We engaged Sally Cameron from Toop & Toop to sell our 130-year-old character home in College Park, on a large block backing onto Linear Park. Sally had a reputation as a high-profile, award-winning, area-specialist agent. Her quoted price was significantly higher than other appraisals, but she was very confident it was achievable, and we trusted her expertise. She seemed convinced that the property would be purchased as a home, to be updated and reimagined, preserving its character, which we found reassuring. Sally’s services came at a premium, including a $40,000 preparation and styling package through her preferred providers, which we proceeded with on her strong recommendation. The campaign began with a “Best Offer By” approach, but even after this period ended, her agents, who did most of the open inspections, continued to quote the original higher price, despite consistent buyer feedback indicating that it was too high, as the property did require some updating. We were always open to offers at a lower price point,as evidenced by the first offer we accepted (that offer subsequently cooled off)and even suggested lowering the advertised price then. After three months on the market, the only offer we had received was from a developer, at $700,000 below the starting price, which Sally strongly encouraged us to accept. We were later disappointed to learn that at least one potential buyer who had viewed the property but had a lower budget, was reportedly not encouraged to submit an offer, which may have limited other genuine buyer interest. Other feedback was that there was no followup call. While Sally certainly has a strong ‘celebrity status’ in the area and a very confident approach, our experience was ultimately disappointing, both in terms of communication and outcome, leaving us feeling quite disillusioned. We have bought and sold many (over 40) properties over the years, but this was by far the most challenging and disappointing.
