Thursday, October 1, 2026
Chase and Shanima Collum had been watching the Long Island housing market for several years, weighing school districts, commute times and space for their growing family.
The Richmond Hill couple, who have two young sons — ages 1 and 3 — were not planning to buy this winter. But when a listing at 205 Hempstead Avenue in Malverne appeared online, the timing shifted.
“We were just going to drive by,” Chase said.
The following day — their wedding anniversary — they made the 40-minute drive to see the property from the outside.
At first, the plan was simply to look from the street. But when they noticed people entering and exiting the house, they realized showings were underway.
They introduced themselves to listing agent Joseph DeVito of Douglas Elliman. Within hours, the couple secured financing pre-approval and returned for a formal showing the next day.
DeVito said preparation is often critical in competitive situations. “They came back the next day with the pre-approval,” he said. “They saw the house with their family and fell in love.”
During that visit, one of the Collums’ toddlers ran across the yard collecting sticks.
“He came up to me with a handful of sticks and said, ‘Excuse me, sir, is it okay if I take these with me?’” DeVito recalled with a laugh calling the moment heartwarming.
Creating a smooth buying experience
The Collums said they entered the process without their own real estate agent but felt supported throughout. “He made that process so easy and so comfortable for us,” Chase said.
After their offer was accepted, they said DeVito quickly connected them with professionals needed to move forward.
“As soon as basically they accepted the offer, he was like, ‘Oh, I have a guy already set up for you to come in tomorrow if you're free,’” Shanima said, referring to the home inspection.
“He did so much of the legwork and not in like a pushy way,” she continued. “In a very friendly way.”
The couple said the experience contrasted with a previous home purchase that felt longer and more complicated. “This is like a totally new experience for us in that way,” Chase said.
Yard size and train access seal the decision
For the Collums, the yard was the immediate draw. “We have two boys with a lot of energy,” Shanima said. “The big thing about this house was definitely the yard for us.”
The property spans more than 18,000 square feet, an unusually large lot in Malverne, particularly within walking distance of the Long Island Rail Road.
Both parents work in New York City and alternate commuting days so one can remain home with their children. Access to the train station was essential.
Character, community and a new chapter in Malverne
Beyond size and location, the home’s architectural character resonated with the couple. “It just has so much character,” Chase said. “This is one of a kind.”
They also cited Malverne’s active downtown business district and sense of community. “It reminded me of the kind of place I grew up,” Chase said. “Small-town charm, but still close to the city.”
DeVito said moves like this often represent significant transitions for both sellers and buyers. “When someone is leaving a home they’ve been in for generations, selling it is a major life moment,” he said. “And for the buyers, it’s the start of their own history there.”
For the Collums, that history will begin with room for their children to grow and a yard full of sticks ready to be collected.
