This old home on a coveted street had been consumed for many years, but the seller needed every dollar of proceeds to support them.
On a coveted street, this 118-year old home had the potential to soar but needed a lot of work just to return it to baseline.
The average days on market for single family homes at this time in the area was 47 days and sellers were dropping their prices on average -2%.
Our listing went pending in 72 hours at +$211k over the list price. That's +22% higher than the Average Sold:List Price. That provided the seller with about $400k more than it would have sold as is.
The Average Sold:List Price tells us, on average, how much higher or lower than the asking price have properties been selling. We look specifically at the zip code and month we go pending to compare our performance. Depending on the price point, even just 1%-2% can mean thousands or tens of thousands of dollars either gained or lost by the seller.
Maximizing the seller's only opportunity
The seller needed to maximize every dollar from the sale, but the market had shifted. As interest rates climbed and affordability tightened, buyers became increasingly unwilling to take on major renovations. Homes requiring significant work lingered on the market, often selling only after price reductions or costly seller concessions.
Our challenge was to remove every barrier to purchase while creating reasons to compete. That meant restoring the home well beyond a livable baseline—eliminating deferred maintenance, modernizing key spaces, and designing an experience that sparked an emotional connection from the moment buyers walked through the door. The goal wasn't simply to renovate the home; it was to position it as the obvious choice in a market where turnkey properties commanded the strongest offers.
We coordinated multiple large projects that exceeded the baseline and designed in a way that honored this 1907 craftsman's antique vibe.
Securing the opportunity
This home represented more than a sale—it was the seller's financial future. With the proceeds expected to support the remainder of their retirement, every decision carried weight. To make the transformation possible, Derek helped secure renovation funding through Windermere, allowing the work to move forward before the home hit the market. We were confident the investment would pay for itself. The only question was by how much.
Restoring confidence through thoughtful renovation
Years of deferred maintenance had masked the home's character. Rather than simply updating finishes, we focused on restoring confidence in every space. A completely reimagined kitchen, refreshed bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, new stair treads, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a rebuilt rear deck transformed both the function and first impression of the home. One of the most impactful moments came immediately upon entry, where warm oak slats framing the stairwell created architectural interest and established a sense of craftsmanship from the moment buyers walked inside.
Design that commands attention
The home already possessed strong bones, so our design approach centered on amplifying its character rather than competing with it. Rich, muted green walls grounded the interiors and gave the renovated spaces a sense of permanence, while warm neutrals and natural materials kept the palette approachable. The result felt timeless instead of trendy—a home with personality that stood apart from the predictable sea of white interiors.
Staging that honored the home's story
Rather than stage with contemporary furniture alone, we leaned into the home's history by layering antique and vintage pieces with clean-lined modern accents. The mix created warmth without feeling dated, giving buyers a sense that the home had evolved thoughtfully over time. Carefully balanced color, texture, and artwork connected each room, allowing the home to feel collected, authentic, and memorable long after the showing ended.
