HELPING REAL PEOPLE MAKE A POSITIVE MOVE

Our role in helping people move is very much about removing any friction points and providing any assistance necessary to guide both buyers and sellers through the entire process. Finding meaningful, practical solutions to any roadblocks is what we’re here for.

We’re continually adapting how we service our clients to really make the most of opportunities and achieve better engagement and results. This means new language, a fresh approach to service through training, new processes and embracing new technology to improve the overall experience. 

We’ve recently made a number of notable sales that highlight the lengths we go to and the work we put in to leverage every transaction.

1 Campbell Lane, Balmain

Last week Danny Cobden and Samantha Elvy sold 1 Campbell Lane, Balmain’s largest private waterfront landholding, setting a new suburb record. Impressively, the deal was struck in less than two weeks of commencement of marketing.

Stay tuned for a more detailed piece devoted to this landmark sale.

18 Hilltop Avenue, Marrickville

It was a terrific pre-auction sale at 18 Hilltop Avenue, Marrickville on the weekend, with Alex Mastoris and Kate Fitzsimmons securing $1.7m for the three-bedroom hilltop home with district views. This result equated to almost 20% more than the vendors’ expectations.

Alex enthuses, “We were engaged due to our local exposure and strong results in the Marrickville market. Our campaign generated plenty of interest, with 87 groups inspecting the property within nine days of marketing and 14 contracts issued.

The eventual buyer was known to us through another C&H office, putting our shared database to great use. They were fatigued from missing out on multiple properties and we made them feel really comfortable stepping forward at their interest level so early in the campaign. The price feedback from them was significantly above the rest of the market so we made a recommendation to negotiate prior to auction. Consequently, we were able to secure a result well above our clients’ expectations. One challenge we had to navigate was the fact that a directly comparable property on a larger block nearby had sold only three weeks earlier for $150,000 less, however our buyers were steadfast in their desire to purchase, hence the great price.”

86 Charles Street, Lilyfield

Santos and Frank Sulfaro sold this newly renovated Torrens titled terrace at 86 Charles Street, Lilyfield for around $1.55m. Frank comments, “We worked with the vendor for the past two years, providing renovation tips, general advice and marketing strategies best suited to an ever-changing market. We helped to transform this former defence housing property into a stylish bayside terrace with a Scandinavian vibe. Works included adding a contemporary kitchen with quality appliances, modern timber flooring, fresh paint, light fittings and landscaping. It was then vitally important to style the property immaculately to tie everything together and create that emotional bond with potential buyers.

We had strong buyer demand from owner-occupiers of a young professional and young family demographic. The ultimate buyer was from the C&H database and we’d been working with them for several weeks, having shown them a number of off-market listings. When this property was listed they were ready to move quickly, securing the property prior to auction. In the end what closed the sale was our firm negotiations and constant communication with buyers, updating them with weekly comparable results in the immediate area. It was a great result given the climate.”

89 Thompson Street, Earlwood

Jim Nikolopoulos and Joseph Karam sold this classic bungalow at 89 Thompson Street, Earlwood for $1.251m. Jim comments, “We had a long-standing relationship with the vendor and they were really impressed with our branding and marketing strategy for the property. We knew that the key to a successful sale here was going to be careful buyer management so ensured we were in contact with all buyers regularly. Our buyer qualification process was meticulous – it’s all about the conversation. It’s vitally important to be open and transparent in this market especially when it comes to an older home which may require some attention.

It was a well-inspected home that ticked all the boxes for many first home buyers, younger couples and professionals who didn’t necessarily require a larger block and the maintenance that comes with it. About 70% of interested parties were first home buyers and it was really important to take good care of these buyers through a potentially stressful time. We took extra time to walk them through the process so it wouldn’t be as daunting, in turn allowing them to make decisions with a clearer mind.

We were always upfront and direct regarding buyer feedback, keeping our vendors in the loop regarding activity throughout the campaign. In the end we had an amazing 21,467 online views, 207 inquires, 122 Inspections and 17 contracts issued. It’s all about the facts – the numbers don’t lie. This is what helps align expectations with reality.

By auctioning the home we created a competitive environment and allowed the market to dictate the property’s true value. Our eventual buyers had been searching for more than six months and through that process we crossed paths, so we were delighted to be able to help them through their first purchase.”

18/67 Louisa Road, Birchgrove

Jack Tinworth recently sold this parkside apartment at 18/67 Louisa Road, Birchgrove for around the $950,000 mark. He comments, “We had managed the property for 13 years and the owner entrusted us with the sale based on our long-term relationship. As they’re based in Hong Kong we took full responsibility for presentation of the home which involved project managing a cosmetic renovation, replacing carpet and floor coverings, painting and property styling. We communicated regularly with the vendor via web calls and WhatsApp group messaging to keep them well informed of the campaign’s progress and local market conditions. Doing everything digitally is the way things are moving in the current climate anyway and it’s highly effective.

The residence enjoyed a particularly sought-after position so there was strong interest despite the apartment market being softer, with fewer investors looking to buy and higher vacancy rates in rental properties. Our eventual buyer was a local looking for an investment nearby and thought this was the perfect location.

Our negotiation skills really came into play here and we were able to agree on a price the owners were happy with prior to auction – one that was at a higher level than other interested parties.”

B205/3 Brennan Street, Alexandria

David Carrozza’s sale of a dual-level contemporary apartment at B205/3 Brennan Street, Alexandria for $1.025m was a great example of clients heeding our advice and getting impressive results.

David comments, “C&H had been looking after the apartment for a long time and we knew the property well. As it was currently tenanted we suggested that it be sold vacant and we organised all of the necessary pre-sale works, from cleaning and painting to new floor coverings and staging.

While there was another apartment on the market at the same time with the same layout in the complex, we were able to engage with a buyer who was looking for an immediate negotiation and purchase. Even though she put forward an offer on the other apartment, we were able to get a deal done swiftly to help her secure the property. She commented that she preferred dealing with us due to the transparency around the sales process.”

Preparing your property for sale

It’s what we do behind the scenes all day every day that matters most 

At Cobden & Hayson, we’ve sold over 12,000 homes and with that level of experience we know how to expertly present your home and elevate it to another level. With our signature care and personal touch, we’re always eager to roll up our sleeves and get involved. From advice on minor and major renovations to working with professional, effective and cost-efficient tradespeople, architects, builders, florists, stylists and cleaners our team has the resources to enhance your home and maximise your investment. Need some advice? Call us today.