Blog > Diamond in the Rough
Michael Tracy was in a tough spot. He wanted to sell his Lake Tapps home, but the last thing he was thinking about was his house. His health had been deteriorating in recent years, he’d had multiple surgeries already and he nearly died. On top of that, he was in danger of losing a home to foreclosure that had seen better days.
But he knew he had a diamond in the rough, and wanted to shine onceagain. And electrician by trade, and a re-modeler of homes on the side, Michael knew a good, solid home when he saw one. Biases aside, he knew his home was one of these.
He also wanted to give another owner the memories on the water he’d enjoyed for so many years. So he contacted Toril of the Toril Sells Houses Team for help. Michael had done work on Toril’s Lake Tapps home 16 years ago.
The Toril Sells Houses Team is no stranger to Lake Tapps. In fact, Toril Schoepfer, the founder and namesake of this team, calls the area home. You would say, they are the experts in this area. Knowing your market is half the battle, so they stepped right in to help Michael out.
The first area of concern was, of course, the house itself. Although it was on the water, the home had seen better days. All it needed was TLC, and a potential owner with some extra cash to bring this diamond back to its former glory. Not only did they have to find a buyer, but they also had to work with a private investor who held the loan – who wanted to foreclose since that route would be more lucrative.
Needless to say, Toril and her team had their work cut out for them.
Thankfully, they were up to the challenge.
The first thing they did was stage the home for professional photographs, to show a potential owner what the house could be. They must have looked great, because after that, the house got several offers. Toril’s Team then submitted those offers to the investor, or lien holder. Then, Michael and the Team had no choice but to play the waiting game.
Finally, the investor came back with a request for still more money on the property. Amazingly, the buyers agreed, knowing that with a little more investment, they really had a special place on their hands.
The good news: the sale went forward.
The bad news: Michael’s health began deteriorating further. He needed surgery and was admitted to the hospital. Instead of fighting for the sale of his home, and began to fight for something a little more important – his life.
This was a curveball few expected. After all, Michael was still needed to finalize the closing of his home. But fortunately, Toril was prepared for this too.
At Michael’s request, the Team helped Michael’s sister get power of attorney so she could sign the paperwork in the place of her absent brother who was fighting a greater battle. And, with the help of the other members of Michael’s family, the house was cleaned out and ready for its new owner.
There were a few more hurdles to take on during the closing process, but Toril’s Team was well prepared. They were able to close on the house right in the nick of time, save Michael Tracy’s home from foreclosure as well as his credit, and helped a new owner find a diamond in the rough on the shores of Lake Tapps. A home to build their lives in and enjoy for many years to come.
And Michael Tracy, in spite of these challenges, has beat the odds. He is alive and doing well, living in another part of the area. If that’s not a win-win, well, I don’t know what is.
He had this to say about the Toril and her Team. “Thanks so much for being my agent. You and your team have been great to work with.”