Back in 2008, Denver's real estate market had all but come to a halt. Not much happening, and if you had a listing, you were lucky to get an occasional showing. Buyers were fearful of the market and sales were scarce.
Had a call from a past client and she wanted to list her home and move closer into town. Buying in Castle Rock as a single person (she said) was a lonely adventure, and wanted to get back into the "scene". We listed in September 2008, but nothing was happening, and pulled the property off the market a few days prior to Thanksgiving. We had nothing close to resembling a bite.....
So, thinking 2009 would be a better year, right after the first of year she put her home back on the market and what a difference - showings, and even some interested buyers! I received a call from buyers calling off my sign, and they were in love with the location - high on the hill with three sides of the home having city and mountain views. Buyers and Sellers came to agreement, but the Seller had to find a replacement home. Off we went....for a few days. The only property she loved was new construction, and would not be finished for FIVE MONTHS.
The seller then tried and tried to find alternative housing for these five months, but one day called me and said she would have to turn down the contract, as she could not find housing. OH NO.....these buyers were determined to have this home, but were on a time frame, and could not draw out the close date.
What is an agent to do when this happens....well she moved in with me. Oh, might have forgotten a small detail - she had 4 kitties. One was pretty ill, and did not make it, so still three kitties. I have two kitties, and one doesn't really care for other cats (or animals for that matter...)
It was only for 5 months, and what could go wrong? Well, one more before 5 am, my bed started shaking, and knew we don't have earthquakes in Denver. My roomie decided to do her laundry, and was just outside my door. Real estate had drastically picked up, and that day was going to be a bear, and was NOT happy waking up at that time of morning. We made some new rules, she was retired, and no need to do laundry that time of morning!
It was rather fun to chat with someone, as I have lived by myself for a lot of years. There were times we would sit in the hall, play with the kitties and talk and laugh for a long time! The cats got along better, and before long, her new construction was ready.
I salvaged a transaction that otherwise would have crashed and burned, but have to say, probably would not have a buyer or seller move in with me again. Once was enough. The buyers of this home now have sold it, bought two more and will have their home on the market soon.
This is an entry for the February contest - Love is in the Air
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