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Gordon Square, nestled just minutes from downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie, is one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. It’s a hotspot for development, known for its walkable streets, vibrant restaurants and bars, and a strong sense of community.
But behind one aging house on a quiet street, there was a very different story unfolding.
Patty (short for Patricia) first connected with us on December 3, 2021, after receiving one of our postcards in the mail. She had inherited the task of managing her mother’s home—a property that had slowly fallen into disrepair over the years. Patty wasn’t a real estate investor. She wasn’t a landlord. She was simply a daughter doing everything she could to honor her mother’s wishes.
Like many homeowners in her shoes, Patty was overwhelmed. She had been getting flooded with calls, mailers, and texts from investors trying to buy the house. Everyone wanted to talk numbers. Everyone wanted to close fast.
So when I called, she was skeptical—and rightfully so. But instead of diving into the house or throwing out an offer, I asked one question:
“How can I help?”
That shifted everything.
Through that first conversation, Patty opened up about her situation. The property wasn’t technically hers—it still belonged to her elderly mother, who had been living there alone despite her health declining. Patty, as her mother’s Power of Attorney, was managing her healthcare, finances, and the house itself.
The home had seen better days. Overgrown vegetation had taken over the yard. The siding was covered in algae. The garage had vines crawling up the sides. Inside, repairs were long overdue. But her mother refused to leave. Despite needing full-time medical attention, she wanted to stay in her home until the very end. And Patty stood by that wish with deep loyalty and love.
At the end of that call, I didn’t try to close a deal. There was no hard pitch, no pressure. I gave her guidance, let her know I’d be here if she ever needed anything, and we left it at that. Over the next 18 months, we kept in touch—brief check-ins every couple of months, just to stay connected. I never pushed. I just listened.
On March 31, 2023, I received a text from Patty that I’ll never forget:
"Hi Ryan, things have changed. Mom passed away recently and I'm thinking of selling but I need to speak with a lawyer first.
I do need your help in the meantime. I received a notice from her insurance company say that several things need to be fixed on the outside of the house. List included. 1. Install handrail on back steps. 2. Cleanup excessive clutter/ debris and overgrown vegetation. 3. Remove algae from dwelling siding. 4. Trim overhanging and touching tree limbs away from house and detached garage. 5. Remove vines from garage.
That hit me hard.
- Installed a handrail on the back steps
- Installed a handrail on the back steps
- Installed a handrail on the back steps
- Installed a handrail on the back steps
Let us know what you think!
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