Back in March, the owner of 4791 Laura Dr. in Concord found herself facing a dilemma. She yearned to move as soon as possible, but a looming shoulder surgery in May cast doubt on her ability to prepare her home for sale. The decision was whether to list the property in September or wait until the new year. With months stretching ahead, there was time to transform her home into a market-ready gem.
The first step involved bringing in a professional stager to assess the property’s potential. Together, they determined what would stay and what had to go. Carpet bids, inspection quotes, and even a talented artisan to repair sliding doors were lined up at reasonable prices. The owner carefully selected which repairs to undertake, fully aware that potential buyers might request credits for some items.
By May, her life had taken on a minimalist hue. She had sold, donated, or packed away all but the essentials, embracing a simplified lifestyle. August marked a turning point, with a fresh coat of paint adorning the walls and new carpets gracing the family room and upstairs bedrooms. The stagers worked their magic, creating an inviting atmosphere. It was time to settle on a final asking price.
In March, market comparisons supported a price of $975,000, but the Spring season had seen prices surge. A bold decision was made to aim for $1 million. However, it soon became apparent that the initial price might have been a tad ambitious. Rising interest rates had discouraged potential buyers, and open house traffic remained disappointingly sparse.
Within days, the price was pruned to $990,000, a modest concession aimed at slipping below the million-dollar mark. A month rolled by with little traction, prompting another price adjustment down to $975,000. The owner quipped that this was, in fact, their original target.
With more showings from other agents a glimmer of hope emerged. Within two weeks of the price reduction, an offer materialized. Initially, I was told it was coming the next day, but it took over the weekend to get the offer. While it fell slightly below the asking price, it was a VA offer with a request to address some remaining repair issues, totaling around $11,000. Over the weekend, two more agents came knocking. Once I had the offer, I called the ones who had just shown up, mentioning I had an offer, and asking if there was any interest from their buyers. One agent said he was writing it up as I called and was hoping to be the sole contender.
Thus, they presented a full-price offer at $975,000 with a $20,000 credit for closing costs and rate buy-down. The owner gladly accepted, finding peace with the fact that these buyers were a perfect fit for her cherished home. Ironically, they had come by the first open house, continued to look, but kept commenting on the yard and comparing it to other homes. In the end, the seller had bittersweet emotions, as she bid adieu to the place filled with countless memories and love, but also embarking on the next chapter of her life.
Key Takeaways for Sellers and Buyers:
1. Preparation is key: Getting your home ready can feel overwhelming, especially after many years of living there. Engage a resourceful agent early, plan meticulously, and allow ample time for decluttering and organizing.
2. Trust your agent: A skilled real estate agent will manage expectations and communicate effectively throughout the process. Markets can shift, and their guidance can be invaluable.
3. Act swiftly: If you’re considering making an offer, don’t delay. Timing can make a significant difference in securing a property, as waiting may invite competition.
4. Revive interest: Sometimes, a home that has lingered on the market just needs the right nudge. An astute agent will reach out to potential buyers who have shown interest in the past, often leading to successful sales in a competitive market with limited inventory.
