When I first stepped into 54 Ardross Way, Noranda, I was immediately struck by the unique character of the home. It wasn’t just another suburban property; this house had a story to tell. With its 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it was spacious and well-built, but it also had features that could be considered both a blessing and a challenge depending on the perspective of potential buyers.

The formal lounge and dining areas were particularly distinctive, featuring exposed beams and clinker brick walls. These design elements are not something you see in most modern homes, and while they might not be considered ‘in fashion,’ they certainly had a timeless appeal. I knew right away that this home could resonate with buyers who appreciate the charm and character of heritage-style homes, particularly those from more established suburbs like Inglewood, Mount Lawley, North Perth, and Highgate. These areas are known for their older homes, rich in history and architectural detail, so I saw an opportunity to market this property in a way that would appeal to buyers from those neighborhoods.

One of the standout features of the property was an outbuilding located in the backyard. This building had two separate rooms—one of which had been used as a spa room, complete with an internal spa, while the other served as storage. The outbuilding was a bit of an enigma; while it had strong bones and was a significant space, it was clearly underutilized and didn’t quite fit with the needs of most modern buyers. The rest of the home, though sturdy and full of potential, showed signs of wear and tear from years of use. To present this property in its best light and to ensure it would attract the right buyers, I knew some updates were essential.

I began by advising the owners on several key improvements that would enhance the home’s appeal. The first task was to repaint certain areas of the house. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, giving the home a cleaner, more modern appearance while still maintaining its character. Next, I suggested they clean up the gardens. A well-maintained garden is the first thing potential buyers see, and it can set the tone for the rest of the viewing. By tidying up the outdoor space, we could create a more inviting environment that would draw buyers in from the moment they arrived.

The outbuilding, however, was where we focused much of our attention. The internal spa, while a luxurious feature in its time, was no longer a selling point. We decided to remove the spa and fix the flooring in that room. By doing so, we opened up the possibility of transforming this space into something far more versatile and appealing to today’s buyers. I envisioned the front room of the outbuilding as a perfect activity or TV room—a space where families could gather for movie nights, game days, or just to relax. The second room, which had previously been used for storage, was repurposed into a pool table room. This transformation turned the outbuilding into a true asset for the property, offering additional living space that was both fun and functional.

With the physical improvements underway, it was time to focus on the marketing strategy. I knew that to reach the right buyers, we needed a comprehensive approach that combined both traditional and modern techniques. We began by fully staging the entire house, including the newly transformed outbuilding, now called ‘The Studio.’ Staging is a critical step in showcasing a property’s full potential, allowing buyers to see how the space can be used and helping them to visualize their own lives there.

For marketing, I leveraged a mix of traditional media and social media to cast a wide net. We produced beautiful, high-quality brochures that highlighted the home’s unique features and distributed them during our home opens. These brochures were not just informative but were also visually appealing, designed to leave a lasting impression on anyone who picked one up. In addition to this, we utilized social media platforms to reach a broader audience, ensuring that the property was seen by as many potential buyers as possible.

One of the key strategies I employed was holding twilight open houses. There’s something magical about seeing a home at dusk, with the warm glow of lights creating an inviting atmosphere. Twilight viewings allow buyers to experience the home in a different light, quite literally, and can often lead to more emotional connections with the property. The response to these twilight viewings was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees commenting on how the home came to life in the evening.

All of these efforts culminated in a highly successful sale. The property attracted significant interest, particularly from buyers in North Perth who have a keen appreciation for homes with character and history. The final offer came from a couple who fell in love with the home’s unique style and saw its potential as a place where they could build their future.

Reflecting on the sale of 54 Ardross Way, I’m reminded of the importance of recognizing a property’s unique strengths and taking the necessary steps to enhance them. Every home has its own story, and part of my role is to help tell that story in a way that resonates with the right buyers. By combining strategic improvements with a targeted marketing approach, we were able to achieve a fantastic result for the owners. This sale was not just about finding a buyer; it was about finding the right buyer who truly appreciated the home for what it was, and that, in the end, is the most rewarding part of the process.