Finding the Farm: A Story of Serendipity

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Some things are just meant to be. As I scrolled through Zillow that evening, a property appeared as a suggested listing. It wasn’t included in any of my alerts—because it was For Sale By Owner—but somehow, by pure luck or divine intervention, I stumbled upon it.

My heart skipped a beat.

Without hesitation, I sent a text to my realtor, Andrea Fasano with The Fasano Group to schedule a viewing. By some miracle, she was able to arrange a walkthrough with the owners for the very next day. I barely slept that night, already envisioning the possibilities.

Friday, January 12, 2024

Excitement buzzed through me as my mom and I met Andrea at the property. We were greeted by the current owners, who were originally from the UK. From the moment we met them, they radiated warmth and kindness, making us feel instantly at home. The house was everything I had hoped for and more. Spacious bedrooms, a bright open kitchen, and a stunning wraparound porch that felt like it was built for slow mornings and sunset watching. As we walked the property, I felt myself falling deeper in love.

And then came the real magic—the land. A flock of chickens and ducks roamed freely, led by Jasper, the most striking rooster I’d ever seen. The fenced-in garden was full of potential, and I could already picture it bursting with flowers and fresh produce.

By the end of the day, I knew this was it. I ran the numbers with my aunt and my SCORE mentor, and by that evening, I made a verbal offer—full asking price. I tried to negotiate, but the owners knew the value of what they had built. And truthfully, so did I.

Highlights of the day:

• Getting to meet Jasper and his lady friends

• Feeding the ducks

• Gifted homegrown honey

Saturday, January 13, 2024

That morning, I picked up my best friend, Carrie, from the Charleston airport for our planned one-night trip to the city. The moment she got in the car, I spilled the news. Her excitement was contagious.

We headed downtown for mimosas at a French café, soaking in the gorgeous weather. As we sat outside, I was on the phone with Sara Broman, my mortgage lender with SouthState Bank, trying to crunch numbers. Could I actually afford this farm at current interest rates?

And then, a glimmer of hope—because the property was in a rural area, I qualified for a 0% down payment loan. Suddenly, the dream felt within reach.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

I made sure to go to church that morning before leaving Charleston. My heart was full of gratitude, nerves, and excitement. I prayed for clarity, guidance, and—if it was meant to be—a sign that this farm was my future.

Back at my mom’s house, I got the call. Andrea and Sara were on the other end of the line, their voices filled with excitement—my offer had been accepted!

I was overwhelmed with joy. Carrie and I celebrated the best way we knew how—with a long walk on the Hilton Head beach and a toast at her late aunt’s favorite bar.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Inspection day. The final hurdle before this dream became a reality.

Andrea had found an inspector and even negotiated his rate to match another quote. We all met at the property, and in true hostess fashion, the owner had a beautiful spread of tea and cookies waiting for us.

As the inspector walked through the home, he reassured me that everything was in impeccable shape—just a few minor fixes. It was a relief to hear, but honestly, I already knew this house was built with care.

The owners took me on a walk around the entire property, showing me the survey lines and helping me understand every inch of what would soon be mine.

Highlights of the day:

• The most welcoming home inspection ever (complete with tea and cookies!)

• Carrie extending her stay to see the farm with me

• Seeing the property through the eyes of the people who had loved it before me

The Beginning of Something Beautiful

Looking back, every step of this journey felt guided—like the farm had been waiting for me all along. From the unexpected Zillow listing to the warmth of Sharon and Jason, to the way everything fell into place, it was clear: this was home.

And now, it’s the start of something new. A place where flowers will bloom, chickens will roam, and people will gather to reconnect with nature. A farm built on love, serendipity, and a whole lot of excitement for the future.

Welcome to my journey. Welcome to Helena Hills Farm. 🌿✨