Is it 2024 already?
Time flies when you are busy! Contrary to popular belief, 2023 was a good year for real estate – at least it was for our clients and customers. A good year simply boils down to hard work and a positive attitude. We were able to assist 106 buyers and sellers with their real estate transactions in 2023. Most people don’t realize that purchasing or selling a home is not just a financial transaction. It represents a significant life transition whether it is a result of wonderful events – a new job, promotion, marriage, or babies. Or, the result of tougher life circumstances like sickness, death or divorce. And that’s what we do. Here at the Goodhart Group, we help our clients through the transitions in their life and we have been doing it for 31 years. The following are a few examples of what we did.
A client who had purchased a historic Old Town property from us in 2003 discovered that his Parkinson’s disease made it impossible for him to stay in his two-level townhome. He needed to move closer to family in Ohio. It was an emotional decision and required involving friends and family members. We helped financially with our Compass Concierge program which fronted him money for needed repairs and updates. We strategized a plan that worked for him that involved moving just what he needed to set up his household in Cleveland, disposing or donating everything else and then working with contractors to prepare his home for sale. Here’s what he had to say:
“Thank you all so much for your considerable efforts in getting my sister’s home prepared for sale, getting it on the market, orchestrating and obtaining a fair contract and a very smooth settlement process. I mostly appreciate your patience with me. You’re a good team.”
Another seller’s wife passed away recently and he decided to move to senior living. It involved an incredible amount of downsizing as well as making updates throughout the home. His words of thanks:
“Thank you for all the work you and your team did to get me moved, the house staged, repairs done, finding a buyer, and getting it closed. This had to be one of the more difficult sales you have completed. Your patience and guidance were invaluable. Thank you also for the wine cooler housewarming gift you sent. Great job.”
Another client’s sister went into a hospice care facility as she could no longer stay in her home. The sale of the home was left to him. He needed to sell quickly to have enough cash to continue her care. The property had been neglected due to her illness and the home was in terrible condition. We helped him outline a plan that included Compass Concierge Funds, an off-site estate sale, clearing out of the home, extensive repair work, and prep for the market. All resulting in a sale much higher than if they had sold as is. Here is what our seller had to say:
“Sue and her team were very organized, professional, have a good understanding of the market, and got us a great offer. Highly recommended!”
As for our buyers, we helped a couple purchase their first home by explaining how they could reduce their monthly payment during the peak of high interest rates by looking at a unique loan program from John Marshall Bank. Sara from our team was aware of their 6/5 arm. “The client told me what their rate was and from what they told me, they sounded like a good fit for it. I put them in touch with Lorie. Going with their program saved them 2 percentage points. The seller paid nothing.” The couple sent their appreciation to us:
“Allison and the team were absolutely phenomenal in helping us find our dream home. We loved working with their team (Sara in particular was terrific at advocating for us and finding the right home as first-time buyers). My husband and I couldn’t have asked for a better home-buying experience, especially as this was our first time buying a home. You can’t go wrong working with them!!”
We also aided a more experienced buyer with the purchase of a new home and sale of their existing one but with a twist. Allison met with them last spring over coffee to catch up. They mentioned they were in no hurry and that they were looking for the perfect home–larger than their Del Ray home but with some history too. They were thinking that 2024 or even 2025 might be the timeframe for their purchase. In the meantime, I had secured a listing in the Seminary area from good clients who were downsizing ironically to Del Ray. I put the listing into our Private Exclusive program. Allison floated the Seminary property to these buyers as she knew it checked all their boxes except one. They wound up buying the house and we sold their Del Ray home. Our sellers on Seminary were thrilled that they could avoid going on the open market and that the Del Ray buyers would allow them a long rent back. We also helped those sellers from Seminary also purchased an off market property in Del Ray! Here is what the buyers wrote us:
“We have had the pleasure of working with the Goodhart Group twice during the past five years, initially to buy our first home and more recently to sell that home and upsize to a new home. We highly recommend them to anyone in the DC/Northern VA area, particularly Alexandria. They have extensive knowledge of the market and local dynamics, and the customer experience is top notch. On the buying side, they helped us find our dream home before it even hit the market. On the selling side, they knew exactly what to do to prepare our house to sell above asking on our preferred timeline. On both sides, they made the process as seamless as possible. We would definitely work with the Goodhart Group again and will continue to refer our friends and family.”
Looking for a home or selling one should be a pleasant experience. By hiring our team you get realtors who are knowledgeable about the market place but also care about you and your life transition. We take time to understand your housing needs. Our email signature says “Your best interests at heart” and we mean it. Contact us any time to discuss your real estate needs. More homes will be coming on the market very soon and interest rates are dropping. There‘s never been a better time to make a move! As for 2024 we are convinced that it will be a good year. It simply boils down to hard work and a positive attitude.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in Northern Virginia, we’d love to help. Contact us today!
