CASE STUDY: How Strategic Matchmaking Created 5 Seamless Moves
In real estate, access is everything. Exceptional outcomes are the result of deep market knowledge, experience, and an unparalleled network - built and refined through decades of cultivated relationships. A recent series of five interconnected transactions illustrates how Schaffer & Shaeffer’s strategic local focus allows us to create opportunities for our clients that others can’t - further demonstrating the competitive advantage our clients gain by working with us.
A Private Match That Set Everything in Motion
The sequence began with our out-of-state buyers seeking a home in sought-after East Edina with exceptional walkability to 50th & France. Their pricepoint was saturated with buyers despite limited opportunities available - especially those in turnkey condition for busy professionals like these. When we combed the market and came up short of options, we shifted our focus to the routine conversations we’d been having with potential sellers. We spend most of our weeks out meeting and interviewing with homeowners at varying ends of the selling spectrum. While some are just dipping their toes in the water, others are open to opportunities that might fall into their lap. A particular conversation came to mind with a White Oaks seller that was open to a move - but only IF their perfect home became available.
A Second Exclusive Opportunity
In order to entice our White Oaks sellers to move, we would need to identify a compelling new opportunity for them. Unwilling to forfeit their walkability, we were challenged to find a home that not only checked their boxes, but also offered them flexibility on close date to accommodate the out-of-state buyers we had procured for their home.
Separately, one of our other buyers went under contract on the purchase of a new home, leaving their Country Club residence cued up for an anticipated Spring Market sale. With a well-qualified, perfectly aligned buyer in hand, we approached our clients to see if they’d consider a pre-list showing of their home. While the Country Club sellers slipped away on vacation, we discreetly snuck our White Oaks sellers through for a tour.
Completing the Chain
Wouldn’t you know the Country Club home was a perfect fit for our White Oaks sellers. Our out-of-state buyers would purchase our White Oaks sellers’ home. Our White Oaks sellers would purchase our Country Club sellers’ home. Our Country Club sellers would move 3 blocks West to a home we helped them procure the very first weekend on market. We’d work with all parties to navigate inspections, financing terms, appraisals, closing dates and more.
What This Demonstrates
This case study underscores the advantages available only through neighborhood-focused representation:
Discretion and Access
Many sellers want to avoid the circus that can accompany a public sale in a sought-after neighborhood. Our results-driven reputation affords our clients early access to exclusive opportunities—homes often never seen on the MLS.
Hyper-Local Market Intelligence
By specializing in the East Edina and Minneapolis Lakes communities, we maintain real-time awareness of who is preparing to sell and which properties are likely to become available due to life’s inevitable transitions.
Strategic Placement
Understanding the goals, timelines, and preferences of both buyers and sellers allows us to place clients in properties that align precisely with their needs and timelines.
A Network Built Over Time
Our relationships extend well beyond the closing table. This continuity gives our clients access to opportunities that only exist within a trusted and engaged community of agents and homeowners.
Why It Matters
Working with a team deeply rooted in the neighborhood provides advantages that go beyond traditional marketing:
Early and exclusive access to upcoming or private offerings
Strong placement opportunities with qualified, motivated buyers
Tailored guidance based on years of proprietary knowledge
A discreet, strategic approach that respects client preferences
Exerting Our Value
While public listings will always play an important role in the market, many of the most compelling opportunities never make it online. They are discovered, matched, and executed through relationships—often before the broader market is even aware.
This recent domino effect of five transactions highlights the impact of informed, intentional representation. For clients seeking to buy or sell within the neighborhood, our network opens doors others can’t.