After decades in the real estate business, we’ve come to appreciate one thing above all: it’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about the people and the memories they make. Beyond square footage and property lines, owners of a new home are always eager to know more about their dwelling’s past. They want the story, the human element, the stuff you don’t find in the listing.

A few years ago, we started incorporating these “intangible” selling features into our marketing materials for our listing clients. This evolved into what we now refer to as “Story-Selling,” a unique marketing approach that we offer our sellers. For those who like the idea, we basically ask a series of questions that help us better understand the memories they created in the home, details about the street, the community, the lifestyle, and the history of the neighbourhood.

We’ve realized that not all sellers are comfortable sharing their personal life story with every potential buyer, and will therefore forgo this effective marketing tool. They could instead choose to share their story exclusively with the buyer who ends up purchasing their home, and only after the sale is firm and final. 

We have also come up with an idea for our buyers to learn a little more about the home they’ll be moving into (or the property they’ll soon be calling home), because unless it’s a Team Broady listing… such information is typically not shared by most sellers.Here is an example of a letter that a buyer can send to the former owners, asking them to share some of their memories

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Dear Don and Susan,

We’re the new owners of your home, and we’d love to hear its story. Yes, we already know the basics—the number of bedrooms, the fact that the roof was replaced three years ago—but we’re curious about the memories, the moments, the little quirks that made this place more than just an address for you.

In short: we’d love to hear your story. What was your life like here? What made this house and neighbourhood feel like home? Could you share a few stories with us? We promise we won’t be too intrusive—unless you want to tell us about the time your neighbours called public security because your backyard party was getting out of hand!

Here are a few prompts to jog your memory (or provide some comic relief):

Where Laughter Lingers: Are there corners of laughter, favourite spots where your family gathered to celebrate, rooms that echoed your togetherness?

Noteworthy Neighbours: Any neighbourhood gems we should know about? Any heroes on the street? Who’s the Clark W. Griswold on the block?

The Scars and Triumphs: Did the house shelter you through storms, literally or metaphorically? Any tales of hardship that you may have endured chez vous, or calamities like the 1998 ice storm in the area that brought you and your neighbours closer together?

The Growth Rings of Time: How has the neighbourhood and community transformed over the years? Any significant changes that have shaped the area into what we see today?

We’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t have to be a novel—just a few tidbits that’ll help us connect with the home a bit more. We truly feel like we’re not just buying four walls and a roof: we’re inheriting a part of its history.Thanks in advance for any stories you’re willing to share. We’ll do our best to keep the place shipshape and maintain the good vibes you left behind.

Warm regards, 

Kate and Michael 

The New Owners 

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At TEAM BROADY, we believe every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours. Whether you’re buying or selling, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 514-613-2988 or shoot us an email at info@teambroady.ca. We promise to bring a personal touch to the process!