Trash Bags, Timing & Tenacity: How We Closed at Full Ask
This home was barely walkable. The family was grieving. The buyers? Using a nightmare loan. Here’s what it took to clean, negotiate, and close anyway.
🕯 THE BACKDROP
This story started with a call from someone I knew from my gym years ago. His uncle had just passed away, and the family was navigating grief and estate logistics. He told me the house wasn’t in great shape, and that was putting it lightly — think bad roof, bad repairs, and a second-floor stairwell that was hanging on for dear life. Almost hoarder-level condition.
His mom was the executor of the estate and lived out of state. That meant I was working locally with him, but managing communication and decisions across state lines. Not always easy — especially when time is of the essence.
It was already September. Winter was coming. And every week we waited was market time we wouldn’t get back.
🧽 THE CLEAN-UP THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
I nudged for weeks. Each time I stopped by, things weren’t ready. When they finally told me they were “good to go,” I scheduled the photographer — but had the good sense to check the property myself a day or two before.
I showed up to find it still full of junk. Not exactly photo-ready. So what did I do?
I went home. Changed clothes. Bought gloves. Came back.
I spent four hours cleaning that house from top to bottom: basement, main floor, upstairs. I’ve done a lot in my career, but that level of hands-on cleanup? Rare. Necessary. Worth it.
We listed it a few days later.
📉 THE LOW OFFER & THE COMPLICATED LOAN
Showings picked up. Photos looked great (you’re welcome). But still, no offers.
Then one came in: low. And tied to an FHA 203(k) renovation loan.
Let me explain: renovation loans are hard. Long timelines, lots of paperwork, finicky appraisals, and they fall apart all the time. I told the family we could be tied up for months only to have to re-list in a colder market. We rejected it.
But then I had an idea.
We were heading into the holidays, which meant buyer urgency was ticking up. I went back to the seller with a counter plan:
“If we can get this buyer to come in at full asking and commit to a 45-day close, I say we move forward.”
They agreed. So did the buyer. Game on.
🚧 THE NIGHTMARE LOAN PROCESS
This loan made me work for it.
Nine contractors later, they finally found one that met the requirements. I was on the phone constantly — pushing timelines, managing details, holding the buyer’s side accountable every step of the way.
We granted a couple of short extensions. But I made it clear: if this didn’t close, we were going back to market. Period.
February rolled around. I was ready to walk away.
But — just in time — we got the clear to close.
💥 THE WIN
We closed at full asking price.
The family got what they needed — financially and emotionally. This home represented loss, history, and transition. They were ready to move on, and I was proud to help them do it the right way.
Sometimes it’s not flashy. It’s just hard work, strategic thinking, and knowing when to get your hands dirty — literally.
🧠 WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM THIS STORY
Even distressed properties need thoughtful presentation. First impressions matter.
As-is doesn't mean unmarketable. Positioning makes all the difference.
Renovation loans are tough — but doable with the right strategy and pressure.
Winter isn’t always dead season. Holidays can bring urgency.
This business is personal. Sometimes it means gloves, not just contracts.
📣 SELLING SOON — OR JUST SORTING THROUGH A SITUATION?
Whether you’re dealing with an estate, preparing a family home for market, or trying to figure out what’s next — let’s talk. You don’t have to know where to start. That’s my job.
👉 Schedule a Strategy Call
📞 Or call me directly at 312.880.9409
