Exactly a year ago today, the most beautiful moments in life come in the tiniest packages. For me, that package was a simple gift bag holding a journal and a card that would change everything.
The Setup: A Perfect Storm of Timing
Picture this: I had just closed on the sale of my home after a tough divorce. I was starting a new chapter, both literally and figuratively. I was doing it all on my own for the first time in my life. I was sitting at a nice restaurant with my real estate agents, Kalie Williams and Brett Caldwell, celebrating the closing of my old home with a cosmopolitan, feeling relieved that at least one major hurdle was behind me.
But there was a problem. The house I wanted, the one that felt like “home” the moment I walked in, had slipped through my fingers. I’d seen it go to “pending” status online the night before, crushing my hopes. I’d even lost sleep over it, knowing I had to look at five other houses that afternoon, trying to find something that could compare.
The Backup Offer: A Safety Net I’d Forgotten About
What I didn’t realize at that moment of disappointment was that my agent had been working behind the scenes. Kalie had encouraged me to submit a backup offer, a legal document that would automatically make me the primary buyer if the original deal fell through.
When you’re caught in the emotional whirlwind of buying and selling simultaneously, it’s easy to overlook the technical details. I had signed the backup offer, but in my mind, seeing “pending” meant the deal was closed forever.
The Moment Everything Changed
As we sat at lunch, Kaylee handed me a gift bag. Inside was a journal for writing my “new chapter” and a card. The card seemed simple enough, something about enjoying writing in my new address. But then, I read the actual address.
“The address of the house I thought was gone forever”.
“What? I don’t understand,” I said, looking confused.
“I think you said, ‘I told you I had your back,'” Kalie later recalled.
While I was dealing with the shock, Brett was secretly filming my reaction, capturing the exact moment when devastation turned into pure shock and overwhelming joy.
Check out the video capturing my complete confusion and overwhelming joy!
The Magic Behind the Scenes
What happened was a perfect example of why having the right real estate agent matters. The original deal had fallen through, just as Kalie had suspected. She had maintained a good relationship with the listing agent, who admitted to regretting not accepting Elaine’s original offer. When the first buyers backed out, Elaine’s backup offer automatically became the main offer.
The house was pending, but it was PENDING FOR ME!
The True Meaning of Having Your Back
This isn’t just a charming story about a surprise. It’s a masterclass in what it truly means to support someone and what outstanding real estate service looks like.
- Anticipation: Kaylee suggested the backup offer when others might have said “move on.”
- Relationships: She maintained communication with the listing agent, building trust and rapport.
- Emotional Intelligence: She understood that Elaine needed this moment of joy after a difficult period.
- Attention to Detail: She remembered that I had signed the backup offer, even though I had forgotten about it myself.
When someone truly has your back, they don’t just react to problems; they anticipate them. They don’t just complete tasks; they invest in your success. They remember what you’ve forgotten and work behind the scenes to protect your interests, even when you’re not watching.
The Perfect Timing
As if the universe was orchestrating the perfect ending, I got the keys to my new home on my birthday in August. After months of uncertainty, selling my old house while searching for the new one, managing a job transition, and navigating life after divorce, I was finally home.
The Takeaway
I just was so emotional because I forgot at that moment that if the offer didn’t go through, we were right,” I reflected. “I already signed everything. I didn’t need to sign anything because we knew I was a backup offer.
This story reminds us that the true meaning of having someone’s back extends far beyond just offering support. It’s about having people in your corner who remember the details when you’re too overwhelmed to place them yourself. It’s about finding professionals who don’t just do their job; they become invested in your success and happiness.
As I put it: “That’s the trust. I think it almost exemplifies what we have as a relationship… knowing you really did have my back.”
In a world where transactions often feel cold and impersonal, this story demonstrates what’s possible when business becomes personal in all the right ways. Sometimes, the best surprise isn’t the gift itself; it’s the reminder that you’re not alone in your journey and that someone genuinely has your back. I’ve even become friends with my previous owners, who have been wonderful throughout the process.
Have you ever experienced a moment where someone had your back in a way that completely surprised you? Share your story in the comments below.
Check out the full Herstories episode on YouTube with Kalie Williams. For more information on Kalie, please visit https://www.agentship.com/team/kalie-williams.
