The home: A three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhouse built in 1999
Where: Roswell
Why she sold: Tobia and her late husband, Louis, bought the Crabapple Commons townhouse when it was new. She wanted to transition into a new phase of her life by downsizing into Sterling Estates, a senior living community in Marietta.
Time on market: 67 days
Original price: $259,900
Sale price: $252,500
What it took: Tobia's agent, Ed Robeson with Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta, first walked through the house. The open floor plan, end-unit location and overall cleanliness of the home were positive features that helped the property sell quickly, he said. Robeson suggested potential changes, such as removing furniture and staging the house, although repairs were not needed. Tobia stored some of her belongings in a family member's garage, but kept enough to stage the home.
The home’s features also included a two-car garage, a formal dining room, a fireplace in the great room, and a breakfast bar, pantry and island in the kitchen. The master was on the main level, with the other bedrooms and a loft upstairs.
“I felt my house was appealing and it should sell. It would not sell for the price that I paid for it, but everyone was in the same position,” Tobia said.
Robeson also worked with a professional photographer to shoot photos for the online listing and other ads. Potential buyers could call a phone number on the “for sale” sign to hear a recorded message about the home.
Potential stumbling block: Tobia desired to sell the home fully furnished, since she did not need to furnish her one-bedroom, one-bath unit at Sterling Estates. Although the buyer chose not to buy the furniture, that didn't affect the sale. Tobia passed down furniture and other items to her children and grandchildren.
Seller's hint: Use your furniture to stage the home and help potential buyers envision themselves there. The dining room was set up in preparation of a meal, with plates and silverware on the table.
