Over the years, Curt had orchestrated numerous real estate deals for architectural clients. But now with that work having dried up because of the economic meltdown of 2008, he obtained his real estate license. His first deal as a REALTOR was a home in Monrovia in 2009, and the market was very tough at that time. The property, a Mid-Century design in an area dominated by Craftsman homes, posed unique challenges. Curt told the sellers that if they spent $12k on improvements, including new appliances, it could elevate the selling price to $900k - a full $100k more than any other agent had recommended. Curt would assist and guide them with getting the improvements done.
Older agents in his office doubted the price and stated that even if it sold for that amount, getting the appraisal and closing it for that was not likely. The sellers chose Curt as their agent and followed all his recommendations, which included painting and staging just the living room. He also rearranged the existing furniture and added a few pieces of his own.
During the first day of showings, one buyer stood out to Curt and he approached her and asked questions about what she was looking for, how she liked the house, etc. She said her agent was very experienced and knew the home well and he had dissuaded her from viewing the home as he remembered it as old and undesirable. But she loved the house and said it looked like it was a great house, the perfect home for them. The home garnered multiple offers from the very first day of showings. The buyer who had stood out to Curt did make an offer that same day, but it was $25k below the asking price.
Curt recommended to the sellers that they counter back at the full price. He felt this was the best buyer and he had watched them carefully. The buyer had expressed that her husband was getting bonuses from a new Toy Story movie and knew they really wanted the home. When their 'experienced' agent received the counteroffer, he flipped and called Curt right away. He said, “I know you are new, so I’ll tell you how this usually works - the proper Counter would be to split the difference, at the most.” Curt told the buyer’s agent that the sellers were retiring and that half would be a meaningful amount to them. Whereas the buyers had the money, were making the money, and more than that, he had watched and spoken to the buyers and knew they wanted the house, very badly. Perhaps if he hadn't spoken to them and learned so much about them, he would not know that they would pay full price. In fact, he was lucky the price didn't go up!
Curt also warned him that there were multiple offers, so don't ask for any unnecessary demands from the home inspection. Plus, because of his expertise as an architect and general contractor, he would know if the requests were not warranted, and if that seemed to be the case, the sellers would quickly switch to another buyer.
The buyers accepted the full-price counter, and Curt accompanied the appraiser to demonstrate the home's value and all the home inspectors. The property closed at the full listing price.
This level of service and performance, combining his architectural and construction expertise, surpasses what discount real estate apps and regular agents can provide. Not only was this a successful deal for the sellers, it was Curt's very first sale as a REALTOR! Since then, he has accumulated many additional years of experience to further enhance his skills and value.
