Your Story is My Story

I initially met Sandy Weggeland several years ago while volunteering at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. She shared her wish to move to Santa Clarita to be closer to her mother, Lucy and family. I guided her through different neighborhoods that I believed she would find appealing, and she eventually decided on Valencia. Since her relocation, Sandy has been actively involved in the Soroptimist of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Auxiliary, and the Met Gala.
One day, Sandy called me to share that she had decided to sell her childhood home. It was a rental, and once the tenants moved out, we sprang into action to prepare it for the market. We would meet at the property, waiting for handymen, sometimes bringing our lunches and chatting. While we were in the house, Sandy would share stories about her life, pointing out her bedroom, the location of her bed, and her little sister’s crib tucked in the corner. She reminisced about her life growing up and the family room her father had added, complete with a beautiful fireplace. Her memories flooded back, and it felt like we were traveling back in time through her stories. She found joy in reminiscing, and many times when we visited, she would run her fingers along the fireplace mantel, touching the nails her father had hammered in years ago to hang the family’s Christmas stockings.
The day before we finalized the escrow, Sandy and I visited the property one last time. As we were standing outside locking up, she told me about the day her family moved in, recalling how they were all out front excited to go inside their new home. I offered to take her picture, and of course, she was happy to oblige.
After we closed escrow, I pondered what gift I could give Sandy. Suddenly, it hit me—I contacted the buyer’s agent to ask if I could enter the house one last time to retrieve the nails from the mantel. I wrapped them in a small stocking and presented them to my friend.
Initially, she was puzzled as to why I was giving her nails, but once I explained they were from the fireplace mantel, she understood—I couldn’t leave them behind.
I love being a part of my friend’s and client’s lives. This is the reason I am passionate about real estate; it revolves around the memories people build. I enjoy listening to the stories and the lasting memories that individuals will cherish throughout their lives. Whether I’m helping someone transition out of their home or into a new one, I understand that they are starting a new chapter, brimming with opportunities to create fresh memories.
Additionally, the notion of “Your Story is My Story” resonates with me deeply; I cherish being a part of their journeys and feel truly grateful and blessed to have so many wonderful clients who I now call my friends. If you need real estate advice or have questions, I’d love to hear from you. Call anytime, (661) 645-1334.