Four years ago, my granddaughter and her husband were getting ready to start a family. She didn't want to have a baby until they were in a home of their own, and I wanted a great grandchild! So I scoured the new listings in search of the perfect home for her and hubby. I found a fabulous off-market property for them and before you could bat an eye, we were under contract. My reward was a beautiful great-granddaughter born 8 months later.
After my great granddaughter was born, Chloe told me she thought she would stop at one child. I was disappointed, but understood. Kids are expensive these days. Besides, my granddaughter is a great money manager and she works that budget like nobody's business. If that was her decision, so be it.
Fast forward to the end of last year. They had been discussing having another child, and if they did, they would want a larger house. Mentioned casually, it was enough to put Nanny Pat on notice. Once again, a home for my grandchildren was on the radar.
Suddenly, everything happened fast. Chloe got pregnant quickly, and it wasn't long before we learned she was having TWINS!!! A new house now was almost essential, but we had to consider the budget. Interest rates are higher now than they were in 2021 and it would take a more expensive home to house their growing family. Plus, they had a house to sell. It seemed overwhelming, but I was still looking for an affordable option.
As it turned out, I had a 4 bedroom listing that wasn't selling. It had some deferred maintenance and although we had offers, the most recent purchaser walked over the home inspection. I asked my client if I matched the last offer, and purchased the house "as is", would she sell to me. She said yes. I called Chloe to see the house in person and she was literally beaming from ear to ear. But she uttered the words "we can't afford it".
I told her to leave that to me. I bought that house, rolled up my sleeves and went to work. I got my roofer, electrician, and plumber to do the deferred maintenance and hired a handyman to do some other needed work. Once the house was ready, Chloe and her family moved in so she could start nesting. After a quick beach trip, I went to work on their old house. We got that home updated and staged, received multiple offers, and closed within 30 days.
As I write this post, I am anxiously awaiting the birth of my identical twin grandsons, (great grandsons!) at the end of September. The "kids" are settled into their new home and the best part is they live in my neighborhood so I get to see them even more than before. I know she will need help with the 3 year old as well as the twins so I am thrilled I was able to help them get into a new home.
Over my career I have helped countless families buy and sell, leaving me with a sense of pride and a happy heart, but this transaction takes the cake!
This is my entry to the August 2025 ActiveRain challenge "The Transaction That Touched Your Heart" hosted by Carol Williams and Ralph Gorgoglione.
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