Sometimes in our real estate practice we have bittersweet experiences, and one of my favorite transactions fits that category.
About eight years ago good personal friends of mine decided it was time for them to pull up stakes and move to another state. They were ready to enjoy different experiences in a different locale. We had been friends for over 20 years; our children grew up together; we cooked dinner weekly for one another for 6 or 8 years; we had joint subscriptions to the local symphony.
From a personal standpoint, this was bitter--I hated to see them leave. And yet--this is what they wanted to do; they were happy with their choice; they were ready to move on.
As the time drew closer, they asked if I would list their house and advise them on various matters. I was honored, Even though part of me cried out, "no--don't go" I wanted this to be the very best experience possible for them.
We consulted with a stager about paint colors and the best mix of their furniture and the stager's pieces. In the back yard was a storage shed the owner had built (with permits--hooray!); it was a great size and had electricity so I urged them to clean it up, add sheet rock, and make other improvements so it would be usable space.
We worked closely together to make everything shipshape, inside and out.
When we introduced the house to the market on broker's tour, I clearly remember seeing one young woman sitting outside on the bench of the deck, looking at the yard; she sat there for a long time, then toured the house a second and then left.
A couple of days we heard multiple offers, all good as I recall, but the standout offer came from an agent in my office who was representing that young woman. The buyer and family had outgrown their small house, and not only did my client's house work perfectly for them, she had always dreamed of having a space for herself, where she could engage in her art and creative activities.
We had the perfect buyer for the house, the perfect offer (at a higher price than we had envisioned) and elated sellers.
Testimonial
"Lottie listed our house which sold in two days, for over the asking price. Prior to the listing, Lottie helped us in suggesting upgrades to some of the house, assisted us in finding craft persons to upgrade the landscaping, paint the interior, improve rooms, suggest converting a work shop into a studio, and “held our hands” during the whole process. Lottie’s attention to our selling process was a pleasure."
Putting my heart into making my friends' selling experience as profitable, easy and as simple for them as possible eased the pain of seeing them depart, and remains one of my favorite transactions. (And the sellers still remain dear friends.)
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