CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
How I Turned a Neglected Riverfront Property into a High-Demand Sale
The story of how I exceeded my clients’ expectations by turning a “fixer-upper” into a bidding war favorite.
CASE STUDY
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How I Turned a Neglected Riverfront Property into a High-Demand Sale
Summary
A couple in their late fifties, both professionals—one in finance and the other an RCMP tech specialist—approached me to sell their riverfront property on the Rideau River, one of Ottawa’s most sought-after locations.
While the home boasted a prime setting and high-end interior upgrades like a Norwegian fireplace, years of neglect had taken a toll on the exterior and landscaping, impacting its overall appeal.
The couple found themselves in a tough financial spot after purchasing a century-old home in Osgoode during the COVID market surge, which they felt they had overpaid for. To recover from this, they needed to sell their riverfront home at a specific price to balance their finances and move forward.
With time and financial pressures mounting, I crafted a detailed plan to elevate the property’s presentation, attract serious buyers, and secure a profitable sale.
This is the story of how we transformed a neglected home into a high-demand listing that exceeded the sellers’ financial expectations.
The Challenge
The sellers needed to sell their riverfront home for at least $1.2 million—no less—because that price was crucial to their financial recovery. They were dissatisfied with their previous agent, so they turned to me with the expectation that I could not only meet but exceed their price target.
The property had its challenges.
While the location was prime, the house itself needed a lot of work. The landscaping was overgrown, and the overall curb appeal was lacking, which could easily deter potential buyers from seeing its true value.
This wasn’t just about putting the property on the market; it was about repositioning it to highlight its potential and attract buyers willing to pay top dollar.
On top of that, this was my highest-priced listing to date.
It was essential to find a way to make buyers see past the property’s initial impression and recognize the opportunity it presented—all while ensuring that we hit the sellers’ financial goal.
About Nicholas Crouch
I pride myself on being more than just a real estate agent—I’m a trusted advisor who is committed to helping my clients reach their real estate goals.
Empowering Consumers. Delivering Results.
My approach is built on honesty, transparency, and a keen attention to detail, ensuring a positive experience from start to finish.
I specialize in high-value residential properties, and I’m well-versed in the
Ottawa real estate market.
My clients appreciate my ability to anticipate challenges, identify investment potential, create winning strategies, and deliver results that exceed expectations.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home or selling a long-time family property, I’m dedicated to providing guidance and support every step of the way. Let’s work together to make your real estate dreams a reality!
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The Solution
The sellers found me through a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) post where I shared insights about real estate.
They appreciated my honest and straightforward communication style. After interviewing several agents, they decided I was the right fit because of my candid feedback and detailed plan to maximize their sale price.
I knew we needed a solid strategy that would make the property stand out and attract buyers willing to pay top dollar. My first step was to prioritize cost-effective improvements to boost the home’s appeal.
I took the lead on revitalizing the property, handling everything from coordinating landscapers to completing last-minute DIY projects. I even personally sourced and laid river stones in the yard just hours before the photoshoot to make sure everything looked perfect.
From there, I arranged for professional photography and staging to highlight the property’s best features, despite its rough condition. By focusing on showcasing the location and potential, we could shift buyers’ focus from what was lacking to what could be.
My hands-on approach and attention to detail ensured that the property was positioned in the best light possible for a successful sale.
The Implementation
I recommended pricing the home $20,000 below the sellers' target price to generate more interest and create a competitive environment.
This strategy was designed to attract a larger pool of buyers, and it worked perfectly. Within just two days of listing, the property saw over 60 showings. The buzz around the lower price point got serious buyers excited and eager to make an offer on a prime riverfront property.
The emotional and physical effort I put into preparing the home for sale, combined with the strategic pricing, set the stage for a fast-paced bidding war.
Even though I was away in Europe when the property hit the market, the groundwork I laid ensured everything went smoothly.
By the time I returned, the home was well on its way to a successful sale at a price that exceeded expectations.
Results
The property sold quickly, and not only did I meet the sellers’ minimum required price—I exceeded it.
Thanks to the competitive interest generated by the pricing strategy, the home sold above the asking price.
The couple was able to comfortably recoup their investment and move forward without the financial burden of their previous overpayment.
They were thrilled with the outcome and relieved to have achieved a sale that not only met but surpassed their financial goals.
Why They Chose To Work With Me
The couple chose to work with me because of my honest and straightforward approach. They saw me as a “straight shooter” in online real estate discussions and appreciated that I didn’t sugarcoat the challenges or offer vague advice.
My no-nonsense communication style stood out compared to other agents they interviewed.
They also valued my hands-on dedication. I wasn’t just giving recommendations; I was rolling up my sleeves and personally making sure the property was sale-ready—even if it meant handling landscaping tasks myself.
My willingness to go above and beyond showed them that I was fully invested in their success.
With a clear strategy, transparency, and a deep understanding of how to market a unique property, I was able to provide exactly what they needed for this high-stakes sale. To me, selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign—it’s about understanding the market, preparing the property with care, and executing the plan with precision.
Conclusion
This case proved that in high-value, time-sensitive property sales, it’s not just about location—it’s about having the right strategy, dedication, and execution.
By understanding both the market and the emotional journey of the sellers, I was able to exceed their expectations and help them move forward with confidence.
The success of the Shirley Avenue property sale not only met their financial needs but also established me as a trusted realtor in the Ottawa market.
This journey reinforced my belief that with the right approach, even the most challenging properties can achieve exceptional results.
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IMPORTANT: BUY OR SELL DISCLAIMER
All testimonials on this page are from real clients. Their experiences do not guarantee similar results. Individual results may vary based location, market conditions, motivation, as well as other unforeseen factors. Your results may vary.
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