When I was a relatively new agent, I was hired as the REALTOR for the first affordable housing complex in our town of North Haven. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, or the time commitment this project would require. But I wouldn't change the knowledge I gained, the friends I made, and the families I helped for any multi-million dollar sale.
This was a small 20 unit new construction condo complex named Summerdale, which was the dream of a group of local churches in our town. They formed a non-profit group named NHOAH. It took them over 12 years to complete this project, and I'm proud to have been involved in a small part of it.
At a time when condos were selling for $185,000-250,000, we were offering these for $118,000-$131,000, plus there were grants monies available to bring the purchase price down even lower. Due to the exceptional prices of the units, I fielded over a thousand calls on these units, so many in fact, I needed to bring in a partner to help. Since there where grant monies involved, restrictions applied for families hoping to purchase. Anyone who has ever been involved with a government agency can just image the amount of paperwork and time involved in the sale of each of theses units.
What I remember most is the families. The young married man, who couldn't stop shaking his foot during the signing of the contract, so afraid something would go wrong. The maid from New York and her son, who would soon be heading into the military. Families from all over the world including Latin American, Europe and Asia. Single moms who never thought they would be able to afford their own home. Young married couples just starting out and expecting their first child. The woman working full time and going to school, all the while raising 3 children. Over the 1 ½ years it took from ground breaking to closings, I heard all their stories, and learned all about their lives. I met their parents and grand-parents, aunts, and uncles. We laughed together and sometimes even cried together. 
There where so many people involved who without them, Summerdale, would have not become a reality. Everyone poured their hearts and souls into this project. From the architect's energy efficient design to the lenders mortgage programs. I have never worked harder but I have never worked on another project that has given me so much satisfaction. But the real heroes in the building of this project are the members of NHOAH, who saw a need and stepped up to fill it.
The project is done now, but 4 years later I still keep in touch with the residents. I'm invited to their children's birthday parties, and graduations. I know whenever a new baby is born. I get emails from one of the kids who is now in college. Another resident has me over for coffee at least once a month. This started out as just another project, but it turned out to be so much more than that for me. Whenever I drive past the Summerdale Condos, I smile, for helping those 20 families achieve the America Dream of Owning their own home is why I became a REALTOR.
What was your greatest professional accomplishment?
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Spring is just around the corner...If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, now is the time! Contact The Cummings Team! Let me show you what we can do to market your home. We cover New Haven Counties and the Shoreline Communites, including North Haven, Madison, Guilford, Branford, North Branford,Hamden, Northford and Wallingford. Give us a call today.
Sandra L Cummings
Realtor®
William Raveis Real Estate - Real Estate for Real People
21 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
phone - 203-672-2456
cell - 203-676-5948
Sandra@CummingsTeam.com
North Haven Real Estate
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PS: guess what, the itchy apple thingie again-
Mary - Thank you for your kind words. After 20 years, I'm sure you have many wonderful stories of clients who have touched your heart. I agree with you, first time home buyers are special...the excitement and anticipation of owning their first home. Nothing beats it.
Bill - The project was time consuming, but well worth it. Everyone involved was great, NHOAH, the attorneys, lenders, construction company, and then of course there were the buyers. They all where very special people.
Renee - Your words have made me smile and you have made my day.
Sally - The rewards on this one where much more than I expected. And helping people is the best thing about being a REALTOR in my opinion.
Kathy - I know you have that special client you remember, we all do....that is what I want to hear about....
Dear Inna- You are too kind in your praise. I knew there was a reason I "gemmed" you : ) And I know you can top this if you try.
Sandra, it is deals like this that create memories that we will remember for a life time, help us to get past all the ones that are nightmares.
Hi Sandra,
What a great way to jump start your career, helping all those families reach their goals and dreams. It doesn't get any better than that! Great story! :)
Sandra,
Very nice and a great story......I can feel the satisfaction you feel through your words.....thank you for sharing.
Teri - It was...I still get calls on these units four years later. People are still trying to get in. They are wonderful condos and it was my pleasure helping each and every one of the residents purchase their first home.
Thesa - What can be better than that! You helped them find their first home and now you will be helping them find a larger one due to the new addition to the family! How wonderful!
Tom - Mr. World Traveler! Your back! : ) Yes, I agree with you...this is what it's all about.
Suzanne - I have been truly blessed with many great clients over the years, but I can not beat this project for the things I learn and extraordinary people I came in contact with during the course of this project.
My Lisa - Yes, they definitely had a major impact on my career, but I think you give me too much credit on how much I molded their lives..
Sandra,
What a beautiful story....it sounds like the pay-off for all of your work was far more valuable than any amount of money you earned....and it keeps on giving.
It's wonderful that you were the kind of REALTOR who cared about these people and their lives....clearly this project was meant for you from the start.
Jo
Dan - Thank you. Yes this project made a lasting impression on me.
Mary - It would be wonderful if it inspired people to build more affordable housing. The group involved in this project had real dedication, it took them 12 years to complete this project.
Jo - The rewards on this project were many and more valuable than any commission I earned. I was so very lucky to have been involved in this project and been givien the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful people. I thank you for your kind words.
Melissa - I'm so glad you stopped by, I haven't seen you around in a while. Thank you
Hi Elaine : ) How's those lessons going?