Well, it’s called the circle of life – per the movie the Lion King – which I saw with the child that is the subject of this piece in 1994 when he was three.   He sat on my lap the whole time – I think he was scared by some of the imagery.   But I digress…fast forward 25 years. The same child is 28 years old, returning to St. Louis and purchasing his first place!    He found a wonderful home in South City – the Northampton area.   Nicely renovated,  nothing to do but move in.   He was lucky – homes like this one tend to get snatched up by the highest bidder in a multiple offer situation.  We were able to get in and get it wrapped up before such a thing happened.   He has a GREAT Realtor!  ; )

Whenever I write offers for buyers, it’s always exciting.  They finally found a home that fits their needs and that they can envision themselves and their family living in happily.   It’s a particularly satisfying endeavor with a first time buyer.  So much excitement and so much of the future to look toward.  Many times, there is a wedding in the works too, or one that just occurred.  Sometimes, it’s because of a new baby that a first time home is needed.   I love working with first time buyers.

The downside is guiding them through the often competitive market for homes that many first time buyers are looking for.   Many firsties cannot waive contingencies for financing, nor can they do without closing costs.   These issues often put these buyers on the lower end of the “most attractive contract” scale when in a multiple offer situation.   The worst thing I have to do as an agent is tell a buyer they “didn’t get the house”.   It’s hard not to get your hopes up and then get disappointed.

And this time around, it was with my own child.   That’s a whole other level of nerve wracking.   Not only do you want them to get the house they want, you have a personal vested interest in their happiness.   So not having to deal with a situation that will put them in the dreaded competition with other buyers is a relief.

The other thing I found myself having to do was to confirm that my child, who I sometimes still see as the three year old on my lap during the Lion King movie, has the money for 1. down payment 2. earnest money 3. inspection funds 4. enough to bring some of the closing costs to the table on top of his down payment.   The answer better be YES.   (it was).   #adulting #winning

I’ve already informed him, he is hosting the next family get together….and when I renovate my kitchen later this year, I will come and stay at his house to avoid the mess.  It’s another proud mom ( and dad) moment.   He said that he had the best 48 hours of his life recently when he received a job offer here in the Lou,  wrote on and got an accepted offer on a home and the BLUES won the Stanley Cup.   We are so happy to have him back and can’t wait for what other wonderful blessings he has to look forward to.   Way to go sweet boy!