When the owners of 19 McCarthy Place approached me to sell their home, they knew they had a solid property but also understood that it needed some finesse to make it truly stand out in a competitive market. Situated directly opposite a beautiful local park and with a primary school just across the park, the home had tremendous potential. However, potential alone wasn’t enough to achieve top-dollar, so we needed to tap into the emotions of potential buyers and address a few key areas that could pose challenges.

The property was a large family home with a proper granny unit and a lovely pool at the back—features that would surely appeal to families looking for space and versatility. The granny unit, in particular, offered flexibility for multi-generational living or visiting family members and friends, a feature that would later prove pivotal in the sale. Despite its size and these attractive amenities, there was a notable drawback: the home only had a single garage, which I pointed out could be a sticking point for some buyers. Additionally, while the owners’ furniture was comfortable and reflected a well-lived-in family home, it wasn’t suited for sale purposes, as it lacked the ability to inspire the kind of emotional connection needed to create a lasting impression.

The Game Plan

The first step was to have an open and honest discussion with the owners about the potential improvements. They were keen to do everything they could to enhance the property’s appeal, and after a detailed consultation, we agreed on a plan that would breathe new life into the home without overcapitalizing on unnecessary changes.

The owners made the bold decision to vacate the property. This move allowed us to fully transform the home for sale. The house was repainted, and some outdated plumbing fixtures were replaced to give it a fresh, modern feel. The gardens, which had been a little neglected, were brought back to life, giving the outdoor spaces a lush and welcoming atmosphere. Perhaps the most impactful change was the addition of a double carport at the front of the home, which alleviated the concern over the single garage and added significant value to the overall property.

Marketing Strategy: Next-Level Presentation

With the physical improvements in place, it was time to turn our attention to the marketing. In today’s real estate market, a good marketing strategy can mean the difference between a quick, satisfactory sale and a record-breaking one. I knew we had something special with 19 McCarthy Place, but we needed to ensure that buyers could see that too, both online and in person.

We enlisted professional staging to ensure each room looked its best. The staging was done thoughtfully, with the aim of highlighting the home’s spaciousness, the practicality of the granny unit, and the family-friendly flow of the living areas. Special attention was paid to the connection between indoor and outdoor living, showcasing how the pool area could become the heart of the home during the warmer months.

We captured all of this through top-quality photography and videography, ensuring that potential buyers could experience the home’s full charm even before setting foot inside. The visuals were key to sparking initial interest and creating anticipation for the viewings.

To complement these efforts, we produced top-quality brochures that highlighted the key features and lifestyle benefits the home offered. Additionally, we installed an extra-large illuminated photo sign, strategically placed so it could be seen from the local primary school across the park. The sign drew attention from both parents and local traffic, sparking curiosity and building excitement about the upcoming inspections.

A Flood of Interest: Over 300 Groups and Multiple Offers

The result of all these efforts was beyond our expectations. Over 300 groups attended the home opens, many drawn by the home’s fantastic location and the thorough marketing campaign. The interest was high right from the start, with families, professionals, and investors alike eager to explore the property’s possibilities.

The granny unit was particularly attractive to multi-generational families and those who needed extra space for visiting family members or friends. The versatility it offered was a major selling point, giving buyers flexibility in how they could use the space without sacrificing privacy. The pool and outdoor spaces were a hit with families who envisioned summer afternoons spent relaxing by the water. And with the park directly opposite, the home ticked a lot of boxes for buyers who wanted both convenience and lifestyle.

As the offers started rolling in, it became clear that we had succeeded in creating the emotional connection we had aimed for. Buyers weren’t just offering; they were competing. The property received multiple offers, and in the end, it sold for substantially more than the owners had initially expected. The winning buyers were particularly drawn to the granny unit’s potential for accommodating visiting family members and friends, which perfectly fit their needs.

The Key to Success: Owner Cooperation

One of the most crucial factors in this successful sale was the owners’ full cooperation with all of my suggestions. From vacating the home to undertaking the recommended upgrades, they trusted the process and were committed to doing what was needed to attract the right buyers. This collaboration made all the difference and allowed us to market the property to its full potential.

Lessons from 19 McCarthy Place

This sale is a perfect example of how even a well-located, desirable home can benefit from a strategic makeover and a well-thought-out marketing plan. While the home already had many great features, the enhancements we made brought out its best qualities and allowed buyers to see the lifestyle it could offer. The combination of the owners’ willingness to invest in the necessary changes and the comprehensive marketing campaign resulted in a standout sale that exceeded all expectations.

For sellers considering how to maximize the value of their home, the story of 19 McCarthy Place serves as a reminder of the importance of presentation and the power of strategic marketing. A little extra effort can go a long way in not only attracting more buyers but also creating competition that drives up the final sale price.

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Thinking of selling your home? Contact me today to see how we can transform your property into a buyer’s dream and achieve a result beyond your expectations.