How a Strategic Pivot Delivered Top Dollar at 1613 Shirley Avenue in Los Altos, CA

Some sales stand out because of the shift in strategy required to achieve the highest possible price. Our sale at 1613 Shirley Avenue in Los Altos is a great example of how the right pivot can completely change the outcome for a seller. It is a sale shaped by experience, confidence, and willingness to adjust the plan the moment there is a better path forward.

This property sits in a quiet pocket overlooking the fourth fairway of the Los Altos Golf and Country Club, a neighborhood we know well and one that buyers consistently watch. The lot is unusually large for the area, with room for future possibilities, yet the home itself is also comfortable, refreshed, and move-in ready. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and an easy single-level layout, it blends everyday comfort with long-term potential. That combination is rare, and it gave us several different ways to approach the sale.

^{In luxury markets such as Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, and Palo Alto, thoughtful preparation and polished presentation are essential to appeal to a highly discerning buyer audience.}

But having a special property and getting the best possible result are two different things. In a shifting market, as top Los Altos realtors, we know that timing and strategy are just as important as presentation. For this home, knowing how buyers were acting and recognizing the right moment to pivot made all the difference. What began as an off-market opportunity soon became a full open-market launch, and that decision helped us secure a fantastic outcome for our sellers. The home ultimately received multiple offers, and our sellers accepted an all-cash offer with no contingencies. After just twelve days on the market and a fast close, this Los Altos home sold for $100,000+ over the asking price.

Here is how we prepared, repositioned, and guided this sale to achieve a result our clients were thrilled with.

Step One: A Strategic Off-Market Approach

Given the impressive lot size and the potential to build three future homes, our first thought was to position this property for builders. Los Altos has limited land opportunities, and parcels of this magnitude are increasingly rare. Builders regularly monitor off-market activity to secure long-term projects, and this property had many of the characteristics that appeal to them.

Our off-market strategy generated immediate attention. We received several offers, a clear sign that the property was desirable and positioned correctly for that audience. At the same time, the offers did not quite reach the threshold we believed this Los Altos property deserved. We had confidence that the open market would deliver a higher price and stronger terms by appealing to end-users who would appreciate both the current livability of the home and the future possibilities of the land.

This moment is where expert experience becomes essential. It can be tempting to take early offers, especially when they arrive off-market. But our team always prioritizes what is truly best for the client, not just what is quick. After reviewing the numbers, the comps, the buyer pool, and the property characteristics, we advised our clients that a pivot in strategy could produce better results.

Our clients trusted our perspective, and together we mapped out the next chapter of the plan.

^{If your home is in a highly desirable area like Los Altos, you may receive early offers, but oftentimes these offers would not be at the level of offer your home could receive with strategic representation.}

Step Two: Repositioning the Property for an End-User Audience

The home was already attractive, but we saw an opportunity to increase its appeal with targeted cosmetic improvements. These were not large-scale renovations. Instead, they were thoughtful, strategic updates designed to help buyers imagine themselves living comfortably in the space on day one.

We refreshed the interior with a clean, modern paint palette. We replaced select light fixtures to brighten key rooms and bring a more current feel to the home. We repainted the kitchen cabinets to create a cohesive look that photographs beautifully and shows even better in person. With a few well-planned changes, the home felt fresh, inviting, and ready for its next chapter. The best Los Altos real estate agents know which enhancements deliver the best return for your investment!

Next, we staged the home in a style that aligned with the preferences we see most often among Los Altos buyers. The staging brought warmth, charm, and a sense of atmosphere that helps buyers fall in love with both the home, views, and the land it sits on.

Once the property was ready, we transitioned to the next phase: full open market exposure.

^{You don't always need major renovations to achieve a great sales price; minor updates like fresh paint, kitchen updates, and fresh light fixtures can make a home feel new.}

Step Three: Bringing the Home to Market with a Comprehensive Plan

We launched an intentional, high-visibility marketing campaign designed to attract end users, builders, investors, and agents who have active clients in Los Altos. Social media, email marketing, website, direct mail, and more, if you were looking for Los Altos real estate at the time (or even if you weren’t!), you knew that 1613 Shirley Avenue was ready for its next owners.

The broker tour received strong professional feedback, with many agents commenting on the combination of lot size, view location, and the refreshed presentation of the home. Our two open houses were well attended and generated great energy from buyers. Digital engagement for the home was impressive and demonstrated significant interest in this beautiful piece of Los Altos real estate. Private showing requests were plenty!

Cultivating this interest both before and after the official listing date drove momentum that helped us create a competitive environment, and competitive environments almost always lead to stronger outcomes for the seller. Which we love!

^{Every home has a story, and thoughtful marketing ensures that story reaches the widest and most qualified audience possible.}

Step Four: Negotiating the Best Possible Terms

When the offers arrived, our priority was clear. We wanted the highest price, the strongest terms, and the smoothest possible closing timeline for our clients.

Because the property had been carefully positioned and marketed, we received multiple offers. This allowed us to negotiate confidently and strategically. The offer we ultimately accepted was above list price at $4.3M, all cash, with no contingencies and a fast closing timeline. These are the kinds of terms that protect sellers from uncertainty and provide peace of mind throughout the final stages of the transaction. In a market where buyers often look for reasons to walk away, advocating for solid terms helps protect our sellers and strengthen their outcome.

The entire sale took only twelve days on the market. In the context of a shifting market environment, this kind of result reflects both the strength of the property and the precision of the strategy behind the sale.

^{The best Los Altos real estate agents know that negotiation isn't just about getting the highest price; it's also about protecting their clients and making sure that deals cross the finish line successfully.}

Why This Sale Matters in Los Altos Today

Los Altos remains one of the most desirable residential communities in the region. Top-rated schools, a vibrant downtown, a strong sense of community, excellent access to Stanford and nearby tech campuses, and a wide range of parks and recreation options continue to attract buyers seeking long-term stability and lifestyle quality. Within this context, high-quality homes and large parcels consistently command attention.

The sale of 1613 Shirley Avenue demonstrates what is possible when a property is handled with expertise, creativity, and market awareness. The ability to adjust strategies mid-process is often what separates a good result from a great one.

At first glance, it might appear that an off-market offer would be the simplest route. In reality, understanding when to pivot to the open market can make a significant difference in both price and terms. For this property, the combination of thoughtful preparation, strategic repositioning, and strong negotiating delivered an outcome that exceeded expectations.

^{Our 45+ combined years of real estate experience allow us to provide our clients with the absolute highest quality of service.}

A Team Approach to Exceptional Results

We are incredibly proud of this sale and of the trust our clients placed in us. Every home is different, and every client has unique goals. Our job is to understand both and to create a plan that leads to the best possible outcome.

The sale of 1613 Shirley Avenue stands as a strong example of how experience, communication, and adaptability create success. It also reflects what we strive to deliver every day for our clients throughout Los Altos. Whether preparing a property for the market, positioning it to the right audience, or negotiating a final offer, we bring a level of care and strategy designed to achieve the strongest possible results.

If you are considering selling your home in Los Altos or the surrounding area, or if you are beginning to plan your next move, our team is here to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

Find Your Home in Los Altos

Kiersten Ligeti | 650.766.8319 | LIC. #01298631

Patricia Karoubi | 650.868.4565 | LIC. #01396914

The Agency Los Altos