Earlier this year, I helped a client buy a nearly new luxury home on a pond lot in Eagle, Idaho. Within months, my client realized the homes across the pond could see right into their backyard. They bought a private acreage property in Meridian first, then I sold the Eagle home. It closed in 41 days to a cash buyer, for about $20,000 more than they paid.
Why did my client buy in Eagle in the first place?
My client needed to move fairly quickly and wanted something safe, newer, and in good condition. We looked at about five homes over a few weeks. The one they chose was a nearly new two-story luxury home on a pond lot in Eagle. At the time, it was the best house on the market for what they needed.
Why didn’t the Eagle pond lot work for them?
The pond view went both ways. Homes across the water could see straight into the backyard. On paper, a pond lot looks like a feature. Living there, it meant my client never felt like they had real privacy, so they decided they wanted a different house.
What did they look for in their next home?
Space and peace. We focused on acreage in Meridian, and there isn’t much of it on the market. We looked at about five properties. The one my client chose had plenty of land and gardens they loved. It just gave them peace.
How did they buy before selling?
My client was a cash buyer, so they could buy the Meridian property first and move in before the Eagle home ever went on the market. That purchase went smoothly. It also meant I’d be selling a vacant home.
How did we get a vacant Eagle home ready to sell?
I coordinated everything so my client didn’t have to be involved. That meant paint touch-ups, a few small repairs, and professional staging. Then photos, video, and social marketing. We had about 5 to 7 showings.
How do you price a home you’ve only owned for a few months?
I priced it high on purpose. My goal was to help my client cover their selling costs, including commissions, so they’d at least break even. It sold below list price, but my client still came out about $20,000 above what they paid. It went from listing to closing in 41 days, with a cash buyer.
How did we handle the buyers’ privacy concern?
The buyers noticed the same thing my client did. The backyard was visible from across the pond. Adding trees in this neighborhood needed HOA approval, so I offered to submit a privacy-tree plan to the HOA on the buyers’ behalf. It’s a small thing, but it matters when you’re the one sitting in that backyard.
What would I tell someone who bought recently and it’s not the right fit?
It’s okay to change course. Circumstances change all the time in life, and sometimes you just have to pivot. Your home should give you peace. If it doesn’t, it’s worth talking through your options.
FAQ
Is it a mistake to sell a home you just bought?
Not necessarily. Life changes, and the home that fit a few months ago may not fit now. In this case, my client sold an Eagle home they’d owned only a few months and still came out about $20,000 ahead of their purchase price. Every situation is different, so look at your real numbers before deciding.
Can you buy your next home before selling your current one?
Yes, if your finances allow it. My client was a cash buyer, so they bought their Meridian acreage first and moved before the Eagle home went on the market. If you’d need financing, talk with a lender early about what’s possible for you.
Do pond lots in Eagle have privacy trade-offs?
They can. The open water that makes a pond lot feel special can also leave your backyard visible from homes across the way. Before you buy, stand in the backyard and look at what can see you.
Can you add trees for privacy in an HOA neighborhood?
In this case, adding privacy trees needed HOA approval. I submitted the plan to the HOA for the buyers so they didn’t have to start from scratch. Check your HOA’s rules before planting.
How long does it take to sell a vacant home in Eagle?
This one went from listing to closing in 41 days with a cash buyer. Staging, small repairs, and strong photos, video, and social marketing helped. Every home and market is different.
About the author: Tracie McDonald is a Realtor® with Homes of Idaho serving Eagle, Meridian, Boise, and the broader Treasure Valley. With 15+ years in real estate, she has helped many clients sell and buy at the same time.
