The Situation
Derrick and Christopher reached out in November 2025, ready for their next chapter. Their home had a real draw, a newer pool and spa with generous covered outdoor living, but it also had items that needed correcting before it could compete on the open market.
The Challenge
Selling as-is meant selling to investors at a discount. Selling at full value meant completing repairs first, while also planning their own next move.
The Strategy
- Ran comps in November and walked the home in early December to set a realistic value and a clear repair list.
- Tested the market quietly, offering the home off-market with a property report outlining the repairs. Investor feedback confirmed an as-is sale would leave real money on the table.
- Had the sellers confirm their bottom line with a lender, so every offer could be measured against a true net.
- Brought in contractors in January to quote the corrections, and guided the sellers through completing them.
- Advised them to decline a $340,000 off-market offer in April, holding for the value the comps supported.
- Once the work was done, launched with professional photography and video, a 3D tour, a local newspaper feature, and targeted social ads.
- Three written offers arrived within two days. Recommended the strongest terms: cash, no contingencies, above asking.
- Represented the sellers on their condo purchase too, with both closings set for the same morning. When the purchase side hit a delay the day before closing, worked out a solution so the sale closed on time.
The Result
Sold for $382,000 after 36 hours on market: $7,000 over asking and $42,000 more than the off-market offer they turned down. Closed on the original date, and the sellers moved straight into their new home. Carleen stayed on the file after closing until a final permit escrow was released in October.
In Carleen's words
"These sellers followed the plan, strategy, pricing, and positioning, to a T. They did everything they were asked and were pleasantly surprised with more than I promised."
"Working with Carleen made the entire process of selling our home and purchasing another a breeze! She's insanely knowledgeable and will go to bat for her clients. She's thorough and doesn't miss a beat."