GREAT READS → FAMILY DIARY Issue 921 · July 27, 2022

Close to Home: Chapter 5     

You may think you know everything about your spouse. But when you go house-shopping together, there are bound to be differences and surprises

Close to Home: Chapter 5     

 

Nechama Norman with Batsheva Berman

 

ASs soon as I begin working with a couple, I set up a three-way chat. This helps avoid the dreaded, “What do you mean we’re supposed to be seeing a house at two? She never gave me the message.”

When I met Yanky and Shaindy Soloff, a couple in their sixties, I did the same. Then I got a message from Shaindy: Those two houses you mentioned yesterday sound interesting. Can I come see them?

Sure, I replied. Let’s just move this to the group chat.
There’s a reason I contacted you directly.

Okaayyy.

I left Shaindy a voice note, letting her know that I realize buying a house is stressful, and if she wants to speak to me privately, she should feel free to do so. She called an hour later and the story emerged.

Print Exclusive

This one’s in print. Some of our best stories live in the magazine — subscribe to get Mishpacha every week.

← Previous installment Close to Home: Chapter 4         Next installment → Close to Home: Chapter 6