Rebecca's determination and resolve was steadfast. She spent 2 weeks, moving herself back into the house because as she told us, “It’s important to give buyers the feeling that someone is living there.” We could not agree more. Helping buyers tell their own story about what it feels like to live in the home is the crux of what our approach to selling real estate is all about.

A couple mornings after she was officially “moved in,” our staging team spent almost two hours preparing the house ahead of the professional photo shoot. Then, as is routine, we arrived at the house well in advance of the photographer, with fresh fruit and fresh flowers. 

For the better part of the morning, we scurried around the property, fussing over the details. Making sure everything looked ‘just so.’ Rebecca had done her part to bring the house to life and we weren't about to drop the ball. 

After all, there are no penalties for doing ‘a little extra.’

From day one, Rebecca told us that speed of sale was a priority for her and thus we formulated our strategy accordingly. Then she executed the game plan brilliantly.

Most homeowners, our my experience, hope for a pleasant and profitable home sale. But too often that’s where it ends. Most are not willing to do the required legwork to ensure that their “hope” becomes a reality. It’s the willingness to do so, that sets our clients and their results, apart from the results of the average home seller.

Less than a week after the ink was dry on our contract, the buyer’s inspection turned up a laundry list of issues. Roof decking and shingles were in need of replacement. The fireplace and chimney were cracked. Windows were shot.

Some of these things we’d anticipated, others were virtual blindsides.

A few days after we came to an agreement on repairs, a call came in from the buyer’s agent. Overnight, the buyer endured a sudden and tragic family loss. He’d likely be out of touch for up to two weeks. Grieving. Understandably. 

Once again we found ourselves in limbo. Waiting. Fingers crossed. All the while, Rebecca was under contract to buy a new home elsewhere. That contract contingent upon this sale. Tense and taxing, to say the least.

“. . . Every day it was something new,” she remarked at closing, “I mean Thank God I wasn’t working. This was a full time job.”

A wry smile creasing her face.

Through all of the ups and downs — the entire emotional rollercoaster — we were inspired by Rebecca’s patience and upbeat attitude. Every single text message from her, punctuated with the power of positivity.

When you are dealing with mounds of paperwork and contingent deadlines. When you are dealing with lenders and inspectors, appraisers and underwriters, roofers and septic systems, surveyors and title companies … it’s not uncommon for fires to start popping up left and right.

Buying and selling at the same time?

Go ahead and multiply the potential combustion by two.

This is where, over the past decade of working with buyers and sellers, we've conditioned ourselves to remain emotionally grounded. We coach our clients to take that approach as well. And yet, at the same time, much like someone who fights fires for a living, you have to remember that it’s people’s lives and livelihood that you are called to protect.

Yesterday morning we received what will likely be my final text from Rebecca:

“Thank you for all of your amazing help with selling the Lakeway home! I truly appreciate everything that you have done. — Rebecca :)”

Once again punctuated by positivity. And at the end of the day, we suppose a smiling home seller is all that matters. We are grateful to Rebecca for trusting us to get the job done.