Submitted by Sandra Hanis

It is never easy to leave your home and neighborhood after 22 years but it can bring a renewed sense of energy when that home brings a feeling of relief and security. My client's family members felt the decision to sell the family home had to be made and hoped they could help their mom downsize and find a home she would love. They were spending a great deal of time helping to maintain their mom's home following the passing of her husband. More importantly, they were worried about her falling again and in a 3 story home, that possibility was only too likely. Once her home sold, we set out to find a new place. As luck would have it, the perfect condo was just waiting for her in NE Portland only 11 blocks from her current Hollywood home. After years of experience, I have often seen the right home appear at just the right time! When her son and I brought her to see it, the excitement was evident from the first look...she really wanted this new place.

Now all of the anxiety about making a move was gone and she was beginning to place her furniture in her imagination and anticipated using this newly renovated kitchen with brand new appliances. Her son and I could see with just a few alterations, this home could work very well for her. Her daughter concurred and was also excited for her mom. Since this is a condominium, it was necessary to contact the HOA to be sure these changes could be made and that permission from the board could be received in time to remove the important contingencies written into the sale agreement. Also, contacting Prudential's Home Services was the next step to get bids for renovations. One call to Home Services provided three licensed bonded contractors to provide bids to assure the necessary deadlines could be reached. At this time, they are still working out the details of making the needed changes but my client is happy in the knowledge that she can celebrate Christmas in her family home and now looks forward to the new Year in her new place.