Case Study
The Estate That Needed Everything
Results
- Starting point: a $165,000 cash offer
- Sold for $325,000, $5,000 over the $320,000 list price
- $160,000 more than the cash offer, nearly double
- 5 offers, under contract in 10 days
- Fresh paint, new appliances and staging. Staging made the sale possible.
- Closed April 2023 in Columbia, Howard County, MD
The Challenge
A Cluttered Estate and a $165,000 Cash Offer
Maria Hamburger was serving as Personal Representative for a family estate. The property had been lived in for many years and was filled with clutter from top to bottom. Beyond the cleanout, the home was dated and needed paint and new appliances. The estate already had a cash offer of $165,000 for the house as it stood.
As Personal Representative, Maria had a legal and fiduciary duty to manage the estate properly while coordinating with the estate attorney. She needed a real estate professional who understood the complexities of estate administration, could manage multiple contractors, and would keep all parties informed every step of the way.
What Marc's Team Did
Paint, Appliances and Staging
Comprehensive Property Assessment
Marc walked through the entire property with Maria, cataloging everything that needed attention. He provided a realistic assessment of what the home could sell for in its current condition and what it could sell for after the planned improvements.
Winterization and Property Protection
Before any other work could begin, Marc ensured the property was winterized to prevent freeze damage. He coordinated with his trusted contractors to protect the home through the cold season while the cleanout and preparations proceeded.
Full Cleanout Coordination
Marc organized a complete cleanout of the property. His vetted team handled the removal of decades of accumulated belongings, clearing every room so the renovation work could begin.
Painting, Appliances, and Staging
Marc's contractor team completed fresh paint throughout the home and supplied and installed new appliances. Then Marc staged the home. Staging is what made this sale possible: buyers who would have walked past a dated, empty estate could see it as a home they wanted to live in.
Estate Attorney Collaboration
Marc worked closely with the estate attorney to ensure all legal and fiduciary requirements were met. His experience with estate transactions meant he understood the documentation, timelines, and communication protocols needed for a smooth process.
Pricing Strategy and Sale Negotiation
Marc provided a realistic pricing strategy based on local market data and the condition of the property after improvements. He managed the entire sale process, negotiating with buyers and keeping Maria and the estate attorney fully informed through every offer and counteroffer.
Timeline
From Cleanout to Closing
First Meeting
Marc meets with Maria at the estate. Full walkthrough and assessment. Marc provides realistic pricing guidance and a scope of work.
Preparation Phase
Winterization, full cleanout, fresh paint, and new appliances. Marc coordinates all contractors and keeps Maria and the estate attorney updated.
Listing
Home is staged and listed at $320,000. Professional photography and marketing deployed. Showings begin.
Offer and Negotiation
Marc presents offers to Maria, provides clear recommendations, and negotiates the best terms. All parties kept informed throughout.
Closing
5 offers and under contract in 10 days. Closed April 2023 at $325,000, $5,000 over list and $160,000 more than the original cash offer.
The Result
Staging Turned a $165,000 Offer Into a $325,000 Sale
The estate's starting point was a $165,000 cash offer. After fresh paint, new appliances and staging, the home drew 5 offers in 10 days and sold for $325,000, nearly double that offer. Staging made the difference. Maria was able to fulfill her duties as Personal Representative efficiently, with the estate attorney praising Marc's professionalism and thoroughness. What could have been a year-long ordeal was resolved smoothly, with the family receiving a strong return on the estate.
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Marc Cormier as the listing agent for our family estate, and I cannot recommend him enough. From the start, Marc demonstrated an incredible attention to detail and a deep understanding of the local market. He provided invaluable advice on staging and pricing that resulted in a quick sale at a great price. His professionalism, honesty, and dedication set him apart from other agents I have worked with. If you want a realtor that delivers results and truly cares about his clients, Marc is your guy."
Maria Hamburger
Google Review
Used with permission from the client.
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