Blog Stories First Time's the Charm!

First Time’s the Charm!

By Lauren Hurley, March 29, 2021

With the intention to save their money Thyra and Ben set out to live modestly. Making space for travel and adventures like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Thyra and Ben built and lived in a tiny home for five years. Planting the house in a family member’s backyard in Arbor Lodge, they were able to build a solid savings for a future downpayment on a “not-tiny house”. With new work-from-home requirements due to the pandemic, their home buying plans were accelerated. As Spring 2021 approached, they were ready for more space. First time homebuyers, armed with knowledge that this market would be competitive and that patience would be a necessary component to their success, we braced ourselves and began the hunt.

After seeing a handful of houses in the first week of their search, not one felt like the right fit. Taking pause to see what the following week would bring, this oh so perfect Ranchalow in Woodlawn popped up! Right around the corner from Tough Luck, Ranch Pizza & Tamale Boy, it had everything they were looking for. The nerves started to kick in, naturally! We were first to tour the home, so it felt we were off to a good start. As Ben folded up the listing flier and put it in his pocket, I started brainstorming an offer strategy. I gave them some homework to discuss what they’d be willing to set forth as far as offer terms go. I could see, their excitement was building!

We saw the house on a Wednesday, offers were due Sunday evening, and the Sellers made a decision by the following Tuesday. Eight total offers – not a lot for this market, but nonetheless competitive! While Thyra and Ben’s offer was not the highest, it was the BEST in the eyes of the Sellers. A thoughtful package of contract terms, good communication and their willingness to do what it takes to stay at the top of the stack, won them the house! A first offer accepted in this crazy market is a true win and a bit unheard of, but it happened! When I gleefully handed Thyra and Ben the keys to the new house, Ben pulled the flier out of his pocket, unfolded the worn and ragged sheet of paper and placed it on the counter. He said: I kept this in my pocket every single day, since the first day we walked in. Smart move Ben, smart move. Welcome home, friends!