Introduction

The owners had lived in the property since it was built in the 2006 and moved from New York to live close to their adult daughter and young grandchildren. After 18 years, it was time to move to a community with additional healthcare services in Fairfax.

Significant Marketing Updates

• The big updates were the two HVAC systems and hot water heater.
• The walk in closets had custom shelving.
• This was a large unit at 1,718 square feet

Areas to Address

• Move out of the unit and garage
• Paint the entire unit in a modern color
• Update light bulbs replacing dim mismatched bulbs
• Clean garage floor

Before and After Photos

Photos are intended to demonstrate the visual appeal to buyers viewing the property online. Note that the entire unit was painted to reflect modern tastes, but the living room carpet was not replaced.

The unit was vacant before being repainted and professionally cleaned. Professional HD photos were taken and we used high-end virtual staging for marketing purposes.

Before photos:

Listing Spotlight

The objective was to quickly focus any marketing on the fact that the condominium was only for adults who are 55+. Using “Active Adult 55+ only building” in the initial headline helped focus the target market and eliminate eager buyers who did not fit that legal qualification.

This was a top floor, corner condominium unit that welcomed in plenty of sunlight. There are two bedroom suites, an office, dining room, living room with electric fireplace, full size kitchen, half bath, and laundry closet. The ceilings were nine feet tall and the windows were large.

Emphasize that this two bedroom unit gets a lot of natural light, and featured a private den / home office for anyone who was still working from home. Making it sound like a roomy home rather than an apartment.

Emphasize that the condo was vacant (easy to show), in “move-in” clean condition, and included a Deeded private garage was important especially to those buyers downsizing from a larger home.

Best of all, the living room was an excellent size for entertaining and feeling at home.

Building amenities were important to highlight such as the fitness room, community activities, and easy access to two elevators.

Actual Listing Photos

Conclusion

The interest on this unit was immediate since many 55+ buyers had placed a “listing watch” on new listings popping up. (see: Zero Moment of Truth in this video)

Although there were multiple active buyers viewing on the first day, these buyers were not qualified to pay the asking price. Since it was a top floor, three bedroom unit that included a deeded private garage, it was priced at a recent record high.

The winning offer was at the “list price” but offered very attractive price and terms which set it apart.

Readers may be interested in the fact that this condo was financed with a VA mortgage. VA mortgages are issued by the Veterans Administration and Saintsbury Plaza Condominium is approved for VA financing.

The property was on the market less than a week, agreeing on a full-priced offer that closed in 30 days.