Abby Willaert,
Old Home Certified Real Estate Agent and Saint Paul/Minneapolis Vintage Home Expert.
Hi there, I’m Abby. I’m the founder of Jewel Box Homes, a real estate company that specializes in buying and selling vintage homes in the Twin Cities. Helping others is my passion. While working as a Physician Assistant for almost a decade, I helped my patients through empathetic listening, clear communication, and staying calm under pressure. I now use these same skills to help my real estate clients! Taking these honed skills and combining them with my passion for vintage homes has allowed me to create a thriving real estate business in the Twin Cities. This business is based in my core belief that our home is not just a house. It’s a part of who we are. A part of our identity. I find that this belief often resonates with vintage homebuyers and sellers. They feel deeply connected to their homes, their beauty, their histories, and the stories they hold. If this sounds like you, read on!
Why Should You Work with Me?
An old home aficionado who has lived in St Paul since 2007, I have personal knowledge of the joys and challenges of historic properties in the Twin Cities. Working with me, you will get an agent who is highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of vintage real estate property transactions, but with the kind and calm demeanor of someone who spent years working in a busy hospital setting. There is no rushing this process! We will take the time upfront to find out what it is you really want. Whether it’s moving into your ideal neighborhood, “right sizing” your home to match your current lifestyle, or assessing a home’s renovation potential– I’ll be there with you every step of the way. I’ll make sure we find the home that best matches your top priorities and your budget. I can also help you explore financing options at the city, county, states, and federal levels that will make buying, restoring, and maintaining a vintage home more affordable. You will not find another real estate agent in the Twin Cities who is more passionate and knowledgeable about the buying, selling, and preservation of vintage homes.
Here's How I Can Help You
When I bought my first home in 2008 (a 1913 Craftsman in East Saint Paul) I didn’t know what I didn’t know when it came to vintage homes. While I quickly fell in love with the beautiful hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, and vintage light fixtures, I neglected to note its challenges (i.e. the old boiler, lack of insulation, and two steep sets of stairs). In fact, I even threw away the original set of wooden storm windows because I didn’t know what they were or why I should bother to keep them! I don’t want that to happen to you! Over the last decade, I have bought and sold two vintage homes and undertaken minor and major home renovations. I’ve learned to watch out for the hidden expenses that can be easily discovered on home walkthroughs, as well as what modern buyers are looking for when they buy a vintage home. I’ve also developed a system to help track the maintenance needs and costs that come with owning an older home. Let me show you what I’ve learned!
Don’t Buy or Sell a Vintage House Until You Do This
You’ll quickly learn that I take a different approach to real estate. Many real estate agents just unlock doors, without giving you much help or education about the process. This is not the way to buy or sell a house. Let me show you how I’m different! I have created multiple video series for my clients, geared specifically towards the pitfalls and red flags you want to avoid when buying or selling a vintage home. Check them out on my Buy and Sell pages.