How We Sold a Home in 14 Days That Was on the Market for 180
When Sarah contacted us about her Orange County home, she was frustrated, exhausted, and financially strained. Her beautiful 4-bedroom property in Fullerton had been languishing on the market for six months with two different agents. After 180 days of showings, price reductions, and mounting carrying costs, she was ready to give up. Two weeks later, we had a signed contract at 97% of her original asking price. Here's exactly how we transformed a failing listing into a fast sale.
The Inherited Problem
Sarah's home wasn't fundamentally flawed. The 2,100-square-foot property featured updated kitchen appliances, a renovated master bathroom, and a spacious backyard perfect for entertaining. The location was excellent, with top-rated schools nearby and easy freeway access. Yet after 180 days, the home had received only three serious showings and zero offers.
The previous agents had made classic mistakes that plague many listings. They'd priced based on outdated comparables, used amateur photography that made rooms appear dark and cramped, and failed to stage the property effectively. Most critically, they'd allowed the home to become "stale" in the market, creating negative perception among buyers and agents who wondered what was wrong with the property.
The Strategic Reset
Our first step was conducting a complete market reset. We temporarily removed the listing from the MLS, allowing us to reintroduce it as a "new" property once we'd addressed the underlying issues. This strategy eliminated the stigma of extended market time and gave us a fresh start with buyer agents who might have previously dismissed the property.
We then conducted an exhaustive comparative market analysis, examining not just recent sales but also properties currently under contract and new listings that would compete for the same buyer pool. This analysis revealed that the home had been overpriced by approximately 8% for current market conditions, but more importantly, it was competing against three similar properties that offered better value propositions.
The Transformation Process
Rather than simply adjusting the price, we implemented a comprehensive repositioning strategy. We brought in professional stagers who completely reimagined the home's presentation. The previous sparse furnishing was replaced with warm, inviting pieces that helped buyers visualize themselves living in the space. We rearranged furniture to maximize the perception of space and create natural flow patterns through the home.
Professional photography was crucial to our success. We hired a photographer who specialized in real estate and understood how to capture the home's best features. The new photos showcased the natural light, highlighted the updated features, and made the outdoor spaces appear larger and more inviting. We also created a virtual tour and drone footage that provided comprehensive property views.
The Pricing Strategy
Instead of simply reducing the price, we implemented a strategic pricing approach designed to generate immediate interest and competitive offers. We priced the home at 95% of current market value, positioning it as the best value in its price range. This aggressive pricing strategy was calculated to attract multiple buyers and create urgency.
We also offered strategic incentives including a home warranty, assistance with closing costs, and flexibility on closing dates. These additions cost us less than $3,000 but made the property significantly more attractive to buyers who were comparing multiple options.
The Marketing Blitz
Our marketing campaign began 48 hours before the official listing date. We reached out to our network of buyer agents, highlighting the property's key features and competitive pricing. We scheduled back-to-back showings for the first weekend, creating natural urgency as buyers encountered other interested parties.
Social media played a crucial role in our strategy. We created targeted Facebook and Instagram ads focused on buyers looking in Fullerton and surrounding areas. The professional photos and virtual tour generated significant online engagement, driving traffic to the listing and creating buzz in the local market.
The Results
The home relisted on a Tuesday. By Thursday, we had scheduled twelve showings for the weekend. Saturday brought our first offer, followed by two more on Sunday. By Monday, we had four competitive offers, with the winning bid coming in at 97% of our asking price – significantly higher than Sarah had been hoping for after six months of disappointment.
The key to our success wasn't magic or luck – it was systematic problem-solving, strategic positioning, and professional execution. Every element of our approach was designed to address the specific issues that had prevented the home from selling previously.
The Lessons
This case study illustrates several critical principles for successful home selling. First, market perception matters enormously. A property that appears "stale" faces an uphill battle regardless of its actual condition. Second, professional presentation is non-negotiable in today's competitive market. Third, strategic pricing creates opportunity rather than simply chasing the market downward.
Most importantly, this experience demonstrates that the right approach can quickly transform even challenging situations into successful outcomes.
Don't miss your chance to explore the perfect property or get expert advice on your next real estate venture. Contact Louis DiGonzini today for a personalized consultation that aligns with your unique aspirations.
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