I never imagined that we would be selling my neighbor’s house, especially since he just bought in 2015. But sadly, the Universe had other plans for this sweet and quiet man. Yann was so excited about living in North Beach. He had moved from Fremont and was looking for a quiet neighborhood where he could let his cat out. We were the listing agents when Yann bought, so I didn’t meet him until he was moving in. That’s when he shared with me his desire to let his cat outside. I felt bad sharing with him that because of the coyotes, he shouldn’t let his cat out. While he was disappointed, he was also very grateful for the information. I knew in that conversation, that I was going to love having Yann as a neighbor. Determined that his cat should have a safe outdoor environment, he cat fenced his back yard. You can see why I knew I would like him!
Selling a home can come with a lot of stress and emotion, and estate sales just magnifies everything. The sale can be hard on family members. There is often a certain amount of guilt that goes with dealing with and resolving what happens with a loved one’s belongings. Steve and I have worked with several families over the years with estate sales. While it is more emotional for us too, it is also rewarding beyond words to help families through this difficult process. Yann’s sisters were the representatives of the estate, and I was amazed by how much each of them reminded me of him. We put together a game plan of what needed to be done, including some necessary repairs. Steve got bids for the work that included both interior and exterior repairs and yard clean up. The sisters were great – they modified some of the projects to keep the cost within their budget, but otherwise were onboard with all of our suggestions. Their hard work paid off! We ended up with two very strong offers and the home sold well above asking. Since I held the home open, I actually met both groups who wrote offers. Honestly, I would have enjoyed either party as a neighbor. Luckily, the family who got the house did write the more compelling offer, so I never felt like I was choosing my next neighbor. Phew!
I like my new neighbors. They are very sweet and social and have two daughters who are lovely young women. They are all a nice addition on the street. I do of course miss Yann. Our cats inherited his cat’s play tunnel that he never used. (Don’t worry, Yann’s cat now lives with one of the sisters and he has adjusted nicely). One of our cats, Murray, LOVES the tunnel! He plays in it daily. If I had known the tunnel was such an amazing toy, I would have bought him one years ago! Every time I play with Murray in the tunnel I do think of Yann and it warms my heart. I know it’s a silly thing, but I think Yann would love the fact that Murray loves the tunnel.
Here’s what our clients had to say …
“From beginning to end, Sandra and Steve made the process of unexpectedly having to sell an incredibly easy process. They were the most professional Realtors I have worked with. They were obviously very experienced, knowledgeable, and authentically kind and friendly. They silver plattered every step of the way, from setting us up with a company to do a handful of repairs, lawn and yard maintenance, house cleaner, a Stager, and so much more. We really appreciated their availability to have conversations and give feedback about what to fix and what to add to make the house sell as well as possible. We just couldn’t have had the house ready to go on the market in such great condition without their professional network and help. As they predicted, we sold the house for over listing price in just 5 days.
“I have told many friends how great they were and would not hesitate to say they truly are a top notch Realtor duo.” — Erica Buchanan
— Sandra & Steve
𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠, 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙/𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒! 𝑊𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝!
Brenner | Hill Real Estate
Steve 📲 (c) 206-769-9577 📧stevehill@windermere.com
Sandra 📲 (c) 206-271-7100 📧sbrenner@windermere.com
🔗 Brennerhill.com
Windermere Real Estate /FN
