We walked the neighborhoods of Palo Alto over the past week celebrating the recent closing of our 500th residential real estate sale. In tow is our red wagon full of scrumptious macaroons from local confectioner, Chantal Guillon. We have had so much fun connecting with people in the homes we sold and in recalling their “real estate story”. One of these stories is so sweet we wanted to share it with you.
Some years ago we were showing property to clients who expressed interest in purchasing a larger home, having outgrown their current one-level home. We pursued a large home with lots of room and full of character. It was a multiple offer, and the seller chose another offer. There was the usual disappointment following such an experience. Making an offer requires both an investment of time and emotion.
Several weeks later we were invited to the home of an older couple who had lived in their beautiful, large home for many years. The husband suffered from a degenerative illness that had made it increasingly more difficult to navigate stairs and move about the house. They had reluctantly concluded that they needed to move to a one-level home, and they were specific in their neighborhood requirement. One of their daily highlights as a couple was a walk in the neighborhood. The wife wanted this part of her husband’s life to remain familiar and comfortable for him.
After touring their home and listening to their story, we wondered if a match could be made. The older couple’s home reflected the love and care that comes from attention and pride of ownership, and we were confident that our younger clients would appreciate their home. The younger couple’s home was one-level and was located in just the right place to take into consideration all of the older couple’s requirements.……so a plan was in motion!
We established a range of value for each home and suggested the idea of a trade to both clients. It was so much fun to introduce them to each other and their respective homes…..and to receive confirmation from them that both houses were a good fit! Together we developed a plan for them to purchase each other’s homes and make them ready for their new families. There were many details to coordinate requiring focus, attention, flexibility and a sense of humor!
We take great pleasure knowing that both clients were successful in realizing their real estate goals, while also helping each other in the process. This past week-end we found both clients at home, and we are thrilled that they continue to enjoy their homes!
We have always believed that “Home is where the heart is.” and this sweet story reminds us that even in our fast paced real estate area, that when the heart is in the right place, great things can happen!