Real Estate Blog

Selling a House? Chris Might Just Sell the Cat Too (In the Best Way)

After 17 years in the business, there are still scenarios Chris hasn’t faced, but at this point in his career every new challenge feels like an exciting opportunity to surprise his clients. There are no obstacles too great to overcome, even if it means thinking outside the box to save a cat's life. If you ask people what sets Chris apart from the competition, you might hear about his marketing platform, his attention to detail, his negotiating skills, or how responsive he is. But in his mind, these are expectations that must be met — the bare minimum to successfully guide you through your real estate journey. What really matters is how you feel at the end of that journey.

Recently, Chris went to provide a complimentary home evaluation to a potential client. He took a tour of the home and learned of the homeowners’ plans to move out of the country. He learned what their goals were — in this case, maximizing the potential value of the home and doing it as quickly as possible. But at some point in the conversation, he asked, “What are you going to do with your cat?”

Lilo is a healthy, albeit elderly, 18-year-old black cat — a cat who has spent her entire life living at one address. The queen of the house, you might say (and she would definitely tell you the same). Due to her age, there was no way she was going to be leaving the country. There was no one in the homeowners’ network who could take Lilo on, and the chances of adoption for this beautiful old girl in an animal shelter would be slim to none. An impossible decision loomed — to put Lilo down.

“Absolutely not. I will make sure Lilo is included with the sale of this house,” Chris said.

Obviously, he wouldn’t jeopardize the sale of the home or his clients’ plans to leave the country if he couldn’t secure a home for Lilo. But it became one of his primary goals. Four days later, the house hit the market in time for the weekend, with the home quickly organized and photography completed. By Sunday, they had three strong offers — and two separate buyers agreed to keep Lilo. But the sellers wanted to choose the third buyer, who did not want to include the cat. Chris was floored.

It wasn’t about money either, as all offers were at very similar price points. But this particular couple had written a beautiful letter about their plans for their family, and the sellers felt a connection to them. The only reason they didn’t want to take on Lilo was because they had recently lost their own cat and were still heartbroken. So Chris went back to the negotiating table to let them know they had an opportunity to save little Lilo — that they could all live happily in her home together. To give Lilo another chance, a bit of light amid their recent dark. And to his great relief, they agreed.

“I knew they would,” the seller said.

Then, just a week before closing day, the unthinkable happened. The sellers received a call from their lawyer informing them that the buyers’ lawyer had sent a letter stating they did not want Lilo to remain with the property. Chris was livid and utterly disappointed. A fantastic story with a happy ending that became one of betrayal and bad faith. The sellers had sold their belongings and had a flight booked out of the country. There was no time left and no option to fight — they couldn’t blow up the sale or put the home back on the market. They also felt that if they argued, Lilo’s fate would be the same anyway. “We’ll make other arrangements,” the seller said.

A week went by, and Chris received a frantic call from the buyers’ Realtor. “My client wants the cat!” he said. The lawyer had sent the letter without permission or instruction from the buyers. Remember that lovely letter they wrote at the beginning of the process? In it, they had said they didn’t want Lilo, and the lawyer assumed this was still the case — even though the cat had been included in the contract. It was a huge mistake. Chris called his clients immediately. “Where is Lilo?!”

The sellers had made the heartbreaking call to put Lilo down. But as fate would have it, the appointment wasn’t scheduled until the following morning. She was safe — given another of her nine lifelines at the final hour. The buyer cried. Their Realtor cried. We all cried a little, to be honest. As it was nearing the end of November, it truly felt like a Christmas miracle. A story with twists and turns you couldn’t make up — and one of the reasons Chris really loves his job. It’s not about the houses; it’s about the memories made and the obstacles he helps his clients overcome.

Of all the real estate stories Chris had in 2025, or perhaps his entire career, this was one of his favourites. “When I meet people to talk about their real estate plans, it always runs far deeper than the sale price. Every home has a story, and every transition comes with a kaleidoscope of emotions. I make sure I’m there through the ups and the downs, and to celebrate the most important things with my clients. I’ll remember Lilo’s story forever.” 

There are numerous storylines when it comes to selling or buying a home. Contact Chris and he’ll help you achieve all your goals with compassion and care, even if it means thinking outside the box or ensuring your furry friend has a safe place to call home when all is said and done.

Let Chris guide your next move with the same care he gave Lilo.