A true diamond in the rough! We recently sold a charming 1930s Burlingame home off-market, receiving several preemptive offers that wowed both us and our clients. After over 40 years of ownership, our clients were ready to pass their beloved home to the next generation, fully aware it needed some improvements. As we began carefully preparing the property, we also quietly introduced it to our professional network. Without any seller renovations, the home attracted multiple preemptive offers that far surpassed the seller's expectations in price and terms—a heartwarming and unforgettable way to close out the year. We are the Kiersten Ligeti & Patricia Karoubi Team at The Agency Los Altos, and we love making magic happen for our clients! Let us take you behind the scenes of how it all came together.
1140 BERNAL AVENUE, BURLINGAME
SOLD OFF-MARKET WITH MULTIPLE PREEMPTIVE OFFERS
Uncovering Hidden Gems
Sometimes, a property surprises us in the most delightful ways. That was the case with 1140 Bernal Avenue. As we prepared the house for sale, we discovered stunning parquet hardwood floors hidden beneath the well-worn carpets. Pulling up a corner of the old carpet was all it took to reveal these timeless floors. Their intricate design and pristine condition turned what may have been perceived as a dated home into a property with undeniable character and charm.
With this discovery, we quickly removed all the carpets throughout the home, letting the beauty of the hardwood floors shine as the focal point. This single yet impactful update breathed new life into the house, setting the stage for what would become a standout sale.
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A Fresh Canvas
While the hardwood floors were a showstopper, other aspects of the home needed attention. The house, lovingly maintained but filled with decades of personal belongings, had become more of a museum than a modern living space.
Clearing out personal items was our first step, transforming the property into a blank canvas where potential buyers could imagine their lives unfolding. We cleared out several pieces of heavy furniture, thoroughly deep-cleaned, and carefully packed and removed the remaining personal belongings with thoughtfulness and efficiency. Finally, we removed the heavy drapes that had obscured natural light, allowing the home's classic architecture and inviting atmosphere to take center stage.
Off-Market Strategy
One of the unique aspects of this sale was the decision to offer 1140 Bernal Avenue off-market. Few people realize that during the holiday season, about 30% of homes sell off-market. Whether it’s Atherton neighborhoods, exclusive homes in Los Altos Hills, or the most desirable areas in Burlingame — there are always buyers looking for a way into these coveted markets.
We added this home to our exclusive inventory of off-market offerings and began quietly marketing it to our curated network of real estate professionals. This strategy allows us to connect motivated buyers with unique properties before they even hit the broader market, creating an air of exclusivity and urgency.
Within a short period, we received two preemptive offers that exceeded the seller's expectations in both price and terms. Most importantly, these offers came without the seller having to invest in costly renovations or a public listing process, making the sale efficient and highly rewarding.
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Why Off-Market Sales Work
The success of 1140 Bernal Avenue underscores the advantages of off-market sales, particularly during the holiday season. Buyers searching during this time are often highly motivated, and the exclusivity of off-market listings adds to the appeal. By leveraging our professional network and carefully curating the presentation of the property, we created a win-win scenario for both our sellers and the eventual buyers. Remember, at any given time in Silicon Valley and the Peninsula, there are highly qualified buyers with considerable net worth and disposable income looking to make a deal. Whether they are looking in Palo Alto neighborhoods, for real estate in Los Altos, or for luxury homes in Atherton, they are always out there!
Takeaways for Sellers
For homeowners considering selling their property, especially those with older homes that may need updates, the story of 1140 Bernal Avenue offers several key takeaways:
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Hidden Potential: Don’t underestimate the value of what’s already there. Sometimes, the most impactful actions are the simplest—like uncovering parquet hardwood floors.
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Strategic Minimalism: You don’t always need a full-scale renovation to attract buyers. Thoughtful, minimal changes can make a significant difference without breaking the bank.
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The Power of Networks: Working with experienced agents (like us 😉) who have access to robust professional networks can open doors to opportunities you might not find through traditional listing methods.
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Timing Matters: The holiday season, often perceived as a slower period in real estate, can be an opportune time to sell. With many holiday-season sales happening off-market, this period offers unique advantages for both buyers and sellers.
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Tailored Marketing: Every home has its own story and audience. A personalized approach to marketing—whether on or off the market—ensures the property reaches the right buyers.
Ready to Write Your Home’s Next Chapter?
If you’re considering selling your home and want to explore the benefits of an off-market strategy or discuss how to maximize your property’s value, let’s connect. Whether your home is a mid-century modern masterpiece in Los Altos Hills or a charming classic like 1140 Bernal Avenue in Burlingame, we’re here to help uncover its full potential and ensure a seamless, successful sale.
Our sale at 1140 Bernal Avenue is proof that every home has a story waiting to be told, and with the right guidance, that story can end with a spectacular result.
Are you looking for a top Atherton, Los Altos Hills, or Los Altos realtor at The Agency? Follow Kiersten Ligeti and Patricia Karoubi Team luxury realtors for an exclusive look at Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton properties and more.
Kiersten Ligeti | 650.766.8319 | LIC. #01298631
Patricia Karoubi | 650.868.4565 | LIC. #01396914
The Agency Los Altos
