Just last week, we finally made it to our settlement and we wanted to share a little of our story!  Our long journey began a year ago this April.  Also, we had been searching and calling around for months prior to finding Linda.  We were on a very set budget, and we were not afraid to tell agents what we wanted and what we could spend.  Every agent we spoke to (and there were quite a few) turned us down, or they simply wouldn’t return our calls.  Often we were told that we would never find the home we were looking for in our price range, or they were not willing to work with us if we were not willing to sell the home we were living in first.  We would not sell first in fear of having no where to go if we could not find a home that we wanted to buy, so we kept on looking, hoping someday we would find someone who would understand our needs and work with us to find the right home.

Well, like many other days, we found a home of interest, and called about it.  Just like may other days, it was already sold.  Well, we decided to explain our situation yet again (waiting for the usual turn-down.)  To our surprise, this kind woman on the other end of the phone said to us that she was very sorry for the way that we had been treated.  Instead, she seemed to completely understand our situation and agreed that it would take some time, but with diligence, patience, and a little faith, we would work together to find the right house!  Many months went by and there were many moments of frustration, everything from the “perfect” house, but out of our price range, being out-bid, and houses were selling within what seemed minutes from the time they went up for sale.  Linda was always available to us, and day, any time.  She was always encouraging and almost seemed to keep us in line with our price range and often kindly reminded us not to get in over our heads.  She really looked out for our best interests and never once did she push us to make any decisions we weren’t ready to make.  Linda stuck by us during our many moments of doubt and we always knew that Linda was feeling it too.  On Christmas Eve, Linda called and told us that she had emailed a few listings and to go take a look.  We went to look at this adorable little cottage in Green Lane which was right where we wanted to live and well within our price range.  We called Linda as soon as we passed it, and Linda had us in it the day after Christmas!  Well, now it’s ours and we are currently in the process of renovating and putting on an addition.  We are so excited and can hardly wait until it is finished!

Linda and the entire Barndt Agency feel like an extended family to us.  We just want to say thanks for all of your time, your support and determination, and especially those frequent and very late nights!  We couldn’t have gotten here without you!  We look forward to seeing you at our house warming party!

Tom and Shelby Welles

4/3/03