By Living Room Realty, December 3, 2020
There is no greater compliment in my world than the referral of loved ones, especially parents. My dear friend Anne sent her awesome folks my way as they sought to transition from their acreage property near Albany to a manageable single level in St. Johns near their daughters and grandbabies. Although they were eager to simplify and be nearer to loved ones, leaving their homestead where they’d raised their family and established community was not an insignificant undertaking and. Having lived and taught school in this cute little hamlet many moons ago Joyce and Doug felt a strong connection to the area and had a handful of requirements – walkability to bookstores, coffee shops and library for her and a two car garage where he could continue to churn out his beautiful woodworking masterpieces.
The first several weeks saw many properties that would have been significant compromises for one party or the other but I encouraged them to be patient as an opportunity was bound to arise that would satisfy both of their needs and then perhaps five weeks in they found “the one”. Located across the street from an elementary school and kitty corner to the library with a nice sized garage the couple put in a fiercely competitive offer without hesitation only to be beat out by one of the 10 other offers. The disappointment was palpable and justified because it really did seem like the house had been meant just for them.
Less than two weeks passed however, when the real deal came along – a spacious and hiply rehabbed ranch on a tidy street just blocks from the main drag. The clean lines, large walls and open floor plan was the perfect backdrop for Doug’s enormous wood wall sculptures, the first place we’d seen that had spaces that could actually accommodate his works. Unlike “the one” that got away Joyce and Doug snagged this ranch out of the gate and I’m proud to report that a week post-closing the artwork is going up one piece at a time. All the best to you and your family, Joyce and Doug! It’s been a true pleasure.
If you or your loved ones could benefit from patient and caring hands-on service with regard to real estate I would love the opportunity to be of service. Reach out, say hi, ask questions… I delight in being a resource to you.
Carly van Aart | carlyvanaart@gmail.com | 503.250.1687
