Story of Homeownership. Buying in Proctor District – Tacoma, WA

SOLD! I remember like it was yesterday; how anxiously Katy and Nick were to hear from me on the status of their offer. The home; a well kept 1900’s style Craftsman home a stones throw away from the Metropolitan Market and all things Proctor. They weren’t the only buyers who fell in love. We were competing against seven other offers and knew we had to go all in if we wanted a real chance at having the sellers accept their offer. And we did – we went all in.

Home in Proctor District – Tacoma, WA

The Crandall’s were half way through selling their home in Seattle and actively looking for their next home in Tacoma. I was nervous they were going to fall in love with a house (like this!) and have a hard time getting their offer accepted BECAUSE we had write a contingent offer (English please) we had to sell their home first, before we could close on their next home. Sellers are rightfully reluctant to accept an offer with a home sale contingency… but we had to try.

Crandall’s contingent home in Seattle, WA – Listed and SOLD for $525,000

I learned that the sellers had been in this home for well over 20 years and it was evident at first glance that they LOVED (I mean REALLY loved!) their yard. Katy who’s an Arborist and Biologist noted the unique and mostly native plant types present in what she was dreaming would be HER next yard. When we sat down to craft the best possible offer, the buyers made note of the sellers lovingly cared for yard. Expressing their admiration and liking towards the sellers labor of love didn’t change their offer price, but it might have played a role in the sellers decision making. I mean, just think – after over two decades of living in and loving a home, of course you care about the profit you make AND you can’t help but wonder “who is going to be living in my house?” Providing the sellers some reassurance that they too would love and care for the yard, may sway them towards your offer. In this case, it did.

After Katy and Nick signed their offer and I sent to the listing agent; we waited. Stewing, trying to think of anything else I can do to give my clients a competitive edge, I ask myself “should I present my client offer in person?” So I called, asked if the sellers agent and BAM! 12 hours later, I’m sitting in front of the sellers and their Broker, presenting The Crandall’s offer and hand written letter on their behalf.

Signing Offer for Proctor Home (fingers crossed!)

Four grueling hours after I presented their offer and several anxious text and calls to the listing agent “Did the sellers accept my clients offer?” “Is there anything else we can do to improve our offer?” “When will the sellers be making the final decision?” FINALLY we got the signed contract back; Katy and Nick got their dream home in Tacoma. ♥️ ???? Later we learned that it made a difference to the sellers to hear Katy and Nick’s story. Their offer wasn’t the highest offer the sellers had received, but other competitive terms made it the offer the seller accepted. Often times selling and buying a home is about telling your story. As both a buyer and a seller. Tell Your Story.

Happy Together! Tacoma, WA

After the excitement of their offer being accepted, slight panic set in for me in thinking about having to sell their current home in Seattle. If the buyer on their Seattle Home was unable to perform, The Crandall’s would be unable to purchase their 1900’s style Craftsman home and would be back at square one. ???? Fortunately, the appraisal for their Seattle home was set to come in that week and it did, fully satisfied! (phew!)

Now that the Crandall’s had their offer accepted, the reality of letting go of their first home, would soon be setting in ♥️ ????

We move forward with the home inspection at the Proctor House (YES we had a home inspection!). Kept our promise to the seller that it was for informational purposes only and made no requests for repairs. Our inspections showed that the house wasn’t falling over and needed no significant repair – Katy and Nick were happy.

Now that the discovery process was nearing the end, (we also reviewed the Title of the property, shopped for Insurance providers and general neighborhood review) Katy and Nick were elated to move forward on the purchase of their new home in Tacoma. We closed on their Seattle House and the following day, CLOSED and got keys for their new home.

Welcome Home Katy and Nick. You did it!!!