How Self-Proclaimed ‘Picky’ Clients Balanced the Selling and Buying Juggle
“…I'm pretty sure the way we bought and sold a home is not the way a lot of people do it.”
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Buying and Selling in a Unique Market
“We had a pretty big price range and we were pretty picky clients. This wasn’t an easy task for them. I even doubted that we were going to buy a house.” — Sandra Mayo
Self-proclaimed picky clients Garrett and Sandra Mayo had what they considered a tall order: enlisting an agent to sell their house in San Jose and help them find a new home in Garrett’s home town of Sacramento. In a very precise location. All before the school year started for their two children, just eight months away.
Enter Smith & Burgoon Realty. The Mayos began to consider selling in 2020, and talking with Brandon Smith months ahead of listing gave them a glimpse of what to expect, and mentally prepared them for the task at hand. “When we hesitated, he reassured us,” said Sandra.
“Brandon rode the highs with the highs and lows with the lows, being there when we needed him and celebrating with us when necessary.” — Garrett Mayo
The Mayos have been married for 12 years and had lived in San Jose for almost as long, but the thought of moving closer to family and the pull of a better school system in Sacramento was enough to ultimately make the leap. With a goal of settling into their new home by August, the family put their plan in motion. But not without a couple of bumps—and creative problem solving by Brandon—along the way.
Selling: Falling In and Out of Contract
Once they put their house on the market, The Mayos had seven offers the first weekend—all well above asking price.
After weighing with Brandon whether to go after a higher offer or a sure-thing, they ultimately accepted the highest offer, despite it having an inspection contingency. Five days later they fell out of contract due to pest repairs.
Without missing a beat, Brandon got on the phone the same day to reinstate previous bids and had an all-cash, non-contingent offer by the end of the evening… and then two more the next morning.
When other agents would have gone back to market, the Mayos were in contract again that afternoon on a non-contingency offer, less than 36 hours after the first contract fell through.
“We didn’t have to do any more open houses and we didn’t have to do any more showings. We just went straight to the next one.”
“You know, the fact that we fell out of contract, and then we were back in contract so quickly, I don't think that happens a lot,” said Brandon. “I think most agents would probably just go back to market or ask for a backup offer, but there was a lot that I was doing just to get those offers reinstated and get them back to their original terms or even higher.”
Buying: Falling In and Out of Contract Again
When it came time to buy, the Mayo’s experience was almost a mirror image of their selling experience. Finding a home that checked all of their boxes in their budget wasn’t Brandon’s biggest challenge. Due to a highly competitive market and limited inventory, the Mayos found themselves having to make offers on multiple homes over the course of their search.
They looked at 25 homes and made an offer on four.
“The Mayos were looking within a higher price point out here, so they didn't have stuff popping up every single weekend,” said Brandon. But he didn’t let that frustrate the Mayos in their search. If anything, it reinforced his relationship with them.
“Working with Brandon and Kevin was amazing because of the partnership they have,” said Sandra. “We always got a showing that day or the next day because they were both available so it’s kind of like you get a two-for-one with them. They’re both just available to your schedule.”
Even on Easter. “I felt horrible,” said Sandra. “Because Kevin has young girls and he still went and showed us a house right in the middle of it. That availability was really reassuring every time we put in an offer.”
Home Sweet Home
Their final offer was a strong one: it was submitted soon after viewing the home and with a quick expiration date. Even with so much going their way, it was rejected and later outbid.
When the competing offer fell out of contract and the home went back to market, the Mayos quickly made another offer on the same home and finally got into contract.
The house was theirs—and at just about 2% over asking. (Another home in the community sold for roughly 12% over asking).
“Brandon and Kevin are very accommodating and they listen to your needs and adjust accordingly,” said Garrett. “Because I'm pretty sure the way we bought and sold a home is not the way a lot of people do it.”
Despite the challenges of a unique market during a unique time, Brandon made home buying and selling for the Mayos easier by adjusting on the fly and being upfront about the realities of the current market, providing the Mayos with the most up-to-date information to make the best decision for their family. “They had a lot of feedback over time that made it easy for us,” said Garrett.
When asked if they had any advice for other homebuyers who are considering working with Smith & Burgoon Realty, Garrett said: “If you’re open and honest with Kevin and Brandon and give them good feedback, you’ll get a good result.”
Creative Problem Solving and Excellent Communication
The Mayos reached out to Brandon in January saying they were ready to sell, listed in February, sold in April, and purchased in May.
The reason they were so successful? Brandon continuously lobbied for his clients.
When selling, he was getting bids without relisting. On the buy side, he stayed in contact with agents, demonstrating that the Mayos were serious about not only their offer, but closing the deal.
"The more consistent communication with other agents and our clients, the smoother the process,” said Brandon. “When you're making an offer, your conduct and the way you carry yourself in that offer should be an indication of how strong that offer is.”
As for the bumps they encountered? “It's just problem solving and trying to identify the issues as quickly as possible,” said Brandon. “Then it’s negotiating and removing the issues so your clients can close on properties, whether they’re buying or selling.”
