We sometimes forget the emotional attachment we have to our homes. This was the case here, when John Carle was called in to sell the family home of more than 50 years. This client had purchased his home back in the late-1960s and raised his 2 amazing daughters in it.
He and his wife had a wonderful life full of great memories in this home; it truly was their sanctuary. He mourned the passing of his wife here, celebrated his daughter’s graduations, and read more books in this home than most people will read in a lifetime.
THE CHALLENGE
Dad was in his late 80s and suffering from his age, he could no longer take care of himself properly and needed full time care. The decision was made that he needed to move into a care facility.
Working with him required a great deal of sensitive care. This was a big change for him, and he was struggling with the memories and his attachment to the house. He knew he needed to move, which was another struggle for him.
He hadn’t transacted real estate in 50 years, so he didn’t have any experience or knowledge of the process.
He was also having some real anxiety about the process, having seen too much TV of people robbing houses at showings or agents mis-using the home.
THE SOLUTION
This one was pretty obvious to John Carle. He cleared his afternoon to meet with the family so they could take as long as necessary to talk through the process. Normally it takes and hour and a half to 2 hours to go through everything; John cleared 4 hours that day. We also scheduled other long meeting times, not wanting to overwhelm Dad with too much information all at once.
John kept reiterating to Dad that he was in control, John & everyone worked for him, and that we’d proceed slowly if that’s what he wanted. John took the time to explain the security procedures we have in place, from confirming showings to the lockbox system.
The added solution came from his daughter, who brought dad to her house for the weekend of showings and open houses. He got to hang out with his daughter, his favourite thing to do in the world, while we worked in the background for him.
THE RESULTS
We knew this home would sell quickly; it was a great property in an amazing location. Through the weekend we had several showings and on Sunday evening we presented multiple offers to dad. He selected an offer that suited him.
Today he is happily living in an assisted living facility. His daughter tells us he’s made many friends and is really happy that he made the choice to move.
