The Funny, Unexpected, and Very Real Moments of Real Estate!

By Katie Smeltzer

Story 1: The Ceiling Fan Incident — My First Listing

My first listing was supposed to be one of those proud, picture-perfect moments you see in those “Welcome Home” ads.I strutted in with confidence — and 4-inch heels that had me standing 6’2”, tall enough to host my own weather segment.

I opened the front door, took one single step inside…and the ceiling fan slapped me right in the forehead.

WHACK.Dead between the eyes.

My clients gasped.I saw stars.And I made a mental note right then to stop bragging about “spacious ceilings” unless I physically verify them first.

But here’s the best part:We were under contract within 2 days and found them their forever home a day later.

Nothing says “she is the one” quite like your Realtor taking one for the team.

Story 2: The One-Fanged Snake Bite (That Wasn’t)

One time, while showing river property, I brushed up against something sharp on my leg. It burned like FIRE.I looked down, saw a mark, and immediately thought:

“Welp. That’s it. I’ve been bit by a one-fanged snake. Leave it to me to die from a one-fanged snake bite.”

I had myself fully convinced.I was doing mental CPR.I was ready to call Life Flight.I even texted an ER doctor to ask, “Is it possible to get bit by a one-fanged snake?”(Still don’t know the answer.)

Meanwhile, I’m acting cool in front of my buyer because in my panicked little brain, I thought,“No one will buy land that comes with a one-fanged snake. Hold it together, Katie.”Not my clearest moment.

Turns out…It was a STICK.Or at least I think it was…

But in that moment?I was halfway to planning my funeral and picking out hymns —but had to make that sale first, lol.

Story 3: Survivor: Realtor Edition — The 50-Acre Mud Adventure

There’s nothing like a “quick little showing” on 50 acres that somehow turns into 2.5 hours of digging, pushing, praying, and questioning every life choice while stuck in South Georgia mud with a brand-new, still-smells-like-the-dealership truck.

Not my truck —my client’s shiny, straight-off-the-lot pride and joy.

We spent more time fighting the mud than looking at the land, but by the time we finally broke free, we were bonded for life — dirtier, humbled, and officially new friends.

And the best part?We actually had a blast.We learned my Jeep can pull out a full-size truck — who knew?!We took pictures with the whole family afterward like we’d just survived a natural disaster.

Honestly? One of my all-time favorite showings.

Oh — and I met the cutest toddler triplets that day.Bless their hearts, they had no clue their parents were out here filming “Survivor: Realtor Edition.”

Story 4: The FaceTime Showing That Turned Into a Ghost Story

My buyers asked me to check whether someone had recently died in the house.Reasonable enough… I’d ask the same!!

So I’m on FaceTime — it’s already dark outside — walking through this vacant house when the listing agent’s text pops up on my screen.

He casually says,“Oh yeah — someone did pass away in the back bedroom a month ago.”

Note:That was the room I was standing in.

I nodded.Made a note.Tried to stay professional.

And then…

The lights went out.All of them.Pitch black.Dead silent.And my buyers WATCHING THE SHOW LIVE.

I screamed, said some words I usually save for stubbing my toe, and ran out of that house like it was a Holy Ghost revival.

My clients?Laughing so hard they were crying… which I was doing too — crying, that is.

We found them another home — one with functioning electricity and zero surprise spirits — and they’ve been loyal to me ever since.

And for the record: I don't even know why I was worried, my dad taught me how to hold the flashlight!