We're excited to share with you a recent success story of a property that we helped prep for sale. In this case study, you'll see the transformation of a property from its initial condition to its final prepped-for-sale state. Our team provided expert guidance and support throughout the process, from initial consultation to final staging.

We understand that selling a property can be a daunting task, but with our help, this property sold quickly and for a great price. We hope this inspires you to consider our services for your own real estate needs.


Case Study At-a-Glance

By The Numbers

  • List Price: $499,000

  • Sale Price: $535,000

  • Active Days on Market: 3

  • Number of Showings: 27

  • Number of Offers: 4

Challenges

  • 15 years of deferred maintenance.

  • Buried Oil Tank

  • Aging retaining wall

  • Significant repairs required indoors

  • Out-of-state owner and coordination efforts


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Objectives

The out-of-state homeowners had a clear objective to sell their rental property and capitalize on their growing home equity gains. As landlords, they had experienced the ups and downs of rental property ownership, and were now ready to move on from that responsibility. Their main objective was to sell the property for the market value of a 3-bedroom home in Nutley, which would allow them to reinvest their profits into a new venture.

Challenges

The home's condition presented some significant challenges that needed to be addressed before putting it on the market. The retaining wall was leaning, which required a professional to reinforce it. The hardwood floors had deep stains from pets, which needed to be sanded and refinished. Additionally, there were several drywall patches that needed to be made to repair holes and dents. However, the most complex challenge was the buried oil tank that needed to be removed. This required the services of a specialized contractor to extract and dispose of the tank while also complying with environmental regulations. Despite these challenges, our team was determined to ensure that the home was transformed into a desirable and marketable property.

Solutions

Contractor Coordination

Coordinating contractors was a crucial aspect of our solution to address the extensive repairs needed before putting the property on the market. We identified and brought in trusted contractors with proven track records to handle the various tasks required, such as repairing the leaning retaining wall, removing pet stains from hardwood floors, and patching drywall. Our team ensured that the work was completed on time, on budget, and to a high standard of quality, allowing the property to shine and attract potential buyers. By handling the contractor coordination and management, we were able to alleviate the stress and hassle of finding reliable contractors for our clients.

Staging

Staging is a crucial aspect of preparing a home for sale. With no furniture left in the house, it can be challenging for prospective buyers to envision themselves living there. To help potential buyers see the home's full potential, we recommended and coordinated stagers to come and showcase the space. The staging transformed the vacant property into a warm and inviting home that made buyers feel welcome from the moment they walked through the door. The staging not only made the home more attractive to buyers but also helped to highlight its best features, making it stand out in a crowded market. With the staging in place, the home felt like a showpiece, and it attracted more attention from buyers than it would have otherwise.

Pricing Strategy

By utilizing our extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, we developed a pricing strategy that took into account the condition of the home and potential inspection hurdles. We recommended pricing the property slightly below our projected market value to generate interest and attract multiple offers. This approach not only helped to reduce negotiation stress, but it also resulted in a faster sale and higher final sales price than originally anticipated. We worked closely with the seller to determine the best pricing strategy for their unique situation and provided ongoing support throughout the negotiation and closing process.



Thinking of selling? Start with a free, no-obligation home valuation!

10+ Offers.

70 Showings. Under Contract in 4 Days.

Discover how our proven strategy can help you sell your home quickly and above asking price.

This Echo Glen home wasn’t picture-perfect, but with the right strategy, it became one of the hottest listings in Totowa.

 

 

A homeowner wanted to sell a home that hadn’t been updated, and they weren’t sure if it would get much attention.


We helped them position the house not as a fixer-upper, but as an opportunity—and the response spoke for itself.


How 44 Sandra Dr Became One of Totowa’s Busiest Listings—Despite Needing Updates

  • This home is located in the Echo Glen section, a desirable neighborhood known for its community feel, strong schools, and convenient access to Routes 46, 80, and 23. Even though the home needed updates, its location made it a standout for buyers looking to build equity.

  • Thanks to a targeted digital marketing campaign and outreach to high-intent buyers, we generated over 70 in-person showings during a single weekend. This level of activity created urgency and signaled to buyers that this property was in high demand.

  • We didn’t just get traffic—we got serious buyers. More than 10 offers came in, many with competitive terms and strong pricing. This gave our seller the ability to choose not just the highest price, but the best overall offer in terms of timing, financing, and contingencies.

  • Speed matters. By combining strategic pricing with concentrated marketing, we created a window of competition. The result? A quick sale without prolonged stress for the homeowner—and without leaving money on the table.

  • This wasn’t a fully renovated home—and that’s important. We helped the seller position it as a value-add opportunity, which appealed to both end-users and investors. The strong turnout proves that you don’t need to renovate to sell successfully—just the right presentation and messaging.

  • We deployed Facebook and Instagram ads optimized for buyers searching in Totowa and neighboring towns, while also calling and emailing buyers already in our system. On top of that, we did circle prospecting to homeowners nearby. The goal? Maximize reach and drive serious, local interest.

  • With the right eyes on the property and the right strategy behind it, this home sold for 20% more than asking—even without expensive updates. That’s what intentional marketing can do.

Let’s Create Your Success Story

Not every home is move-in ready.

But with the right marketing? Every home has potential.

Our strategy included:

- Targeted Facebook & Instagram ads built to attract qualified local buyers

- Professional photos to highlight the yard, layout, and potential

- Circle prospecting and database outreach to uncover active buyer interest

- Price strategy designed to spark urgency


“Eric supported me through the process with sensitivity, he offered ideas and resources that were difficult for me to find on my own, and the house was sold at market value.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use his services again and highly recommend this team!”

Denise D.


👋 Want Results Like This?

If you're thinking about selling—even just exploring it—we’d love to show you what your home might be worth and what strategy would work best for your situation.

Schedule Your Personalized Home Selling Strategy Session

No pressure. Just expert guidance tailored to your timeline.


👨‍💼👩‍💼 About Us

We’re Kathryn and Eric DeSilva—real estate pros with engineering brains and a heart for helping families move forward. Based in Nutley, we know what it takes to get homes sold in North Jersey’s ever-changing market.



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