A Journey's Purpose

“Buckle up,” advises Joan Garreffa, Associate Broker of Realty One Group Premier — her reassuring smile is made genuine from her experiences — “Relocation is hard, but it gives my journey purpose to ease this phase in others’ lives.” Garreffa knows the headaches and the heartaches of moving firsthand, having relocated with her family five times. Self-proclaimed “mompreneur,” Garreffa puts her experience to work with her latest clients, clearing the way for this family of seven to move from New Mexico to Colorado.

“What is most important for those relocating is what they feel when they finally get out here,” Garreffa remarks, who provides video walk-throughs before the family arrives. After two days and twenty showings, the family falls in love with the community atmosphere of Beacon Point in Aurora. The first property backs to the reservoir, but it just doesn’t check all the boxes. “Looking at homes in person reveals much about what people want and don’t want,” shares Garreffa. “You get more out of looking than just what you initially search by.”

Three houses down from the property that brought them to Beacon Point is another home, but it doesn’t back up to the lake. The family of seven decides to take a chance, and views the property — it is perfect. The rear yard features a tranquil water feature, and from the deck, the family gets their lake view in the neighborhood where they already feel at home.

Garreffa is an authority on relocation and an expert in anticipating her clients’ needs. “Whether moving in from out of state or across town, I help my clients set up their personal lives,” delights Garreffa — a task that she tailors to each person. Garreffa aids with setting up school enrollment, pediatricians, orthodontists, sports programs, and even introducing friends so the family can start living the moment they close.

“My clients appreciate my calm approach to any situation. I always tell them, ‘We’re going to figure it out!’” For this family, the unexpected happened when one parent was injured in a car crash — they managed to pack the U-Haul but desperately needed assistance once they arrived in Colorado. The call for help came in on a Thursday evening. A few minutes later, Garreffa connected her client with movers, using a family-owned business, “It makes me feel proud and spreads the good around our local community.” Garreffa beams, “I love my job!”

Relocation means picking up heart and home. Garreffa’s unique life experiences equip her with an abundance of understanding and the know-how to ease the relocation process for her clients. “I’m an experienced real estate agent,” shares Garreffa, “I love being the community connector, and the passion part is when it all comes together.” For this family, now settling into their new home, Garreffa’s confident approach to relocation enriches their lives and strengthens her journey’s purpose.

Written by Rachel Seekamp