THE ONE THAT’S HARD TO SHOW

8 Mickler Blvd

 

The Problem

In the hottest seller's market in recent years, this homeowner had been trying to sell his own home unsuccessfully for four months. He had reduced the price by $85,000 to well-below market value and was still not getting good traction in the marketplace. In fact, he didn't receive a single written offer. Showing the home was becoming cumbersome for the seller and he was considering staying put when Team Territo offered to help.

 

Details

How long it had been on the market before
Team Territo:

4 months

Number of agents used before
Team Territo:

Zillow FSBO and a flat fee company

Year home sold:

2021

Selling price:

Raised the listing price by
$85K

 

Solution

There were three major concerns with this listing:

 

1


It was difficult to show. The Seller has a large dog that had to be removed from the property. He was also a busy professional and couldn't get home during the day to remove the dog and show the property.

Drag the handle left or right to view before and after photo.
 
Drag the handle left or right to view before and after photo.

2


When the home was available to show, it didn't show well. There was evidence of the dog and the furniture and decor didn't match the expectations of buyers looking for a home at the $750,000 price point.

 

3


The listing itself didn't highlight some of the home's best features--the great bones, the beautiful lot with mature trees and a pool, and the close proximity to the beach.

Drag the handle left or right to view before and after photo.
 

We decided on a listing and marketing strategy that yielded a large number of buyers through the door in a short period of time. This allowed the homeowner to plan a trip out of town, taking the dog, so prospective buyers could have unlimited access to the home and it would stay in show-ready condition for those showings. In addition to an easy-to-show option for other agents, we ran two full days of open houses to capture unrepresented prospective buyers and neighbors who might have a vested interest in choosing their new neighbors!

We ensured that the furniture, art, and decor were consistent with buyer expectations at this price point. The seller's existing furnishings were sparse, which can sometimes give buyers an idea that the home has wasted square footage that they don't want to pay for. We own a staging company and we offer complimentary staging on our listings. By rearranging the homeowner's furniture and layering in staging pieces, rugs, artwork, pillows, blankets, and lamps, we were able to create a cohesive space that was inviting and appealing to buyers. It also allowed prospective buyers to see the flow and flexibility of the floorplan.

Additionally, some sellers and listing agents are scrimping on photos because the market is so hot. This is not our approach. Instead, we opt to offer a full suite of photography services to ensure a home's best features are captured. This home was only two blocks to the beach, so drone footage was key for highlighting the home's close proximity to the ocean, as well as local restaurants, shopping, parks, and downtown. The home also had beautiful trees and outdoor lighting so it was magical at night. Natural light, however, is better for interior photos so homes look light and bright. By offering twilight and daytime photos, we were able to highlight the home's best features both day and night.

And lastly, we raised the price. By a lot. $74,000 dollars to be exact. The seller had reduced the price to well-below market-value, coupled with lingering days on market, prospective buyers found themselves asking, "What's wrong with it that it hasn't sold?" Once the full value of the property was presented in the listing, the furnishing and decor highlighted the home's best features, and the property was marketed effectively, the value was obvious to prospective buyers.

 

Results


From 4 months and no offers to raising the price by $74k and under contract to a cash buyer with a quick close in only 5 days. In under 30 days from listing, this seller was closed and onto the next chapter. This seller netted more return and had less headache. His only regret...not calling us sooner!