I have to say that this Listing is one that took exceptional effort, but after visiting the home to drop off keys to the new buyers, their palpable excitement and relief about being in their new home just left me with such a sense of fulfillment.

Now this was a transaction just overflowing with issues … big issues! Shortly after listing, there were difficulties with the weather, with leaks in the kitchen, with the estate auction (hmmmmmm, I’ll think twice, 3 times, about recommending that guy again), then with fielding call after call after call of low offers from agents informing me that the price was too high and that the place just wasn’t worth anything more than the land. And yet there were offers — eight of them. Most were close to the asking price. Others not so much. One was dreadfully low.

And then there were endless visits to the County and the City of Auburn trying to find appropriate records for permits, as-builts, well certifications, foundation requirements, and on and on. Meeting with contractors for bids and work to be done.

However, floating through all of this were these Buyers. They made three offers before the Seller felt secure that the offer was strong and solid enough to survive the remaining challenges of missing permits, foundation certification, title elimination, etc.

Finally, FINALLY, six weeks to the day after the contract scheduled closing date, it did. What a cause for celebration!

I remain grateful for my client, the Seller, who repeatedly listened to my advice and then took it. As with every client, we talked often. About how things were going, or not going, or just the general frustration of trying to get things done. At the end, about the frustration of the current lending climate where a Buyer’s approval could get challenged over the most mundane and ridiculous items. About the Department of Licensing who decided that they didn’t like the “appearance” of a notary’s stamp, and on and on.

The house sale closed! (whew)

Sale Pending!

Got horses, goats, alpacas, mini-beef?

Close to Auburn, Lake Tapps and city commuting, this five-acre mini-ranch is the best value in the neighborhood and perfect for your equestrian or other animal pastimes.

From the moment you enter the property through the remote-controlled gate, you’ll both be charmed by the thoughtful touches surrounding the house itself, and completely impressed by the two huge shops! There’s way too much to describe here, but consider that the flower beds are surrounded by poured concrete edges, there are numerous little water features, the house is surrounded by a walk-around deck, and entered through a wonderful covered porch. Step inside to a sun-lit entry (complete with a sun-tube), and then on to the generous formal living room/dining room combination, and a family room with a free-standing woodburning stove.

This home was well loved and it shows. Set up as a warm haven after working out on your own five-acre parcel, you’ll appreciate all the little touches that make this it truly a home. As you come in from the back into the mudroom, you’ll find plenty of places to stash the boots, even a built in window seat with storage. The kitchen is well appointed with new(er) black appliances and loads of cabinets.

The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet complete with loads of wire shelves & storage units, and a five-piece bath with tiled double-sink vanity and soaking tub. The 2nd bedroom is just off the family room and also has private access to the 2nd full bathroom.

Outside are five fenced and cross-fenced, hot-wired acres plus two shops, RV-size carport, barn with hayloft, 2-horse (only one stall) loafing shed, well house, a fish pond, your own private well and septic system.

Barn measures 42′ x 50′

Hayloft 11′ x 50′

Five stalls (four with outside gates) with concrete pads

Three additional rooms on opposite side of stalls. Corner room is plumbed with utility sink

Extended covered storage on back and sides

1st Shop as you enter the property

42′ x 24′, plus 12′ x 24′ attached carport, all with concrete floors

2 rollup doors with openers, plus one sliding door

Shop/storage room at one end

Pull-down ladder to additional loft storage

Insulated, 220V

2nd Shop, behind the house

36′ x 24′, plus shop bay

Insulated, 220V

Concrete floors throughout, plus parking pad

2 rollup doors & sliding door & barn doors

Edged by large kennel