A Landowner Facing Differing Opinions Within the Family

There was a piece of land along a major road that remained unused as farmland. The landowner lived with his elderly mother.
While the landowner wished to utilize the property, his mother was strongly opposed. Discussions about the land often led to arguments, making it difficult to even raise the topic.
When I visited for the first time, his mother would not make eye contact once she realized the purpose of the visit involved land development.

After multiple visits, she gradually became more willing to talk. When I asked why she opposed land utilization, she explained that during her late husband’s time, they had managed an apartment business, and she strongly associated construction financing with debt and financial risk.

Given her age, financial discussions were challenging. We carefully and repeatedly explained how the previous loan had already been fully repaid, how the apartment was currently generating income, and how borrowing and revenue would work in the case of tenant leasing—taking time to ensure she fully understood.

Because I entered the real estate industry from a different field, I was able to recognize where her questions and uncertainties lay. By using simple language and relatable examples, I believe we were able to help her truly understand the situation.

With her consent, we successfully moved forward with the contract and opening. At the pre-opening event, we even invited her friends—whom I had come to know well—and shared a meal together.

The landowner later told us that he would never have been able to persuade his mother on his own and expressed deep gratitude. In the past, he had received several promising proposals, but all were declined due to her opposition.

With increased financial stability, the landowner was able to retire early from his company and now helps his mother with farm work, which had become physically demanding for her.
He even takes time to clean around the store and maintain the landscaping, showing a strong sense of pride and attachment to the property.