5 minute read
With Spring Comes New Life
WITH THE SPRING COMES NEW LIFE
STORY BY TRICIA STILLER | PHOTOS BY DAVID PROBER
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Kirsten (Schroeder) Evans is one busy lady! A Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group Top Producer this past March, Evans recently, and simultaneously planned her wedding, pivoted to make necessary adjustments to comply with COVID 19 restrictions, stumbled into her dream house, made an offer, bought her dream house, sold her original home, exchanged vows with new hubby, Bloomington Endodontist Dr. Keith Evans, enjoyed a whirlwind of a honeymoon, and still found time to serve as President of the local Lions Club.
“Everything really fell into place for us,” she laughs. “Even with all the challenges created by COVID, we just kept moving through it.” The newlyweds had originally planned a December 2020 wedding, but when the pandemic hit, and there was so much uncertainty, the two quickly adjusted their plans and looked toward the spring. They had to act quickly to secure a venue, but the big day went off without a hitch on April 10, 2021. Juggling work while planning a wedding would be more than enough for most, but Evans threw herself an extra curveball when she stumbled upon her dream house, completely by accident.
“Oh, you want to hear a funny story?” she asks. “I was showing homes to a professional who was relocating to the area, and this home was on the list of homes he wanted to see. I had seen the outside but had never been in the home. I tell you - and I literally still get goosebumps - but when I walked into the foyer with my client, it was like everything went slow motion, you know? I suddenly got this weird flash forward; l saw my whole life unfolding in front of my eyes, like I was in a movie, but this movie was set in this house. It was weird, and I still can’t explain it, but it was a sensation I will never forget. In the back of my mind, I knew I had to stay focused on my client, and put his needs first, but I will be honest, when he passed on this one, I knew – I just knew it was meant for us.”
“I TELL MY CLIENTS ALL THE TIME THAT WHEN IT’S THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU, YOU WILL JUST KNOW IT, AND IT WAS REASSURING FOR ME TO HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE MYSELF, BECAUSE IT’S SO TRUE; I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING A HISTORIC HOME. IT HAD NEVER CROSSED MY MIND. BUT THERE WAS NO QUESTION THIS HAD TO BE OUR HOME. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY MEANT TO BE.”
Evans and her husband immediately began negotiating for this home, a beautiful A-Frame built in 1929. “This home has been so well cared for. We will be just the fourth owners of this home, so that tells you, everyone who has ever lived in this house truly loved this house. It’s fun to imagine the generations of memories made within these walls over the last 92 years, and my husband and I are looking forward to creating memories of our own”
After two and a half weeks of negotiating, their bid for the home was finally accepted. Luckily, Evans was able to sell the home she was in in just two days, which allowed her to continue to focus on wedding planning and all that accompanies making it to the big day.
Juggling seating arrangements, packing up her old home, moving
into her new home, and getting in all the last minute fittings, bridal showers, bachelorette nights, rehearsal dinners, and generally doing all she can to keep her head above water was challenging for Evans, but she admits she’s “pretty good” under pressure. “I’ve always been a hardworker,” she laughs. Some might argue she’s a glutton for punishment, but really, she takes it all in stride, giving thanks with every step.
In addition to being a Top Producer for Coldwell Banker in March, Evans was also recently named among the Coldwell Banker 2020 Global 30 under 30 Award Winners.
The list recognizes Coldwell Banker-affiliated real estate professionals for their achievements in sales, philanthropy and leadership. Evans was among those chosen from the brand’s network of 94,000 independent real estate professionals affiliated with approximately 2800 offices in 38 countries and territories. This group of recognized real estate professionals honors the heritage of the founders, Colbert Coldwell and Arthur Banker, who started their company when they were 24 and 28 years old, respectively.
Evans was also named 2020 Business Partner of the Year by the by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals and was in the top 5 Reader’s Choice Award Best Real Estate Agents for 2020.
When asked if there was a secret to her success, Evans stated simply that she puts her clients first. In a time when there seems to be an app that allows consumers to DIY just about anything, Evans believes there is no substitute for the personal approach she strives to provide for her clients. “Finding a home and making that investment is going to be, probably, your biggest step in life, and there are so many components to consider. I am committed to guiding each client and protecting their rights throughout the process so that when they are handed the keys to their home, there are no hidden surprises lurking that could threaten their happiness. An app can’t offer that protection, but a dedicated, professional Realtor can and should!”
With the wedding and moving safely behind her, Evans and her husband look forward to taking the time to catch their breath and beginning married life in their beautiful new home. “There aren’t many changes to be made, really,” she offers, “we might change some lighting fixtures, little things to make this our contribution to this house’s history. But its just perfect.” Other than settling in to married life, Evans has no intention of slowing down. Quite the opposite. “Now that all this craziness behind me, I have more time available to work harder for my clients! That’s what I love – I’m absolutely honored to be a part of people’s dreams.”
