Ryan's Story

     It was the fall of 2000, the day before Thanksgiving in fact, and I was just beginning the search for a new home.  I must have viewed 50 open houses, and visited at least 20 new houses in various stages of construction.  Then I saw her at the very end of an open house, 703 6^th St North, an 1892 Victorian home, mostly original, and certainly in distress.  Nevertheless, I wanted this old house.  It had been on the market for nearly a year, so I thought there was very little risk in waiting and thinking about it over a hearty Thanksgiving feast. 

     What was there to think about?  A big, beautiful Victorian, with all its woodwork, a turret, a carriage house that I could afford!  I called Friday morning to schedule a formal showing.  It seems I called about two hours too late.  A purchase agreementr had just been offered that morning; the house was off the market.

     I was crestfallen.  The images I had been conjuring and collecting in my mind of a beautiful Victorian lifestyle were now scattering like so many marbles poured from their jar to the floor.  She was the house I wanted, and no other house would compare.  The search would not resume for some time.

     Several months had transpired, and it was a very cold midwinter when I was contacted by RE/MAX and informed that the purchase of “My Victorian” had fallen through.  Could this be?  Was it fate or was it destiny?  Or perhaps a diligent realtor?

     I immediately scheduled a formal viewing with a new realtor, a realtor whom I had not met when I originally viewed the home.  She met me at the property, and immediately began describing some of the history (The William H. Bierbauer Estate), the woodworking detail (cherry inlaid Oak and Walnut floors!), and even had knowledge of some of the immediate expenses and repairs necessary.  I was impressed with her candidness and professionalism, not to mention her knowledge of this home in particular.  I made an offer, and wrote the earnest money check.  How could I not?

     During the two months that passed, Patti Schuch met my family, friends, and I two more times at the property just to let me show it to them!  She would cheerfully explain the woodwork and history, and join in my enthusiasm for my new home.

     By the time the closing had arrived, I had gained great respect for Patti.  She handled the complexities, the legalities and the formalities of a real estate transaction with absolute precision and professionalism. 

     I love this home, but life changes, and so the time quickly came to sell her, even after thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours had been put forth toward her restoration.  Given my experience with RE/MAX, and with Patti Schuch, there was simply no doubt as to whom I would contract to sell my house.  Do you know how relieving it is to have such a professional contact in real estate?  How much time, money, and mental anguish that can save?

     Patti aggressively marketed my home, with realtor open houses (whereupon local realtors and agents would meet in my home to learn how to sell it to their clients), various print ads, many open house weekends, and her website (a fantastic tool which allows her to know who visits my home’s listing online.  Wow!).

     This is a specialty home (112+ years old, 4000+ square feet) nearing the top pricing echelon in the Mankato area.  I expected a longer than normal sales cycle, as did Patti. Despite multiple contingent offers, despite several months of continued marketing effort, despite dozens and dozens of viewings, Patti  remained focused and diligent.  Her advice on multiple offers of every variety resulted, I feel, in the maximum dollars achievable at sale.  Again, I was impressed, and am grateful for Patti Schuch’s experience.  If I am ever in the market for another home, or should I ever need to sell my home, I will gladly and confidently select Patti as my real estate agent.  It is for these reasons that I heartily recommend Patti Schuch for your real estate needs.

Sincerely,

K. Ryan Hasse

Energy Auditor