Remember Carl's story? I met Carl in September 2011 when I showed his home in Brookeville, MD. Carl had been attempting a short sale for many, many months and had been put through the wringer by Bank of America. After buyer #2 walked - due to some ridiculous request by B of A - Carl's wife passed away.
Carl moved me to tears. My clients and I spent quite some time with him, touring his home and listening to his stories. It was a very special house, their dream home. He tried to maintain it as best as he could but power had already been turned off and it had all gotten too much for him.
Carl's story occupied my mind for weeks. I so wanted to help Carl and I wanted to save this magnificent home. Although in a bit of disrepair, I could see its beauty, I could feel the charm, I could easily imagine family gatherings and hear the pitter patter of little feet.
I wasn't able to help Carl but somebody else was. Carl's home was bought by an investor/developer who, I am so delighted to report, brought Carl's home back to its original glory. He didn't demolish it nor did he change its character. He emphasized all its special features and made it shine. It's a grand lady of a home again.
Why am I sharing this with you? Because being a Realtor® is not just about objects and dollars. It is about people and their stories, about dreams and hopes, tears and laughter. Because seeing that this sad story is going to have a happy ending just made my day.
Carl was able to move on and finally grief the loss of his soul-mate. Carl's house was saved. It will be filled with love and warmth again. It will be somebody's home again.
Carl's home is a 5 bedroom/5 bath Tudor estate on a beautifully serene and private 4 acres in Brookeville, MD. It is being offered by Developer's Realty for $799,000. If you are interested in Carl's home (or any other home for sale in Brookeville, MD) please give me a call. I'd be delighted to show it to you.
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!
Glad to hear Carl's home won't be destroyed. You're right we're in a people business, assisting them with one of if not the most important things in their lives .... Their homes. It's not about the bottom line at all but about the Carl's of the world. Thanks for sharing
Jan 12, 2013 11:07 AM
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
Hi John, I was heart broken that I wasn't able to help Carl or save his home. Seeing the development now truly made me happy. I love happy endings!
Jan 12, 2013 11:26 AM
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville
sometimes we get so involved and attached to the people. I think that's what makes us great at this job. I love happy endings too.
Jan 12, 2013 11:42 AM
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370
glad there was a good story for Carl, yes as long as our prospects are satisfied that is the best part, often it will turn into referrals down the road
Jan 12, 2013 11:43 AM
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
You and I both, Tammy. People first, business second - that's how I look at it.
Hi Mark, Carl was a man with a broken spirit and a burden that had gotten too heavy for him to carry. What a relief it was to see that he was able to move on. Satisified and happy clients, that's what I always strive for.
Jan 12, 2013 11:55 AM
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!
So glad to hear that Carl's story has a happy ending as well as Carl's house. That would be terrific if you could find the buyer for it and have it come full circle Andrea. You are so right, it's about the people and the memories and that's what makes our jobs so terrific!
Jan 12, 2013 12:16 PM
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
Hi Brenda, it would be such an honor! Carl's house - as I will always remember it - was built with so much love and is just a very special home.
Jan 12, 2013 03:11 PM
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder
There are so many sad stories surrounding what the big banks put people through when they attempt a short sale. The fact that you followed up on this one shows you have a big heart. Thank you!
Jan 13, 2013 03:10 AM
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
Hi Joetta, some of these stories are truly heartbreaking. I really wish I could have helped Carl but I was relieved and happy for him when I learned about the developments.
Jan 14, 2013 01:41 PM
Rainmaker
990,513
990,513
Andrea Bedard
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
Service Areas
Real Estate Resources
Andrea's blog is about (g)local Real Estate, family-owned businesses, Main St USA, neighborhood info and happenings in MoCo & HoCo and (far) beyond.
It's sprinkled with sound advice and a candid perspective, sweetened by her vintage soul and topped off with her passion for Real Estate, travel, running, and the 2 most important people in her life. Andrea is an ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), bilingual, and holds the distinguished Certified International Property Specialist designation.
Comments(9)