Lady, when you're with me I'm smiling
Give me all your love
Your hands build me up when I'm sinking
Touch me and my troubles all fade
Lady, from the moment I saw you
Standing all alone
You gave all the love that I needed
So shy, like a child who has grown
'Cause you're my lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
Lady, turns me on when I'm lonely
Give me all your charm
Evenings when she lays down beside me
She takes me gently into her arms
Lady of the morning
Love shines in your eyes
Sparkling, clear, and lovely
You're my lady
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