We needed to provide the sellers with solid data to determine whether or not it made sense to renovate before they listed. We ran separate Comparative Market Analysis Reports for renovated comparable properties vs. unrenovated comparable properties. Then we got quotes on the work that would need to be done to get the home renovated, and ran a cost-benefit analysis. The bottom line was that renovating would result in merely trading dollars so it didn't warrant the investment of time, energy, or money. Yes, the sellers would have sold at a higher price point, but they would have invested the full amount of the return in the renovation itself. And by not renovating, they avoided the inherent risk in renovating where there are often unforeseen challenges and expenses.

Instead of focusing on what the home needed, we elected to play to the home's strengths. The home sat on a large lot, was close to the beach, and had great curb appeal. The family spent a few hundred dollars on cleaning the home and maximizing curb appeal. They pressure washed, touched up exterior paint, and planted flowers so the home had maximum curb appeal drawing in a large number of prospective buyers. Inside, we touched up paint and had the carpets cleaned so the home was fresh and tidy. These small repairs demonstrated to buyers that even though the home could use cosmetic updates, that it was in good condition and could easily be lived in as-is until the buyer had the time, energy, and resources to tackle cosmetic improvements. The fresh and modern staging helped to balance the outdated elements making the home feel more modern overall.

Because of the functional issues with the home, we needed to help buyers make sense of the floorplan with effective staging, which we offer at no cost as a value-add for listing with us. Obviously we couldn't move or add a bathroom, but instead we strategically placed furniture so all the other square footage had a purpose for buyers thus minimizing the impact of the misplaced bathroom. Additionally, we did some homework on borrowing some square footage from an oversized laundry room to split that space into a smaller laundry room and a half bath. With a quote presented by a local contractor, it helped ease prospective buyers' minds about tackling that project after closing. For the Florida Room, we used furnishings to divide the large space into two functional areas--a den and an office. This sunny space now had value for buyers as a quiet space to work or curl up with a good book while enjoying the beautiful yard.

Once the home was show-ready, we created a strategic listing presentation, marketing plan, and showing strategy. We scheduled photographers when direct sunlight was streaming into the home so the entire home felt light, bright, and cheerful. We also made use of aerial drone photography and videography so we could highlight the home's close proximity to the beach. We strategically placed the aerial photos near the front of the listing photos so buyers were sure not to miss them. Because the home was vacant, we advertised the property as a "go-and-show" listing meaning that appointments were immediately confirmed rather than agents having to wait for approval from us as the listing agents. This allowed round-the-clock showings from 9 am until 9 pm at night. There was literally a line to get into the property and we ended up with over 40 showings in the first day alone. The healthy competition generated several offers.