Sisters: Act 2

Sisters live together in childhood, but I recently had the privilege of working with two sisters who brought their lives full circle by deciding to live together again late in life. I entered their story when I received a call from Barbara, who was seeking a realtor to help her sell her home.

For our initial meeting, I went to Barbara’s home, where I found her and her sister Dottie waiting for me. I learned both had been living on their own for several years after losing their husbands.

After her husband’s passing, Dottie downsized to a condo while Barbara had opted to stay in her one-level home. Over time, Barbara found it increasingly difficult to maintain her home. After much discussion, the sisters arrived at a solution that would have been unthinkable a decade ago: Barbara would sell her house and move in with Dottie. They were both nervous and excited about this new chapter.

Walking through Barbara’s home, it was clear the sisters’ plans had been in progress for some time. Barbara had already begun clearing out her house. Given my experience working with estate sale professionals, I knew there weren’t enough items left for a formal sale, so we discussed various ways of handling Barbara’s remaining items, including listing some on Facebook. We also assessed the home’s condition, finding it needed only minor maintenance.

With a list of my trusted vendors for maintenance, distribution of remaining items, professional cleaners, movers, and more, the sisters and I sat down to create a step-by-step timeline for putting Barbara’s house on the market. Following the plan, the house was emptied and prepared for sale, Barbara moved in with Dottie, and the house was put on the market. After two days, the house was under contract.

After the final paperwork was signed, the sisters and I celebrated with lunch at their favorite restaurant. Curious, I asked Barbara why she had decided to call me. When “Boomer Realtor” and my name popped up in her Google search, Barbara said she knew I would know what needed to be done.

Deborah Wade, a Senior Real Estate Specialist with Re/Max Executive, has helped Central Maryland “boomers” and their families transition through the changes life brings for nearly two decades.