Real Clients, Real Solutions

Case studies

Three Very Different Clients With Varied Real Estate Goals And Aspirations.

1. A Couple’s Pursuit Of A Dream Life In Europe

Their story

Peter and Magdalena, a retired couple ready for their next adventure, faced the challenge of selling their penthouse to kickstart their dream life in Europe. The one thing standing in the way of this dream was selling their penthouse at a price that would allow them to live the same lifestyle in Europe as what they had become accustom to. Focused on realizing their dream, they initially enlisted the help of another broker. But after six long months with no serious visits, little interest, and zero offers, frustration set in. What began with excitement started to turned into frustration, as their dream of moving forward felt increasingly more and more out of reach.

When I first met Peter and Magdalena, their disappointment was evident, but so was their resolve. They were looking for a broker who could uncover what was holding their sale back to craft a plan that would overcome that and ultimately, turn things around. First, I listened to what they had to say, then I worked on finding solutions by asking myself some important questions. What could I do differently? What did the last broker overlook? My job was not just to re-list the property, but to identify what the previous broker had missed and start from there.

That’s when they decided to work with me.

The strategy

This penthouse in the town of Mount-Royal was a beautiful property. It had large volumes, an inviting and functional layout and views you would expect living in a penthouse. It had a lot going for itself and basically, I knew that nothing would be gained from focusing on the good stuff. I had to focus on what were this property’s perceived weaknesses to try to present them in a different light and craft a narrative that would make potential buyers fall in love with every aspect of the property, even its quirks. And the one drawback it had, was the location. This penthouse was located in a part of the town of Mount-Royal that was

considered less desirable. However, by speaking with Peter and Magdalena, it was clear that they loved this neighbourhood and that we could use that to sell it to the rest of the world and make the area the starting point of our selling strategy. If I could highlight the neighbourhood and attract people to all it had to offer, they would then fall in love the property nestled within it.

With this new strategy in place, I hit the ground running.

The results and why it matters

In just three weeks, we achieved what hadn’t been possible in over six months. We secured a showing that resulted in an offer. Though the offer came in low, it was a starting point. Over the next eight days, I negotiated relentlessly with the collaborating broker. Negotiating wasn’t just about numbers, it was about bridging the gap between the buyers’ expectations and Peter and Magdalena’s goals. Finally, we landed on a price and closing terms that made everyone happy.

For Peter and Magdalena, selling their penthouse was the start to joyful new chapter. For me who loves a good challenge, it was a chance to prove that every property has its perfect buyer.

Some might call it luck. I call it the power of a solid plan, sharp execution, and embracing the opportunity to turn every challenge into a success story.

Some numbers

  • 32 days on the market
  • 1 visits
  • 1 offer
  • 1 of the highest sold price for a penthouse in the town of Mount-Royal in the past 5 years

2. A Mission, Not Just A Sale

Their story

Carla and Martin had a clear goal, but their circumstances presented unique challenges. From the moment they reached out, they were honest about the fact that they were navigating a divorce which is a situation that’s never easy and often emotionally charged. They were also very honest about the fact that they needed to maximize the profit from the sale to settle outstanding debts and move forward with a sense of financial security.

I knew this wasn’t just about selling a property, it was about creating a solution that worked for both of them during a difficult time. So, I asked them: “What can I do to ensure the sale meets both of your expectations and provides the best possible outcome for each of you?”

And so, they interviewed me along with two other brokers. Because I listened to their concerns and understood their priorities they chose to work with me.

The strategy

Taking on this mandate, I knew right away that it wouldn’t be an easy process. Selling at a higher price point requires more than just listing a property, it demands strategy, resilience, and a commitment to the long game. To achieve their goal, we understood that the property would need to stay on the market longer, requiring patience and persistence. There would be more showings to coordinate, and countless questions from potential buyers that would demand thoughtful, detailed responses.

From the start, I prepared my clients for what lay ahead. I made it clear that reaching their desired outcome wouldn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy and unwavering determination, it was within reach. For me, this wasn’t just about selling a property, it was about being a partner in their journey, ensuring that every step we took was deliberate and aligned with their goals. I was ready to put in the work, to meet every challenge head-on, and to see this through to a successful conclusion. Together, we embraced the process, knowing that the reward would be worth every ounce of effort.

The results and why it matters

For Carla and Martin, this sale represented far more than just a transaction, it was a pivotal moment to bring a sense of relief and hope to an otherwise difficult chapter in their lives. Their home wasn’t just a property, it was a symbol of the life they had built together, and letting it go carried emotional weight. Achieving the right outcome was essential, not only for financial stability but also for their peace of mind as they looked to move forward.

At this point, my role as their broker transcended the usual responsibilities. It became a mission rooted in empathy and determination. I wasn’t just helping them sell a house, I was guiding them through a transition that held immense significance. Every step of the process, from crafting the right strategy to negotiating the best possible outcome, was approached with their goals and emotions in mind. Their success wasn’t just a professional goal for me, it was a commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Some numbers

  • 98 days on the market
  • 23 visits
  • 2 offer
  • Sold less *0.72% below asking price *The industry average is 4-5% below asking price

3. Finally Sold! A Perfect Fit For Morteza And Kendall

Some numbers

  • 90 days on the market
  • 28 visits
  • 1 offer
  • Sold less *2% below asking price *The industry average is 4-5% below asking price

Their story

Kendall and Morteza had always taken pride in their investment property. After putting in countless hours of hard work and resources to restore it, they had transformed it into a home that truly reflected their dedication and vision. However, life presented them with a new priority, Kendall’s aging parent needed family nearby, and moving out of province was the only way she could offer the help and support needed.

They needed to ensure they would work with a real estate broker who got them a good return on all the effort and money they had invested in the restoration.

Determined to find the right partner for this sale, Kendall and Morteza took their time interviewing several brokers. They wanted someone who understood their goals and appreciated the true value of their property. When they chose me, it wasn’t just because of the valuation I provided, which was in line with what they believed their property was worth, but also because I understood their story and shared their commitment to achieving their goals.

The strategy

With their clear objectives in mind, we worked together to create a tailored strategy for the sale. We highlighted the features that made their property special, ensuring it would stand out to the right buyers. From staging and marketing to targeting the ideal audience, every step we took was designed to maximize the return they deserved.

To give their property the attention it deserved, I launched a comprehensive strategy. This included hosting open houses to attract interest, sending targeted mailings to brokers across Montreal, and conducting private showings for serious buyers. The listing was also boosted online, generating thousands of views and maximizing exposure.

The results and why it matters

We found a buyer who was the perfect fit, a couple searching for a turn-key investment property that aligned with their vision and goals.

For the buyers, it was the ideal opportunity to step into a well-maintained property with everything in place, ready to generate value from day one.

This wasn’t just another sale, it was a way to honor the hard work they had put into the property and to provide financial stability as they focused on caring for Kendall’s parent. For Kendall and Morteza, this was about more than a transaction, it was about making sure their past efforts set them up for a secure and hopeful future. And for me, helping them achieve this outcome reminded me once again why I love what I do, because every sale is more than a transaction, it’s a meaningful milestone in someone’s life story.

Work With

Karen

You need a broker who listens, moves fast, and gets it done. That's what I do.