If You Want a Historic Midcentury Modern Home, You’d Better Have a Great Realtor

David Griffin & Co. Realtor Brandon Stewart listed this historic Midcentury Modern Ju-Nel at noon on Friday, June 6. By 3 p.m., he was already showing it, and by Saturday night, he had received an offer, with another on Sunday. That was immediately followed by five more potential buyers expressing interest. This lightning-fast pace is the norm in the Midcentury Modern market, and it underscores the need for a proactive and knowledgeable Realtor. 

The lesson here is that if you want a historic Midcentury Modern home, you better have a great Realtor in your corner. 

It’s crucial to understand that in the realm of historic Midcentury Modern homes, the thought of ‘I’ll do without an agent’ should never cross a buyer’s mind. It will invariably lead to missing out on the Midcentury Modern you’ve set your heart on. This is where a knowledgeable realtor becomes indispensable. 

Let me tell you why. If you’re in the market for a historic home, particularly a Midcentury Modern, Realtors are crucial because this is style in particular has resulted a close-knit community. Everyone knows one another and the agents representing these homes possess a deep knowledge and extensive experience with this style.

Many Realtors have sold multiple midcentury homes to the same clients over the years as they progress through lifestyle changes. Smart buyers establish a relationship with a Realtor that does not end with their first house purchase because they will eventually move. This is true for anyone buying a home, but if you are looking at historic homes, you must have a Realtor versed in the era you want. It’s not just about buying a house, it’s about building a relationship of trust and understanding.

When you decide it’s time to make a move, you want someone who knows what’s coming before it’s even listed. That is especially true of the coveted Ju-Nel homes, like this one, that just flew off the market.  

This Ju-Nel is located in Eastwood Estates and was built in 1960 for Leon and Arlene Lowe, featuring 2,424 square feet, three bedrooms, and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It cost $21,600 to build. Well, it was 1960, wasn’t it?

These homes tend to be well-maintained, so when they are purchased, new owners often go the extra mile. The seller of this Ju-Nel did the unseen work that makes a real difference. For instance, when he re-roofed, he had the decking pulled and sprayed in insulation. This is a significant bonus for buyers, as building codes in 1960 only required insulation in the walls. There is also a new HVAC system, and the pool was replastered. Then, before he listed it, he had it painted and then beautifully staged by Nest and Nido. 

So, of course, when you put the perfect package on the market and price it correctly, folks will line up to hand you a contract. That’s why you need a great Realtor, my dear readers.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Kay Wood had clients already ensconced in a beautiful Midcentury Modern home, but their family was growing, and they needed a bigger home. She spotted this picture-perfect Ju-Nel while on vacation. Remember, Realtors never really stop working and, of course, have team members pitching in for them. She shot information off to her clients, who were also on vacation.

Everyone was headed back to town on Monday. The deadline for offers was 11 p.m. that day. Wood pre-wrote the offer. Her clients landed at DFW and drove straight to the house.

“From the time they landed to the time we had an email with an offer to Brandon was less than two hours,” Wood said. “My buyers were prepared to write an offer sight unseen because they had seen one of Brandon’s listings before. There is a small community of Midcentury Modern aficionados that speak the same language.”

None of this is surprising in this market. I knew immediately that by the time I could get this home posted, it would be under contract because I’ve seen it over and over.

“Price is always a factor, but if you get it right, there is always a demand for Midcentury Modern homes,” Stewart said. 

So, you see what Realtors bring to the party? Stewart got it just right, and Wood was keeping an eagle-eye watch on the market, even on vacation. If you want a historic Midcentury Modern Ju-nel like this one at  10449 Vinemont Dr., do your homework, get a knowledgeable Realtor, and you might be relaxing in your own Midcentury Modern by the end of the summer!