Jim and Susan’s Story

Introduction

Jim and Susan are neighbors that we’ve known them for many years. Jim and Susan bought their home new more than 30 years ago and took amazing care of it. They raised two sons there, both now grown and starting their own adventures.

Years before Jim and Susan even thought about retiring, they found their happy place; a little “cabin” on the water where weekends and holidays felt like a getaway. It became their sanctuary, with peaceful views and room to breathe.

Now retirement is within reach, and it’s time for them to spend more time in their happy place.

The Property

Over time, Jim and Susan made thoughtful upgrades, something we always encourage our clients to do. You should enjoy your home and build value while you’re living in it.
Their updates included a new kitchen, a remodeled primary bath, and refinished hardwood floors. They also refreshed paint and trim and, most notably, added a large deck with a covered outdoor living space, the perfect place for sunset dinners.
All of these investments made their home more enjoyable and increased its market appeal when the time came to sell.
Thinking about your own home? Even small updates can make a big difference when it’s time to move on.

The Process

A few years before retirement, Susan started asking what their next step should be. We had several relaxed conversations about what to tackle and what not to bother with.
About a year before Jim’s retirement, things became more focused. Kelly and Pat met with them for a full walkthrough. Together, we identified a few light updates that would help the home shine. We also talked through staging ideas, downsizing by moving a few things to storage, and timing. February or March looked ideal for their neighborhood.
Jim and Susan took it in stride. With some help from family and friends, they organized, decluttered, and prepared. We recommended a pre-inspection to avoid surprises, and just before listing, they decided to refinish the hardwood floors, a smart move that made a great impression.

The Pitch

Their home was in a highly desirable neighborhood with great schools, nearby shopping, and plenty of recreation, including a cricket pitch. We knew buyers would notice.
Together, we set the right price to attract qualified buyers. We planned back-to-back open houses for the first weekend, and Susan hosted a casual farewell gathering for friends and neighbors, one last evening to toast the home they loved.

The Results

With some planning, teamwork, and trust, Jim and Susan’s home sold during the very first weekend with excellent terms. It was a smooth, happy ending to one chapter and the start of their next adventure.
These days, Jim and Susan spend more time visiting their granddaughter, and of course, their dog Lola is never far behind.
Helping clients like Jim and Susan navigate big transitions like this is why we do what we do.