06/24/2026
This sale had very little to do with real estate and a lot to do with people helping people.
A few years ago, I helped some clients sell their home and buy the house across the street. Earlier this year, they referred me to their mom, who was trying to help her neighbor, Ms. Marilyn, who was in a tricky situation.
After some health challenges, Ms. Marilyn had moved into assisted living and needed to sell her home. The problem was that she wasn't physically able to handle the process herself.
After looking at the property and the repairs it needed, I felt the best option was to find an investor buyer. We got the home under contract, but that deal eventually fell apart. Fortunately, another investor who had heard about the property stepped in, and we were able to get it back under contract quickly.
What I'll remember most isn't the contract, though.
It was Ms. Marilyn's neighbor who originally reached out to me for help—spending countless hours helping sort, pack, and organize. It was my husband and people from our church volunteering their time when I asked to help move all of her belongings into storage. It was another local family stepping in near the end to help finish moving the last truckloads when I posted on social media for some extra hands.
Everyone seemed to show up exactly when they were needed.
Ms. Marilyn could focus on one thing: her health and recovery. I made multiple trips to the assisted living facility for signatures, paperwork, counteroffers, and updates. And eventually, closing day arrived.
And instead of closing in a title office, we closed right at Ms. Marilyn's table, where she is currently staying.
Truthfully, this wasn't a transaction that resulted in a paycheck worth talking about. But that's not why I do this. Sometimes the greatest reward is simply being able to step in when someone asks for help and seeing how many good people are willing to do the same.
I'm grateful for Ms. Marilyn's incredible neighbor, our church group who gave their time, the local family who stepped in to help, and everyone who played a part in making this happen. There is still so much good in this world. And this closing was proof of it. ❤️
- Jennifer