Helping a Family Find Their Forever Home in Stillwater
Richard McDonough
In the world of real estate, sometimes the journey is just as meaningful as the destination. This story follows Adam, Alicia, and their daughter, baby Rose, as we searched for nearly two years to find their dream home in Stillwater. It’s a story of patience, strategic planning, and the benefit of working with an experienced local agent.
How It Started: A Call About an Off-Market Sale
It all began with a phone call. After I facilitated an off-market sale of a beautiful Victorian home on Stillwater’s North Hill, I received a call from a woman intrigued by how quickly the property sold, even though it hadn’t appeared on MLS. This off-market sale, known as a “pocket listing,” was a win-win deal for both buyer and seller, drawing on my three decades of experience and local connections.
Shortly after, the woman’s son, Adam, reached out to ask if I could help his family find a similar home. They wanted to live in Stillwater, close to the community and downtown. And so, our journey began.
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The Journey: Finding the Right Fit
Over the next two years, we looked at numerous homes in Stillwater. From layout issues to competitive offer situations, we encountered many challenges. Adam and Alicia were clear on what they wanted—a beautiful, walkable neighborhood near downtown Stillwater with space to grow as a family.
In each case, if a house didn’t check the right boxes, I encouraged them to keep searching, confident that the right one would come along.
We had the pleasure of working with Richard during our home search, and we couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the start, Richard was incredibly responsive, scheduling multiple showings and offering invaluable insights about each property. His deep knowledge of the market and sharp eye for both craftsmanship and potential issues made us feel confident in every step of the process.
-Adam B.
The Perfect Home Appears: Strategic Offer Crafting
One day, a “Coming Soon” listing appeared on our radar. Located within walking distance of downtown and just blocks from Nelson’s Ice Cream, this charming property seemed to check every box. Though smaller than the homes we’d previously viewed, it offered the potential for expansion and featured a beautifully maintained interior. With a wonderfully landscaped yard... This was it !
As we prepared to make an offer, I knew competition would be high.
Here’s where a well-crafted offer made all the difference.
Competitive Pricing
We decided to go over the asking price but within their budget.
Deadline Clause
I added a deadline clause for seller response, giving them until 1 p.m. the day before their scheduled open house.
Personal Lender Call
I arranged for the buyers’ loan officer to contact the seller directly, assuring them of my clients' financial readiness.
This strategic approach worked. Before the open house, we received a signed offer acceptance, securing the home for Adam, Alicia, and Rose!
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Navigating the Inspection: Home Inspection and Negotiation
As expected with a 100-year-old home, there were a few surprises during the inspection. We discovered a partially blocked sewer line, likely an issue due to aging clay piping. Fortunately, we negotiated with the sellers, who agreed to cover the repairs. This not only saved Adam and Alicia from unexpected costs but ensured they moved into a fully functional and secure home.
Conclusion: A Happy Ending in the Perfect Location
Today, Adam, Alicia, and little Rose are happily settled in their new home, just a short walk from downtown Stillwater and the community amenities they’d been hoping for. Their journey was proof that finding the perfect home is about more than just patience—it’s about having an agent who knows the local market, understands off-market opportunities, and can navigate every step from offer to inspection.
What truly stood out was Richard's ability to understand our family's needs and find homes that fit us perfectly. His professionalism, combined with a warm, charismatic approach, made the experience enjoyable and stress-free. If you're looking for a realtor who’s both highly skilled and a delight to work with, we highly recommend Richard!
-Adam B.
Key Highlights
- Off-Market Listings Expertise: Helping clients access exclusive properties and creating win-win situations in non-MLS deals.
- Strategic Offer Crafting: Crafting competitive, well-timed offers that maximize chances of acceptance.
- Home Inspection Navigation: Handling complex inspections and negotiations to ensure buyers are protected in every transaction.
Let’s connect and start your journey
Whether you're buying or selling, I can connect you with serious, qualified buyers and sellers in ways that go beyond the MLS. With 32 years of experience and deep local connections, I know how to create opportunities that fit your unique needs. Let’s talk about how I can help you find—or sell—the perfect property before it even hits the market!