The $20,000 Problem: How an Agent’s Contacts Saved a Client Thousands and Netted an Extra $169,800.

The story of 19 Novak Street, Everton Park – where a costly repair became the key to unlocking massive potential.

 

The Challenge:

For the owner of 19 Novak Street, selling their 8-year rental property felt like an uphill battle. The home was in poor condition, but one issue stood out: a leaking bathroom shower. The owner’s property managers were unable to find a tradesperson willing to simply repair it, and instead presented quotes for a full bathroom replacement costing up to $20,000. Faced with this huge expense on top of other necessary repairs, the owner was looking at an “as is” sale price appraised between $850,000 and $900,000.

The Hicks Real Estate Solution: A Network of Problem-Solvers

This is where an agent’s real-world connections make all the difference. Instead of accepting the exorbitant quote, Justin Hicks activated his trusted network of tradespeople cultivated over years in the building and real estate industries.

  • The $5,000 Fix: Justin engaged his own proven plumber and tiler who correctly diagnosed the issue. They performed a targeted, professional repair of the bathroom, solving the “unsolvable” problem for under $5,000—a staggering $15,000 saving for the client from the outset.
  • Strategic Reinvestment: With the major headache solved cost-effectively, the client confidently reinvested in other high-impact improvements recommended by Justin. This included:
    • A full internal repaint and repair of damaged walls ($15,000).
    • A comprehensive exterior high-pressure clean and landscaping tidy-up ($1,200).
  • Premium Presentation: The transformed property was then professionally staged and marketed to showcase its newfound appeal as a fresh, modern, and problem-free home.

The Phenomenal Result:

The strategic repairs and expert marketing paid off immediately. Buyers saw a turnkey property, not a project, leading to fierce competition.

  • Multiple Offers: The home was highly sought-after, attracting several strong offers.
  • Exceptional Sale Price: The property sold for $1,066,000, soaring past its original “as is” appraisal.

The Numbers Tell the Story:

  • “As Is” Appraisal: $850,000 – $900,000
  • Final Sale Price: $1,066,000
  • Increase in Property Value: $191,000 (from appraisal midpoint)
  • Client’s Total Renovation Spend: $21,200
  • Net Gain for the Client: $169,800

This result was only possible because the agent was a problem-solver first. By leveraging the right contacts to overcome a major hurdle, Justin saved the client thousands and paved the way for a hugely profitable sale.

Facing a property problem that feels too expensive to fix? Talk to the agent with the right contacts. Contact Justin Hicks today.

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