Someone Else May Live There, But It Will Always Be Your Home
They had built and lived in their home for 50 years. It was now time to move closer to family.
They contacted several agents; then I heard back.
The home was built in 1975. It was a typical Boca Raton home for the time - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage on a large lot, on a cul-de-sac street.
It had "nylon wall-to-wall carpeting" and "asbestos vinyl tile floor in kitchen, family room and foyer." These were upgrades 50 years ago.
And they had the original floor plan from the builder.
Schools are A-rated and in demand, especially the elementary. It's minutes from downtown and the beach. There was room to expand the house and add a pool.
The first thing I noticed when I went there was this house was filled with love. You could just tell.
The house was original, but had been immaculately maintained. I was given a list of when everything was replaced - the air conditioner, water heater, appliances, roof, etc. The kitchen and baths were original, but in perfect condition.
They were set on moving, although it was clear she did not want to leave her home, her friends on the block, her life. 50 years is a long time, and her life was in Boca Raton.
I understood, because I had moved my mother from New York to Florida after my father passed. She had lived in her apartment for almost the same amount of time.
Since the house would likely be gutted, she asked me not to take any interior photos. Of course, I complied and we just took a few exterior photos.
We priced it to sell and sell it did. Quickly.
We had many showings and offers. From those who wanted to steal it, to great offers and really good offers with better terms.
They were not real estate savvy having owned only one home and lived in it for 50 years, so they relied on my guidance. In guiding them, I also had them use a very kind attorney who I knew who be a good fit for them as a leaseback was involved.
It all happened very fast. They closed and stayed another few weeks.
She was upset, but I would tell her: Someone else may live here, but it will always be your home.
I sent the photo of the exterior of their home to a company that blows it up and frames it. I paid extra to have it delivered quickly. Unfortunately, it never arrived.
The company was wonderful and resent it. In the end, they had two photographs. They gave one to their daughter.
Now the framed photo hangs in her new kitchen as a reminder, because it will always be her home.
These are very special people.
I am so grateful to have met and been able to help them, and they have become friends. They are very special to me. We still talk and plan to meet for lunch in the new year.
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This is the review they left on Google:
"Once it was known that we decided to investigate real estate agents, the email never ended. While all agent responses were encouraging, they were primarily based on the property value. One of the first agents to contact us was Elyse Berman. Of course she was interested in getting us the most for our property, yet was not willing to trade a peaceful transaction in order to obtain a higher selling price. As we were an older couple and previously had never sold any real estate we were lost when knowing the procedures that were required. We were very comfortable with all of the suggestions she and the lawyer she had previously worked with had made. As it turned out her years of experience yielded a sale that we were happy with as well as a friendship we intend maintain in the future!"
This is my first entry in Active Rain's November 2025 Challenge, hosted by Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375.
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