MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA — Selling a house is never easy, especially when it’s driven by financial necessity, but having the right support can make all the difference.
Recently, my husband, Robert, and I were in a tough spot. We loved our condo, but needed to sell it quickly. We needed someone who could not only help us sell for the right price, but also show compassion and concern for our struggles.
This place had been home for eight years. We had wonderful neighbors, and we enjoyed many great conversations. Leaving that sense of community was tough. I still miss the casual chats and the familiarity of the place.
The move was necessary due to financial strain, mainly from our HOA fees, which kept increasing while our income stayed the same. Our insurance also became completely unbearable, and they dropped us.
Robert is a disabled veteran who works part-time as a substitute school teacher. I am on disability for a variety of health concerns. Our earning potential has a pretty firm ceiling, but the rising HOA fees and insurance were digging us into a very deep hole.
We had tried to sell through another REALTOR® and it didn’t go well.
Then, an online referral connected us with Wajiha Tareen from Next Home Lifestyles. Wajiha was a godsend. She took charge of everything, unlike the previous REALTOR® who demanded we move everything out and stage the condo ourselves. Wajiha connected us with movers, cleaners, painters, and even a stager. She coordinated everything, which was a massive relief given our limited capacity.
Her support was the ultimate example of putting humans over houses, and people over profits.
Wajiha’s efficiency turned what could have been a drawn-out ordeal into a relatively quick sale. Once the condo was cleaned, painted, and staged, it didn’t take long to attract buyers. It was entirely unlike our previous experience trying to sell.
We started working with Wajiha in February and by April, the condo was sold. The transition was bittersweet. I was sad leaving behind my familiar surroundings and dear neighbors.
Financially, the move was a relief. We no longer have to worry about the HOA fees. Although rent is still a significant expense, the pressure has eased somewhat. We now live in a two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms. It’s not as spacious, but it’s comfortable.
While we found this apartment on our own, Wajiha’s role in selling our condo was crucial. She went the extra mile in every way, from managing the staging to ensuring the place was market-ready. Her kindness and professionalism were unmatched. She even helped with post-sale issues like getting the patio fixed and arranging for final clean-ups.
Selling the condo was a pivotal moment for us. It alleviated significant stress and allowed us to move to a place that gives us some financial breathing room. It’s a new chapter, and while I miss the old place and my neighbors, I’m grateful for the smoother, less stressful life we have now.
Our story is a testament to the importance of having a compassionate and dedicated REALTOR®. Wajiha’s assistance was beyond what we expected, and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar situation.
