This one is a total full-circle moment for me.
Years ago, early in my medical device sales and marketing life, I worked with a great guy named John Reid. I always had a hunch John wasn't going to stay in corporate forever, but I'm not sure why. I just knew he fit a different mold and when he left, I didn't know where he'd land. I did, however, know he would do well in his next adventure.
Over the years, I kept up with him through social media and was genuinely impressed watching him totally switch industries and thrive. When I was thinking about going all in on real estate with Brad, I reached out to John to pick his brain. He may not realize it, but he was a BIG reason I found the confidence to go for it. He'd already done the scary career pivot and was loving it. I knew I could do the same, but I would have to completely commit.
At the time, he was probably the closest thing I had to a real mentor who understood what it meant to come from a competitive, high-stakes industry - and how those skills would translate if I were only brave enough to make the leap.
Spoiler Alert - I went for it. I went ALL in!
Now, fast forward more than two years (filled with pure hustle, personal and professional growth, and the occasional "what the hell am I doing?" moment), and John contacts me. He had a REALTOR colleague, Kathy, who needed help selling her home in Aurora, and he wanted to refer her to us. I was completely humbled and flattered by the trust he put in us, not only with a seller, but with another agent.
I connected with Kathy, and we immediately hit it off. She and Don are wonderful people. Their home was immaculately stunning with not a single thing out of place. Seriously, even the best stagers would be impressed! Brad and I both instantly adored them and knew this was going to be a really special listing. It helped that their home was in one of our favorite communities in the south metro.
We launched their home with a couple extremely busy open houses, steady showings, and strong interest. A sweet couple that came through the open house reached out with a request to get together to ask more questions and discuss their options for putting in an offer.
This is where things got a little tricky. They weren't working with an agent. Sooo...we sat down and talked through what that would mean going forward - because we abide by rules and ethics, and it's important our lines are clear from the start.
Technically, yes, we could have had them proceed as "customers" - meaning they'd have no representation, and we would simply handle the paperwork exactly as they directed, no advice, no guidance. We also could've switched to a "transaction broker" role - neutral middle-ground for both parties. In some cases, that can work, especially with a seller who is a licensed agent, like Kathy.
However, we already felt a strong responsibility to fully represent Kathy and Don, and there was absolutely no way we were going to compromise that. The buyers also seemed like they needed a little more support and didn't feel totally confident managing the deal solo. So, we told them, kindly and clearly, they really should consider finding their own agent/representation.
We are well aware some agents would have handled this differently to try to earn a bigger commission, but we care more about doing things the right way - even when it's not in our own financial best interest.
The buyers connected with Lori, who did a great job, and we got a solid offer in place within two weeks. Under contract, smooth transaction, and we closed yesterday. Kathy and Don are now back home in California, and we are feeling so incredibly grateful.
~ We are grateful to John for sending them our way. Thank you, we appreciate you! 
~ We are grateful to Kathy and Don for being such dream clients (and now, new friends).
~ We are grateful to the buyers for trusting the process and finding the right support.
~ We are grateful to Lori for taking good care of them throughout the process.
Kathy and Don, we are so glad our paths crossed! We will absolutely keep in touch and can't wait to see where this next chapter takes you. To the buyers, we wish you all the happiness in your beautiful new home in Heritage Eagle Bend.
