The Strangest Question Anyone’s Ever Asked Me

# 31 Real Estate Man

It was summer in Philadelphia, the rental season. Families were pouring into Center City to look for apartments to accommodate their soon to be student kids.

Real Estate Man was extremely busy showing groups of prospective tenants available apartments. Just parade the group into the apartment, show, ask for questions, depart, next group up. If there are takers in any of the groups — sign em up and move on to another group, another soon to be vacant apartment. Stressful time for all concerned.

Real Estate Man’s story:

It was a hot summer day. I had 3 groups of prospects scheduled to see a 1 bedroom on 20th Street. I was hoping to lease it to a student for the next college term. That meant dealing with parents probably — a long afternoon.

As my first group of potential renters and parents finished viewing the 20th St. apartment, I ask the assemblage if there were questions. Bracing for the usual: cost of heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, pets allowed — the normal…..A hand shot up.

Woman in the back: “Are you the clown in Cirque du Soleil?”

WHAT??

Me (playing along): Why, YES , I am.”