Faced with so many challenges all at once, I managed to keep moving forward and focus on the positive things around me. Through that difficult period, I learned so many valuable lessons that forever changed my perspective on life.

I was hanging the laundry outside when I noticed our house’s roof steaming. At first, I thought it was dew evaporating from the sun’s heat. Earlier that morning, I had noticed a burnt, rotten egg smell in my daughter’s room. I had looked all over her room, trying to find what could be causing the smell but found nothing. My husband and kids were gone, so I called the neighbor. After inspecting the room and also finding nothing, he decided to feel the ceiling. It was so hot he could hardly touch it.

Immediately, we called the fire department. They opened up the ceiling to see what was going on underneath. Insulation was smoldering, and when exposed to air, the fire took off. The roof was engulfed in flames so fast. Our home was left badly damaged by an electrical fire. I was so grateful my kids were away when it happened.

It was the week of Thanksgiving in 2008 when our home caught fire. My husband had been laid off from his job just a few weeks earlier. I was also facing a reduced income because the housing market drastically changed in 2008. Times were really tough, and it felt like we were facing one problem after another. I thought things couldn’t get worse, but we quickly learned how complicated and frustrating it can be to coordinate insurance companies with county regulations

The insurance company wanted to repair our home, whereas the county wanted new construction. We were left in the middle trying to make something happen so we could have a home again. We lived in a fifth wheel trailer for two long years as we sought a compromise that would give us our normal lives back. Despite everything, our family grew even closer during this time. We had a new appreciation for all the wonderful things in our lives. As long as we had each other, we had the strength to get through anything.

During this difficult time in my life, I knew that other families faced even greater challenges. The market crash affected everyone. I wanted to be a helping hand amidst all the financial difficulties other families were also facing. I constantly negotiated with banks, learned the ins and outs of short sales, and did everything I could to help people. It was so important to me to provide caring guidance to others.

While I focused on helping others at work and my husband focused on finding a new career path, we still had a big issue to solve. After going back and forth to find a compromise, we finally got approved to get a modular home. In September 2010, after intense negotiations and advocating for ourselves, we officially had a house again. The overwhelming relief of moving back into a home was incredible. It meant the world to my husband and me to be able to provide a normal life for our children again.

A lot of good things can come from hard times. Through that difficult period, my family was truly blessed. We learned so many valuable lessons that changed our perspective on life. Whatever challenges may come in the future, I know I can overcome them with the support of my family and the spirit to keep pushing forward. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.

My experiences have given me a new appreciation for what it means to have a home. A home is where families come together and memories are made. When making one of your life’s greatest investments, you must have the right REALTOR® on your side to fight for your best interests. No matter what your real estate goals are, I can provide guidance and compassion through even the most complex circumstances.

I have a commitment to my clients to always be available to them. My clients highly value my honesty and integrity. I keep them well informed throughout the entire process and am always there for them through the ups and downs of the transaction. As we work together through your real estate journey, I pay attention to every detail in order to provide the smoothest experience possible. Even after the sale is over, I will continue to serve as your lifelong REALTOR®, supporting you through the next phases of your life.

Sincerely,

Connie Coughlin
REALTOR®