Home is now more meaningful than ever. Home is a sanctuary, it’s where we find refuge, comfort, and our loved ones. And now it’s also the office, the gym, a school, playground, and more. From Los Angeles to the Bay Area, our agents are adapting their business to serve their clients like never before — from within their own homes. In this series, we take a closer look at a day in the life of our extraordinary Compass agents in the place they know best.
Q + A with Compass agent Penny Wright
What trends have you noticed among SIP homebuyers? What is the most wished for home feature?
I have noticed that SIP homebuyers care more about having enough square footage for everyone to have their own space. Bedroom count plus separate office space is a must. The most wished for feature is a nice flat grassy yard and barbecue area, and we’ve noticed our buyers are asking for pools again!
The most wished for feature is a nice flat grassy yard and barbecue area, and we’ve noticed our buyers are asking for pools again!
Tell us about a recent deal or client service during SIP. How did you/your clients overcome obstacles? What was the outcome?
We were working with a newly blended family. Each parent had two children, so they needed at least two more bedrooms. We found them a great home in the same town on an amazing lot with tons of outdoor space to roam, and a great path for the older kids to walk to school. We went into contract on March 2nd. Now we had to move quickly to prepare their current home for the market, so they packed up their belongings, put everything into storage and rented a three-bedroom apartment in the next town over. They were planning on staying there less than 45 days. We had our “SWAT team” ready to attack the painting, install new landscaping, carpet and window cleaning, and the deep clean. Luckily, we were finished with the prep work except for a very big piece — the staging! Well, the day before the staging was to be installed, our government and local officials called for SIP and closing all non-essential businesses. We had just about two days to cancel the stager and figure out our plan B! My business partner/daughter and I got creative and brought items from our own homes so the house didn’t look so empty. Our lovely sellers brought back a large sofa and a couple of beds. We dressed everything up and prepared for photos. We were able to photograph just under the wire before it was mandatory to Stay at Home. We really wanted to get this house sold quickly for our clients, and we were able to capture three offers and sell it for them in 28 days!
I love every aspect of this business and I get so much joy helping to make my clients dreams come true!
What is your favorite feature of your own home?
My favorite feature of my own home is the view of the Richardson Bay & Mt Tamalpais! After a long day I love to relax on my deck with a nice glass of wine to watch the sunset and listen to the ducks & birds!
Have you redecorated or undertaken any DIY projects under SIP?
Yes, I finally put up my family photo wall with my youngest daughter, Haley (who is also my business partner). I had been putting this project off ever since we moved in, three years ago! So you can imagine how special it was when she agreed to help me on Mother’s Day. I just love walking by and seeing our four children at various stages in their lives!
What is the one room you can’t live without?
I think the one room I can’t live without is my living room with the water and mountain view. It’s so peaceful and the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day! Of course, the kitchen is right up there in terms of importance and fun!
Most of my clients have become my friends and now I get to watch my daughter thrive in this business!
What do you look for in a home?
A great open layout with lots of room to entertain. We have a large family and love to have all of the kids and grandkids over. There must also be space for our dog and our kids’ dogs because it’s a circus when we all get together!
Do you have a favorite architectural style?
I just love an East Coast Hamptons style home with a nice grassy lawn and plenty of space to entertain.
How did you find your way to your career in real estate? Why do you stay?
I was fortunate enough to raise my children until the last one went to 1st grade. Then I went back into the corporate world. My job at Siemens was extremely demanding and involved travel. I did that for about 5 years until I realized that I was missing out on so many important aspects of my children’s lives. Just when I was about to leave the corporate world in 2005, I was involved in a serious car accident that changed the course of my life. Several vertebrae in my neck were damaged and my spinal cord was compressed. The surgery took 12.5 hours and I was hospitalized for 10 days and in bed for two months recovering. Towards the end of my recovery is when I began studying for my license and I’ve never looked back. I love every aspect of this business and I get so much joy helping to make my clients dreams come true! Most of my clients have become my friends and now I get to watch my daughter thrive in this business!