Response from Todd Nation on 11/4/2024

"I often share the story of finding your property because it truly feels like a fairy tale deal. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving couple, and I'm so grateful you trusted me enough to move forward sight unseen. The seller’s agent was handling REO properties, and with the bank’s lack of emotional investment, the property wasn’t marketed to its potential. When the original buyer had to step away unexpectedly, the timing aligned perfectly for you. Even though there were no photos, I recognized it as an ocean-facing line and knew it offered exceptional value—priced $200,000 below comparable units. Remarkably, a similar unit went under contract that same week for $280,000 more. What a phenomenal find!"

Response from Todd Nation on 11/4/2024

Navigating hurricane season during the home-buying process can be as challenging as mixing oil with water—and insurance is like adding vinegar to the mix. Despite these obstacles, I successfully negotiated with the seller’s agent to extend the timeline, allowing us to overcome not one, but two hurricanes that had underwriters scrambling and reluctant to issue a policy. It was no easy feat, but in the end, you secured a remarkable property at a fair price—a standout home that will only grow in value. This property will significantly outperform the cookie-cutter option you almost purchased through a less scrupulous agent. I’m glad you chose to move forward with a referral from a previous client. It was a pleasure working with you!

Response from Todd Nation on 11/4/2024

I think of all the time we spent looking for a condo and ultimately a House. I enjoyed every minute of hunting with you. Im so lucky to be able to work with inspiring people like you and you and were incredibly lucky on you home purchase. I have never experienced anything quite like it. It will go down in the record books as one of the best deals I have found or should I say created for a client. If you recall we made a very aggressive offer 100k below comparable sales at a time when the market was red hot. The listing agent verbally said there was no way his client would accept the deal but it came back signed a day later. It wasn't until a week before closing that the Sellers agent called me practically crying that he never intended to get the contract signed by his client who was also his brother in law. Apparently, no one even read the contract but some how they both signed it. Surreal. These are the types of Agents, friends of the family with a license that dont really work in the business that give good agents a bad name but also a great opportunity for a deal even if it was a mistake. Remember how he wouldn't look at me on the final walk through because he somehow blamed me for his incompetance. Good times!

Response from Todd Nation on 11/4/2024

Oh, Mark, I remember with fondness your sister telling me you were out there solo, valiantly trying to charm sellers’ agents into giving you a deal within your price range—yet striking out each time. Back then, buyers’ agents’ commissions were a no-brainer, so I explained that I’d do all the legwork, with the seller footing the bill. It was a win-win, and you wisely agreed to team up. Then the hunt began! We saw every waterfront property that fit your budget, and finally, we found the one. Only problem? The price was way up there in the stratosphere, and the seller—an investor hoping to cash in on the red-hot market—wasn’t exactly brimming with flexibility. After weeks of back-and-forth and his relentless scoffing at my offers, I threw out a creative lifeline: “Accept my offer,” I said, “and if you get a better one in ten days, take it, and we’ll walk away. But if no one bites, we’ve got ourselves a deal.” He grumbled, he scoffed, and he huffed his way through every step, even trying to renegotiate my commission at the closing table! But I held firm because, well, contracts exist for a reason. You got your house, I got paid, and we walked away content—while he went off licking his wounds. Sometimes, a shark just needs a good swat on the nose, which I was all too happy to deliver.