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Elderly Gentleman Moved To Be Closer to Son

June 15, 20253 min read

Choosing a New Home Without His Late Wife

Just before the pandemic hit in 2020 an older gentleman, named Richard from North Georgia, contacted Listing and Buyer Specialist Susan Jennings and stated that he had just lost his wife of 50+ years and that he wanted to move to Cobb County to be closer to his only son. He and Susan met and looked at new construction 55+ communities in the Canton to Marietta areas but he could not decide as he had always had his wife at his side when he bought or sold his previous homes.

Richard's Home Search 

Fast forward to April 2023. Since Susan had stayed in touch with Richard, during the pandemic, she was the first realtor that he called in April of 2023. His desire was to find a home closer to his son in Cobb County.

He stated that he had had time to heal from the loss of his wife and he was finally ready to move to the north Atlanta area. 

Since Susan had spent a lot of time on the phone with him, she was able to quickly refine his home search and focus on key properties that fit his must-haves and budget. She scheduled five homes to see on the first day out, however, the first home Susan showed him was a floor plan he loved and the third home she showed him was the perfect floor plan, community, location, and price for his needs. At that point, Richard was so delighted that he asked Susan to cancel the 4th and 5th homes for the day!

They left home #3 and went back to the Keller Williams office and together wrote an offer on that home and submitted it immediately. Richards's offer was accepted that evening! 

Why The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team?

Beginning a home search can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Because of that, our team makes sure that all other potential buyers, understand each of the 8 steps that we take to make the process as easy and painless as possible. By the end of your search, with our support and guidance, you will live happily ever after in your new, dream home.

A New Chapter

A happy client is now comfortably settled in his new home, a lovely 55+ community with vibrant active adults that he has quickly made friends with. Richard also cherishes being closer to his only son and his family. This home has alleviated his loneliness and enabled him to start a new chapter in his life!

How Was Listing & Buyer Agent Susan Jennings Different?

Susan Jennings is known for building relationships with her clients and providing top-notch service. Having met Richard prior to Covid, Susan stayed in communication with him over the years. This resulted in Richard contacting Susan in April of 2023 to continue his home search.

Susan took the time to learn what Richards's must-haves were and his budget which helped narrow down his home search. She also coordinated the inspection, minor repairs, and financing with a mortgage lender.

Richard was grateful that Susan collaborated closely with his local agent on the timing and terms of the sale of his existing home as well as to schedule an early May 2023 closing that included both the sale of his existing home and his new purchase with the same law firm.

Susan's goal is to always make her buyer's move as stress-free as possible!

Learn more about Susan Jennings HERE!


Mary Ellen was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After graduating from college, she worked on Wall Street for JP Morgan in New York City. For the past 25+ years, she has been living in the Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband and daughter. International travel and business are her passions and she loves to go to as many different countries of the world as possible and to indulge in the culture.

Mary Ellen has an outgoing personality and is known to be aggressive in marketing real estate. Her goal is to make YOU happy and she knows that buying and selling houses can be very stressful. Her job is to make it as stress-free as possible. With her background in accounting and finance, she will be able to help you find the best value your money can buy.

Her professional associations and certifications include Atlanta Board of Realtors, Leadership Council for Keller Williams Realty, CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) and CFIS (Certified Foreign Investor Specialist) as well as being a member of KWGPS (Keller Williams Realty Global Property Specialist). In the past several years, Mary Ellen has worked to achieve several additional designations including CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, e-Pro Certified and a Certified DRS AgentTM

Mary Ellen Vanaken

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After graduating from college, she worked on Wall Street for JP Morgan in New York City. For the past 25+ years, she has been living in the Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband and daughter. International travel and business are her passions and she loves to go to as many different countries of the world as possible and to indulge in the culture. Mary Ellen has an outgoing personality and is known to be aggressive in marketing real estate. Her goal is to make YOU happy and she knows that buying and selling houses can be very stressful. Her job is to make it as stress-free as possible. With her background in accounting and finance, she will be able to help you find the best value your money can buy. Her professional associations and certifications include Atlanta Board of Realtors, Leadership Council for Keller Williams Realty, CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) and CFIS (Certified Foreign Investor Specialist) as well as being a member of KWGPS (Keller Williams Realty Global Property Specialist). In the past several years, Mary Ellen has worked to achieve several additional designations including CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, e-Pro Certified and a Certified DRS AgentTM

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