This Is What Prepared Looks Like for a CT Seller.

Early in my career I listed a home in Hamden. The husband and wife were both present at the listing presentation and agreed to move forward. Less than a week after listing, we had a strong offer. The wife refused to sign. She never wanted to sell. The husband assumed she would come around once an offer arrived. She was hoping no offer would come. Neither told me until it was too late. I now ask every seller one question before anything else — do you want to sell?

A client in Hamden needed to sell her condo. The HOA had deteriorated and fees had climbed. She wanted to be closer to family in East Haven and we found her the perfect home there. When multiple offers came in, she needed a timeline that aligned with her new closing and a buyer she could count on. She chose the offer that gave her both. It wasn't the highest number on the table.

A couple in North Haven wanted to renovate their kitchen and replace the flooring before listing. Every home in the neighborhood had the same early 2000s kitchen and the same carpet and hardwood mix. The renovation quote was $58,000. I told them to save the money — the renovation wouldn't push them into a higher price bracket. We listed just under $500,000. The first day we had 13 offers, 7 cash. The home sold for 10% over asking. They kept the $58,000.

About eight years ago I listed a home in North Haven. The data supported $350,000. The seller was convinced it was worth $400,000. After reviewing the data together she agreed to list at $375,000. At that price, buyers expected the home to be perfect. It wasn't. There were water intrusion issues in the basement, a dated kitchen, and an awkward staircase. Seven percent above market doesn't sound like much — until buyers start walking. The first contract fell apart after the inspection. So did the second. The listing expired. The next agent listed it at $350,000 and it sold in a few weeks. The offer you make to the market matters. I learned that with this deal.

I listed a home in East Hartford for an elderly woman in poor health. Her son was handling everything from out of state. We got the house under contract — then the problems started.

The family members living at the house left behind two derelict cars. The buyer wouldn't close until they were gone. I found a removal company and negotiated deferred payment until closing since she couldn't pay upfront. The cars were gone in time.

Then she ended up in the hospital and couldn't get to the attorney's office. I coordinated with the hospital, her doctor, the attorney, a witness, and her son. We held the closing at her bedside. She signed the papers, sold her home, and didn't have to worry about any of it.

A year after helping clients sell their home, the buyers called me. The town had contacted them demanding payment of past due water bills from an arrangement made before my clients ever owned the home. The debt had been accumulating interest for over a decade. When I told my clients, they assumed they were responsible. They weren't. I had them find their title insurance policy and contact their closing attorney. The title insurance companies took over, fought over responsibility, and paid the past due bills and interest in full. That's what title insurance is for — and that's what Beyond the Doorstep looks like.