CCSJ Love Stories | Jackie & Brandon’s Crossed-Off Lists and Growing Roots

I first met Brandon and Jackie when they were newly married and house-hunting in Philadelphia. No kiddos yet—just a large golden retriever, a whole lot of love between them, and a ton of energy. You know how some buyers enthusiastically describe all the things they plan to do to a house… and then never quite get past the list-making stage? Others quietly do far more than they ever promised.

Jackie and Brandon are very much the second type.

They have vision, creativity, and—most importantly—the rare ability to actually finish what they start, and to do it with style. Where some people see problems, they see potential. So when we toured what would become their second home—this time with one child in tow and another soon to follow—I had zero doubt that their lists would be crossed off quickly, efficiently, and under Jackie’s expert project-management watch.

Now, this house had… character. It smelled faintly of divorce, featured half-empty closets, 1970s built-in beds clad in truly unfortunate Formica, and bathroom fixtures that were begging for retirement. And then there was the basement. Which, quite memorably, smelled very much like cat pee.

No matter.

Jackie already had butterflies in her eyes, envisioning the perfect kids’ playroom and a garden filled with native plants. This mid-century modern, with its gentle split levels, had them convinced from the curb that this was the one.

Seeing how beautifully their family has grown—and how thoughtfully and tastefully they’ve transformed the house—I’m so glad we secured it for them during a time when homes were flying off the shelf within hours.

And honestly… maybe the cat pee helped in scaring other buyers away !!!!

Written by Cecile Steinriede