Empty-Nesters Downsizing… mission accomplished!

haggs – new home

Every day we look at each other and say we are so happy with our decisions and still a bit in shock on how fast and efficient this transition happened from the first email to you.

Colleen first contacted me last summer, saying they were becoming empty-nesters and were ready to downsize from their 5 bedroom/4 bath home to a spacious condo. We did a staging consult and after their youngest daughter’s wedding in August they got busy clearing out their accumulation of stuff’ over the last 18 years and working on their ‘to do’ list, getting ready to sell and relinquish house duties. Given the crazy market they decided they needed to find their next home first so they wouldn’t be homeless when their current home sold.

In December we went on a look-see expedition, the first time Brad had been out looking at condos. There was a particular listing I had thought would be perfect for them since the time I got that first email from Colleen. In the meantime it had gone on and off the market several times and was back on the market that weekend… it was the last property we saw that day.

When we walked in I could see from their faces that they had found home! I immediately called the listing agent and discovered it was already sold subject to inspection! As I explained the situation, he encouraged them to make a back-up offer… which they did. The other offer fell through, they accepted Brad and Colleen’s offer, and as the saying goes… the rest is history!

Phase 1 was complete and as they did their final walkthrough before closing, Colleen made a joyful leap…

empty nesters – condo

… on to Phase 2!

With the purchase of their new home their work was far from over… they spent the next six weeks making updates in both their new condo and their house. It was a whirlwind couple months, but they moved out and were ready to list their beautifully prepared and staged house for sale the end of February.

SOLD – CottonwoodThe first day on the market was filled with back-to-back showings and they accepted an offer the next day!

They closed the end of March and have now been concentrating on unpacking and truly settling into their new home.

I recently got a message from her that they are also finding time to relax!

“We just went away for our first little vacation this past week and it was so awesome to just lock the door and walk away.  It was great to not have to worry about the mail, deliveries, the lawn work, garbage and all those house responsibilities! Loved it!”

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

“Sharlene is truly an expert in her field. She helped us buy and sell our house 18 years ago and here we are doing this again. There was no question she was the one we were going to work with. We only hope she will be available and still in the business when we do this again in 18 years or so! So genuine and smart…highly recommend her!” – Colleen H


Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com

Written By

I love what I do! Highly insightful, analytical and creative, there is nothing I love more than helping you find the right solution for your real estate transition. My mission is to serve my clients with honesty and integrity, exceeding their expectations in service and support… and to help others by donating a portion of every transaction to Habitat for Humanity.

Related Posts

Insurance Protection

Weekly real estate market update 3/21/25… what you need to know about homeowner’s insurance

🖨 Print Article It’s so encouraging to see the strong growth of coming soon listings… they will soon be new listings. Multiple offers slumped this week, but I know more...

One-owner University Grove home open for viewing Tuesday March 25, 2025

🖨 Print Article This is a unique opportunity to view this home designed by Joe Michels that is in wonderful original condition, owned by the original owners since it was...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Market Updates & Mid-Century Modern Listings

Our weekly HomesMSP Update includes current local market information and a curated list of mid-century modern properties for sale, plus posts from an inspector, a lender, a stager, info about neighborhoods, life in the Twin Cities… even recipes!

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Blog Categories

Archives

Sharon and John Hensrud

About Us

The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.