Every Home Sale is Unique – And That’s Why Experience Matters

The Unexpected Lessons of Real Estate (And Why You Need the Right Team)

If you’ve ever heard us say that every real estate deal is unique, trust us—we mean it. Even after 20+ years in the industry, Kari and I are constantly encountering new situations that test our knowledge and add fresh notches to our Experience Belt (which, at this point, might need a new hole punched in it).

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned—especially during the wild COVID housing market—is how to be the eyes, ears, and on-site reps for out-of-area buyers and sellers. Sight-unseen purchases? Remote renovations? Managing repairs from 3,000 miles away? We’ve done it all, and let’s just say, not all agents are built for that level of full-service representation.

Managing a Stressful Home Sale—From 3,000 Miles Away

Recently, we wrapped up our third home sale for a repeat client who has fully trusted us with their real estate portfolio. This last one? A high-end rental in Poulsbo, WA—and our clients were now living on the East Coast.

The summer before, we had helped them manage a full-scale renovation on another one of their rental properties in Bremerton, WA. This home had been left in less-than-ideal condition by tenants (ahem…that’s putting it nicely). We coordinated multiple contractors, oversaw repairs, and prepped it for sale—ultimately securing multiple offers and a fantastic closing price.

Then came the next challenge: the Poulsbo property. The market for higher-end rentals in the area was uncertain, so our clients had a big decision to make—sign another long-term lease or attempt to sell. After running comprehensive market research, reviewing the data, and presenting a clear sales strategy, they decided to list with us once again.

A Major Hiccup (And Why Having the Right Agents Matters)

Once we had the green light, we immediately got to work. We picked up the keys from the property manager and went in to inspect the home—and that’s when we discovered a giant puddle of water in the living room.

Cue the dramatic music. The culprit? A leak from the Furnace AC Unit in the ceiling. 😩

Now, this might have been a moment for panic, but not for us. Coincidentally, we were already handling an identical situation at one of our listings in Puyallup (but that’s a story for another Rieder’s Digest blog). Instead of freaking out or freaking out our clients 3,000 miles away, we picked up the phone with a game plan:

✅ We called our clients—yes, with the tough news, but also with solutions.
✅ We had multiple contractors out within days for bids.
✅ We worked directly with the insurance adjusters (who, funny enough, were the same ones we were already dealing with in Puyallup—shoutout to repeat business in all the right places).
✅ We handled everything on-site—from coordinating repairs to keeping the process moving on Pacific Standard Time while our clients were three time zones away.

After a month-long unexpected delay, we not only had the home fully repaired but also took advantage of the extra time to make some strategic upgrades that maximized its value—like freshly painted kitchen cabinets and new flooring.

The End Result? A Huge Success.

Once the home was back in tip-top shape, we hit the market strong—and the results? Multiple offers and a quick cash sale that closed in just three weeks. 🙌

✅ Our clients got top dollar.
✅ We handled the stress so they didn’t have to.
✅ They stayed on the East Coast, trusting us to get it done.

This wasn’t just another home sale—it was proof that our systems work, our market strategies are proven, and we truly deliver full-service real estate.

Need a Real Estate Team That Actually Shows Up?

We know that selling (or buying) a home can be overwhelming—especially if you’re out of state, managing multiple properties, or dealing with unexpected hiccups along the way.

That’s why we don’t just list homes—we SELL them. And we handle everything in between. When we say full-service, we mean it.

So, if you need a team that knows how to navigate challenges, protects your interests, and makes sure you get the absolute best outcome, let’s talk.

📩 DM us, call, or email—we’re ready to help!