The Best Is Yet to Come
Success stories from area realtors
Anyone who follows the real estate market knows it’s been an exciting few years in our area. Housing prices have soared, interest rates have been on a thrill ride, and local realtors have been there in the trenches, helping clients continue to find and sell homes. But without a crystal ball to look into the 2025 market, we thought a look back at success stories from 2024 might give some insight into what to expect from talented professionals.
Good Fortune
Just a stone’s throw from the historic village of Unionville, a small farm with beautiful house, gardens and pond sits snugly in a landscape with wide vistas, feeling more like western Lancaster County than the eastern end of Cheshire Hunt country. What a fantastic listing, and we were honored to represent the sellers.
And, as luck would have it, buyer clients of ours purchased the charming farm and could not be happier with their slice of Chester County paradise. They’re now living the dream in what we all think of as God’s own country.
The next step was to find the sellers their new home. It was a small lot in a cul-de-sac development in the countryside — all the benefits of their former farm but an easier-to-manage size — the perfect downsize.
Reflecting one evening with our happy clients, I leaned against the porch railing, watching the sunset as twilight shimmered on the pond below. We shared our satisfaction about how well things often seem to work out in real estate if we let them and have the right perspective. Savoring the evening and the win-win-win deal, I’d be hard pressed to find a better profession.
Stephen Gross, Holly Gross Group
BHHS, Fox & Roach Realtors
Above and Beyond
For a recent home sale, I worked with the seller, an elderly individual with physical and cognitive challenges, who was living alone in a neglected four-story estate. Despite its disrepair, the home’s past grandeur was still visible. Meanwhile, the seller’s distant family struggled to the face the reality of the seller’s situation. Previous agents had failed to sell the property, adding additional market challenges.
Shortly after listing the property, I learned foreclosure proceedings were imminent. Although I managed to secure a delay, soon after, the client had a health crisis, leaving the home unoccupied and further damaged. Winter showings often required me to arrange heating oil deliveries and clearing the property of leaves, tree limbs and debris.
Eventually, a young family with the vision and energy to restore the estate came along. From contract to settlement, I personally coordinated clearing out the home — sorting family belongings, arranging donations and handling disposals.
The story’s happy ending? The buyers, represented by another agent, invited me back to see the incredible transformation. It’s rewarding to know the house has regained its former beauty, and the new owners are living their happily ever after. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to going the extra mile for my sellers and buyers.
Camille Gracie, Country Properties
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Location, Location
At the beginning of 2024, I sold the same home in a desirable location for the second time in three years. And to make the sale, I shared ideas to improve the home itself with potential buyers during showings. The new owner is using many of those ideas to change the home to get the dream home that she wants — and in the right location. She knew you can always change the house, but the location remains!
Recently I sold a home I lived in almost 40 years ago to clients who wanted an old farmhouse with a workshop and in-law suite — a rare find at their price and in their preferred location. They were growing frustrated from making many offers. But I counseled patience. When the right place finally came on the market, we got it in multiple bids. And even when the septic system failed, I was able to use my contacts and experience living on a farm to help the owners arrange a new septic system at that right location.
It warms my heart to get phone calls from former clients after they move in telling me how much they love their home and are so glad I helped them wait — for the right one!
Missy Schwartz, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Biggest Sale?
In early 2024, I sold a gracious estate property in Bryn Mawr, set on over two acres, with a nanny suite, gorgeous pool and even a putting green. The property sold for over $3.5 million, so some would count that as my “biggest sale” of the year. But I’m not so sure.
Later that year, I sold a carriage house in Malvern to first-time homebuyers. They were ecstatic to find a new home where they could begin their lives together. Perhaps that was actually my “biggest sale” of the year?
During my career, I’ve enjoyed celebrating many of life’s milestone moments with my clients, including birthdays and school anniversaries of children who were “just a twinkle” in their parents’ eyes when we first met. Buying or selling a home is an important time our lives, and I am honored and privileged to be a part of those special times.
Sue Fitzgerald, Compass RE
Our Favorite Resources
- Adorn Goods
- Albed Rug Company
- Archer & Buchanan
- B&D Builders
- Ball & Ball
- Beechdale Woodworks
- Berk Hathaway Country Prop
- Berk Hathaway Holly Gross
- Berk Hathaway Missy Schwartz
- Chester Cty Day House Tour
- Cullen Construction
- Dayton Lock
- Dewson Construction
- Dorchester Architectural
- DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
- E.C. Trethewey
- Gillespie Contracting
- Greenbank Construction
- Harrison Hill 55+ Community
- Hazley Builders
- John Milner Architects
- John Toates Arch & Design
- Ken’s Gardens
- King Construction
- Kurtz Collection
- L&L Restoration & Stone
- Main Street Cabinet Co.
- Martin Furniture & Mattress
- Matlack Florist
- McComsey Builders
- Merchant of Menace
- Monument/Sotheby’s Int’l
- Mostardi Nursery
- Period Architecture
- Precise Buildings, LLC
- Renewal Dynamics
- Rittenhouse Builders
- Sheller Energy
- Shreiner Tree Care
- Somethings Unique
- Vintage Millwork
- Waterbury Kitchens
- White Horse Construction