Clarissa Cho & Daniel Kwak

Where were you living prior to your current home, and how did you begin your house hunting process?

We were living in an apartment in Downtown Charlottesville.

What drew you to working with Story House Real Estate?

Many charlottesville locals had worked with Jess and Josh from Story House. We heard a lot of positive remarks. Jess is a friend of ours and we were excited to work with her!

What made you choose Charlottesville?

We love the mountains, the University of Virginia and all of the fun local stores and restaurants.

How did you discover the neighborhood (where you eventually ended up buying), and what did you love about it?

We were initially looking at neighborhoods that were closer to downtown, but we were not seeing homes that fit the bill for us. Jess suggested that we widen our search, and lo and behold we came across this home in Forest Lakes. As soon as we entered the neighborhood we saw so many families outside with children and pets. Additionally, the schools were walking distance to the house. We knew that this would be a wonderful location to settle down in. It also was nice to know that on our way home from work we had multiple grocery stores and retail stores that we could stop by if we ever needed to make impromptu errands.

What was your experience like working with the Story House Real Estate team?

It was so easy and great. We got to know Jess really well during the time of us hunting for our first house. She answered all of our questions and was extremely helpful. She made herself available to us, which was so crucial during a time when the market was crazy.

What was your journey like buying/selling your home?

It was an emotional journey! We never realized how much of an emotional journey it would be.

What was the most stressful part of the real estate process?

The waiting process after putting in an offer and waiting for more houses to come on the market.

What was the best part of the real estate process?

Getting the house!

If you had to describe your real estate experience to friends and family what would you say?

It takes time, yet quick decision making is needed on the buyers end. It is an emotional journey because when you walk into a home you are dreaming/imagining what it would be like if it were yours. When you go in to make an offer (a high level of commitment), you have an emotional attachment to that house. If you don’t get the house then you have to start the journey all over again! Our realtor kept us grounded through it all.

If you had any advice to give first time home sellers/buyers what would it be?

Patience pays dividends!