A yard sign placed 24 hours before the listing went live brought a neighbor’s $610,000 offer on a Cedarfield home in Eagle, Idaho, and let my sellers move one street over to a home with more character.
The situation
Bob and Carrie decided to sell their home at 2592 E Stella Dr in the Cedarfield community in 2021. I live in Cedarfield myself, just a few houses down, so this sale was in my own neighborhood.
Their home on Stella Drive was a newer construction two-story, and while it had served them well, it lacked the character they wanted. Their adult children live in Cedarfield, and staying close to them was Bob and Carrie’s top priority. They wanted the grandkids to be able to walk up to their house, and they wanted to be close enough to help with school runs and babysitting. Bob is a retired doctor who still works a day or two a week, and for both of them, this was a move of convenience.
The challenge
Their wish list for the next home was clear: an older home with more character, a view, a bigger lot with mature trees, and room for Carrie’s garden. At this stage of life, the feature that mattered most was a primary suite on the main floor.
They found that home on Mariposa, literally one street over and up the hill from Stella Drive. Bob and Carrie made their offer on the Mariposa home, and it was successful. Now the focus was selling Stella Drive on a timeline that fit their move.
The plan
We priced the home at $600,000, and I put the sign up 24 hours before the listing went live. That window gives neighbors, and people who drive through the community every day, a first look before a home reaches the wider market.
The result
That first look is exactly what made this sale. A neighbor renting a house a few doors down on Stella Drive saw the sign. The rental had become too small for his family, and they wanted to stay in Cedarfield. He knew I lived a few houses down, so he walked over, knocked on my door and asked the price. I told him $600,000, and he offered $610,000 on the spot.
The buyers were Stanton and Katie. With the consent of both parties, I represented both the sellers and the buyers, which meant treating both sides fairly, keeping communication clear, and guiding everyone from contract to closing.
The sale closed within 30 days at $610,000, $10,000 over list price. Bob and Carrie moved into their new home on Mariposa, and Stanton and Katie moved their family a few doors down into 2592 E Stella Dr. Both families moved only a short distance, and both stayed in the neighborhood they wanted to call home.
What this means for you
Pre-market exposure can matter. The right buyer is sometimes already in the neighborhood, renting nearby or driving past every day. A yard sign placed before a listing goes live, combined with an agent who knows the community, can surface that buyer before the home reaches the broader market.
Moving within the same community is a real option. A move of a street or two can bring more space, more character or a better layout without giving up the neighbors or the family nearby. Buying and selling at the same time takes a plan, with clear pricing, strong timing and steady communication.
If you’re thinking about selling in Cedarfield or elsewhere in Eagle, Idaho, or moving to a different home in the same community, I can help you plan the sale and the purchase together. Call me at 208-745-2895.
Thinking about a move like this? Call or text me at (208) 745-2895, or visit chrisbudka.com/schedule to set up a time to talk.
