As a realtor, nothing compares to watching a family truly flourish in their forever home. Several years ago, Mike and Jessica Dempsey began searching for the perfect space to accommodate their growing family, with one toddler and another baby on the way, they needed room to grow.
What started as an exciting adventure quickly became a lesson in patience and persistence. In a fiercely competitive market where every desirable property attracted multiple offers, house-hunting proved more challenging than expected. After an extensive search, we discovered the ideal home in Kirkwood, featuring a finished basement that is perfect for active toddlers.
The competition was intense, but our strategic approach, combined with Mike and Jessica's determination, created a winning formula. Once settled, Mike transformed the basement into every child's dream playground, complete with a climbing wall, monkey bars, an indoor trampoline, and a slide.
As the kids grew, Mike and Jessica envisioned new possibilities for outdoor living. They partnered with Terra Nova Builds to create a stunning three-season space addition featuring vaulted ceilings, a built-in stone fireplace, heaters, and ceiling fans. The large 600-square-foot addition seamlessly connects four distinct areas: a cozy fireside seating area, a high-top conversation bar, a large dining table, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
"We wanted somewhere to hang out regardless of the weather," Mike explained. "Our previous deck was small with no sun protection. We used to grill maybe twice a year—now we grill every Sunday while watching the kids play soccer or do crafts."
"This space has transformed our family time," Jessica added. "The kids actually prefer hanging out here instead of playing inside."
Helping the Dempseys find their dream home and watching their family thrive reminds me why Lorilee Realty, powered by Keller Williams, is more than business.