From First Home to Final Sale: A Journey of Trust, Dreams, and Dirt

When I first met my client 11 years ago, he was just 21 years old—a young, ambitious first-time homebuyer ready to take the plunge into homeownership. He holds a special place in my heart as my youngest client to date. With a lot of excitement and maybe just a touch of nerves, we found the perfect starter home for him. Little did I know that was just the beginning of a journey that would span more than a decade.

Fast forward a few years, and life had changed for him in all the best ways. He met the love of his life, got married, and began envisioning a future that was bigger than a first home could hold. During the pandemic—a time when many people were rethinking their spaces and priorities—I got a call. He and his wife had found a piece of vacant land in Port Orchard, tucked into the heart of Wautauga Beach, and they wanted to make it theirs.

Lot 10 Crane Ave Port Orchard, WA 

The Land That Sparked a Dream

Buying land is always a leap of faith. It’s not just a property; it’s the canvas on which you plan to paint your future. For my clients, this lot on Crane Ave E seemed like the perfect foundation. We wrote up the offer, and just like that, they became the proud owners of “dirt” (as we lovingly call it in the business).

Two years later, I received another call. Life, as it so often does, had shifted their plans. Their family vision had changed, and they decided it was time to sell. I was honored to help them again—this time on the selling side of the equation.

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Selling vacant land is a unique process. It’s not just about location; it’s about potential. My first step was to meet with my clients and hear their story. After discussing their goals, we signed the listing agreement, and I got to work.

The first order of business was research. Vacant land doesn’t come with the same guarantees as a home; zoning, utilities, and permits can change. I contacted the county to ensure there hadn’t been any changes since my clients purchased the property. Everything checked out, so I moved on to step two: marketing.

Marketing Magic: Setting the Stage

Every property I list gets the luxury treatment, and this one was no exception. I called in my marketing team to schedule professional photos and a video shoot. Even vacant land deserves its moment in the spotlight. We captured the serene beauty of the lot, the charm of its Wautauga Beach location, and the potential it held for future buyers.

Within a week and a half, we were ready to go live. The listing went out across all platforms, complete with a compelling description and stunning visuals. We knew the market for vacant land could take time, but we were committed to the process.

The Ups and Downs of Selling Vacant Land

The real estate market isn’t always a smooth ride, and selling vacant land often comes with unique challenges. This lot had two rounds of offers that fell through, but not because of any fault on the sellers' side. Sometimes, properties don’t align with what buyers want to do. Maybe the zoning doesn’t fit their vision, or the terrain isn’t ideal for their plans.

When the property came back on the market, we didn’t just sit back and hope for the best. My marketing team went into action every single time. We refreshed the listing, updated photos and descriptions as needed, and continued to highlight the lot’s incredible potential.

The Offer That Stuck

After 274 days on the market, persistence paid off. We received an all-cash, no-contingency offer from a buyer who saw the potential in this piece of land. The sale closed quickly, and while I don’t yet know whether they’ll build their own dream home or create something to sell, I can’t wait to see what they do with the place.

Reflections on the Journey

This sale wasn’t just about a piece of land; it was about trust and relationships. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside these clients as they moved from first-time homebuyers to landowners and sellers. Helping them achieve their goals—whether it’s buying a first home, securing a piece of property, or navigating a sale—is why I love what I do.

Why Marketing Matters

Throughout this process, marketing was a key player in our success. Every detail, from professional photography to engaging descriptions, was designed to showcase the property’s value. When the offers fell through, we didn’t lose momentum; we leaned in harder. Consistency and creativity were our secret weapons, ensuring the property stayed top of mind for potential buyers.

The Takeaway

If you’re considering selling your home or property, remember that every property has a story, and the right marketing can make all the difference. It’s not just about putting up a “For Sale” sign—it’s about crafting a narrative that captures buyers’ imaginations.

To my incredible clients: thank you for trusting me again and again. Your journey inspires me, and I’m so excited to see what the next chapter holds for you.

Thinking about selling your home or property? Let’s write your success story together. 🌟

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a piece of property, or dreaming of a new chapter, I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s make your goals a reality.