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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. The reason I reached out is because you where the only one that said "how can I help". Everyone else is all about the house and making money. Do you know anyone who can take care of this at a very responsible price? It will be some time before I see any money from the estate and I don't have much to pay. Please let me know. -Patty"
That hit me hard.
Two days later, I was at her house. I bought the materials and personally made every repair the insurance company asked for:
- Installed a handrail on the back steps
- Cleaned up debris and overgrown vegetation
- Removed algae from the siding
- Trimmed tree limbs
- Removed vines from the garage
It took me about 8 hours and $350 in supplies. I charged her nothing. It was the right thing to do. In her time of grief, she didn’t need another bill—she needed support, and that’s what I was there for.
At the time, we still hadn’t discussed price. We hadn’t even talked about me buying the house. She hadn’t committed to anything—and I didn’t ask her to. She was grieving. She didn’t need a buyer; she needed someone who cared.
As we worked together, Patty shared another challenge—she needed to go through probate to legally transfer the house into her name. She didn’t know where to start, and she couldn’t afford the legal fees upfront.
I connected her with a trusted local probate attorney, someone I had worked with before. The process cost nearly $1,000. I paid for it out of pocket, no strings attached.
Again, we still hadn’t spoken about numbers. There was no agreement in place. I was just helping someone who needed help.
Weeks later, Patty reached back out and said she was finally ready to sell. I encouraged her to explore her options. I told her to speak with a realtor and get multiple investor offers. She did—and ended up with four competitive offers on the table. Some were even higher than mine.
But she chose Grayscale Capital.
When I asked why, she told me simply:
“You’re the only one who actually cared. You helped me when there was nothing in it for you.”
Once the title was officially in her name, we closed in just two weeks. The process was smooth and transparent from start to finish. After closing, Patty and I went to Forage Public House in Lakewood to celebrate. Lunch was on me.
That meal wasn’t just about a transaction—it was about two people who had built trust, respect, and real connection through one of the hardest times of her life.
At Grayscale Capital, this is what we believe in. No sales tactics. No pressure. No agendas. Just real people helping real people.
We never use someone’s hardship as leverage—we offer our hand, not a contract. We step in where others back away. And we guide sellers through whatever challenges they face—not because it’s profitable, but because it’s right.
When you choose Grayscale Capital, you’re not just selling your home. You’re gaining a partner who listens, who shows up, and who puts people first.
This is the Grayscale Capital difference.
Join the conversation.
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