The Problem
The sellers of this beautifully updated home in the sought-after Pine
Lakes community wanted a quick and easy transaction without the headache of
showings with their elderly father in the home. They decided that selling
to an iBuyer (like OpenDoor, OfferPad, or HomeLight) would be the best fit
for them. They requested offers from several iBuyers and their highest
offer was $391,200. Just as they were about to sign the contract, however,
the iBuyer came back and said that the market had shifted in the last two
weeks and they were now only going to be able to offer them $367,000.
Fortunately for them, they reached out to us, and we were able to save the
Sellers a lot of money. We read their iBuyer contract together, and they
learned that there was an additional $11,003 in hidden fees, which would
have brought the Seller's net to $355,997.
Details
How long it had been on the market before we took over: Not listed (planned iBuyer sale)
Number of agents they used before us: 0 (direct sale to iBuyer planned)
Year Home Sold: 2024
Selling Price: $430,000
Solution
We knew this home had much more value than the iBuyer offer suggested. Our
strategy focused on maximizing the home's appeal to traditional buyers
willing to pay full market value. To accomplish this, we staged the home
for free, highlighting its best features and creating a warm, inviting
atmosphere.
We also invested in professional marketing, including high-quality
photography, drone shots, twilight photos, a walk-through tour, and a
professional video, ensuring the property stood out on online listings and
social media platforms. We also emphasized the home's desirable location
within Pine Lakes, with nearby amenities such as parks, golf courses,
shopping centers, and beaches.
And to ensure we didn't disturb the Seller's elderly father, we suggested
the Sellers go ahead and move into their new home. This gave us the added
bonus of being able to show the home around the clock and ensured that the
home showed its best.
Our efforts paid off. The property went under contract in just 10 days and
sold for $430,000—$63,000 more than the iBuyer offer—resulting in a
significantly higher profit for the sellers without the hidden fees
typically associated with iBuyer transactions. Even after closing costs
and realtor commissions, the Seller still netted over $45k more than going
the wholesale route.