Benchmark’s Most Romantic Sale- Ever

As Realtors, we’ve helped buyers and sellers throughout every stage of life. From young couples buying their first homes to seniors downsizing to more convenient living spaces, we’ve been there through it all.

But how many of us have seen (let alone participated in) a romantic marriage proposal in a home that’s under contract?

Benchmark Realtor Julia Wood has—and it’s one of the most unforgettable things she’s ever seen.

John Baugh and fiance Kathleen Engstrand (Photo: Eric Perry)

Franklin, Tennessee’s Most Original Proposal 

John Baugh proposed to his girlfriend, Kathleen Engstrand, on the couple’s one-year dating anniversary. When Baugh asked Engstrand’s father for his permission to marry Kathleen, he learned that her parents became engaged on their own one-year dating anniversary… so he planned to do the same.

When Julia Wood called Baugh to set up a time to pick up the couple’s earnest money, he mentioned that he was busy—and that he intended to propose to Engstrand that day.

“He later called me that same day and asked if he could propose at the property instead, as he thought it would be a great memory,” says Wood. “We discussed his plans. I let him know I had to get permission from my sellers first. I contacted my seller and she agreed. She thought it was such a sweet idea. She even approved the use of candles (which I had initially thought was too risky).”

The seller, Diane Curtis, even volunteered to swing by after the proposal to ensure the home was cleaned up.

“I have not seen anything like this before. It truly was romantic,” says Wood.

“It was so unusual and so romantic,” Curtis told The Tennesseean. “Rose petals everywhere and candles everywhere.”

Engstrand had no idea it was going to happen.

“I thought he was being romantic, saying let’s see the house on our anniversary,” Engstrand told The Tennesseean. “We drove up and I saw rose petals,” she said. Baugh had arranged the petals in the shape of a heart on the home’s porch—and he’d invited her parents and close friends. “It was beyond perfect.”

The final touch: Wood arrived to place a “pending” sign in the front yard.

The best part?

She said yes.