55 years ago my mother lived in a small house in the area of Sacramento known as Land Park - near the old Tower Theatre. After my grandparents moved away to another house, the small house changed hands several times and the neighborhood went downhill, and then was revived during an influx of people taking an interest in older historic homes near our state Capitol. Over the years my Mom has stopped in to the neighborhood to see her childhood home but has not been inside since she was a young girl.
Flash forward to the present and I get a call from a homeowner that is not moving but wants help pulling their house together. They are a new homeowner - been in this house about a year. I asked the wife to tell me about the house and she described the old craftman style bungalow house that is very common in parts of Sacramento. When I asked her what street it was one - she told the name - and I thought, "That name sounds really familiar." It triggered in my head that my Mom grew up on that street because I remembered stories she told me of when she was young.
So I called my Mom and asked her, "What was your address?" When she told me - I heard the old Twilight Zone music in my head. It is the very SAME house!
What are the odds that would happen? What are the odds that I would be in a business that would help people pull their houses together (as well as Stage for sale) and that out of all the many business owners that Stage in our region this homeowner would call ME to stage her house - and it turns out to be my Mom's childhood home? I think it is one for the record books or put in the category of the stars being aligned or something like that.
I have not seen the house yet - but will be helping these clients on Monday and I am so excited! I told my Mom that she has to come when it's all done - and of course I will take lots of pictures.
- Jennie
You are right - I am sure I can dig up old photos of the house. My Mom has some old albums and so I will ask her. Her sister lives in the area too - she may have some pictures as well. - Jennie
Jennie - This has to be one for the books. Definitely, if possible early before pics would be awesome and I can't wait to see what you'll do with the home.
This one is a gem!
Jackie
Jennie ~ That is crazy! You're right, it is a Twilight Zone feeling. (I think there is a Twilight Zone group on here that would get a kick out of your story).
Will you tell the client that it was your Mom's childhood home? I would imagine there have been many changes over the years.
This is such an amazing experience! Looking forward to a followup post-Chapter 2!
Kathy
That is so cool! It must be very cool to relive some childhood memories ;)
Cheers,
Cindy
That is a very coincidental contact.
Not quite as coincidental but I live in a home that overlooks the home I grew up in. I always loved the neighborhood and when a home came on the market in the neighborhood, I moved back.
Can't wait to see the photos Jennie! How very fun for you and your mother!!
Cathy Lee, ASP
Hi Jennie,
I just read your story about your Mom's old house. I think that is so touching and was obviously something that was supposed to happen in your life. Were you able to get your Mom over to the house after the staging?
Michelle Pimentel,ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging Solutions-So. CA