Sometimes, being in real estate brings moments that make me love what I do even more. This is one of those stories.

My husband’s cousin and his wife decided to sell their home in St. George to retire closer to Fishlake. While I would have loved to help them from the start, they opted to work with other agents to avoid the potential complexities of working with family — a choice I totally respected. Kevin and I cheered them on from the sidelines, hoping for a smooth sale.

Unfortunately, their journey wasn’t easy. Their first listing in the summer of 2022 sat on the market for 103 days before expiring. A second agent took over in February of 2023, but after 143 days, that listing expired, too. When they gave it a third shot in April of 2024, the home was canceled after just 26 days.

Frustrated and ready to make their retirement dream a reality, they asked me to step in and help.

We listed their home on September 6, 2024. Within a week, we were under contract with a cash buyer, and the sale closed in under a month.

So, what made the difference this time?

1. A buyer’s perspective: I walked through every room with the mindset of a buyer, focusing on presenting the home rather than the people living in it. Preparing a house for sale is about more than just cleaning and packing up family photos. It’s also about psychology, i.e., creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. This takes skill — and not all realtors have it.

2. Professional presentation: I invested in professional photography, including twilight shots, drone shots, and a 3D virtual walkthrough to highlight the home’s unique features and location. These are just a few of the things that potential buyers want to see before scheduling a showing.

3. Smart pricing: Consulting an appraiser helped us price the home strategically and attract serious buyers quickly. After all, listing a property isn’t a guessing game; it’s a science.

On closing day, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Not only had I helped my family, but I’d also proved how thoughtful preparation and a tailored approach can make all the difference in the real estate industry.

And because I love my job so much, that felt really, really good.

Huge congratulations to our family members. We hope retirement is blissful for you!