When $150K Turns Into $700K: Burlingame Hills Pre-Sale Investment Success Story
I wanted to share a story that perfectly captures why taking on a challenge can lead to incredible results.
A Burlingame Hills Property With Incredible Potential
I recently worked with a Burlingame Hills property that had incredible bones but needed some attention. When we walked through, the location was phenomenal and the house had great character, with some of the best views I've ever seen and a fantastic floor plan that's hard to find in a one-level home.
Our clients were unsure what the best path forward was. Should they just do inspections and disclose everything as-is or consider investing more into the house to help it look as best as possible visually, but also under the hood? I felt they should consider investing more to maximize its potential.
The Challenges We Faced
But there were definitely some projects ahead:
Termite issues to address
Sewer lateral needed updating (which was a major project)
Interior could use a fresh look
Radiant heat system needed some TLC
Pest control to handle
Many real estate agents would've suggested listing the home immediately and letting buyers figure it out.
Why We Invested in Pre-Sale Home Improvements Instead
In my experience working with Peninsula buyers, I know exactly what they value. We could've gotten multiple offers as-is, and without any updates, the property value was probably around $2.5 to $2.7 million. There was value as-is.
But I could see what this place could become with the right approach.
Our Upgrade Plan
We invested $150K to address everything thoughtfully.
What we upgraded:
New hardwood flooring throughout
Fresh paint interior and exterior
New sewer lateral installation
Updated lighting fixtures
Fully functional radiant heat system
Significant landscaping refresh, including opening up the view
Professional pest management
Everything was done right. Our team put together a budget, obtained estimates from trusted vendors, and coordinated all the work while our clients were several time zones away, so they didn't have to lift a finger.
The Results: From $2.5M to $3.4M
We just closed at $3.4 million.
That $150K investment generated 10 offers and created a $700K+ premium over the as-is value. Plus, both the seller and the buyer gained confidence knowing everything was handled professionally.
Why First Impressions Matter in Real Estate Marketing
I see it all the time, homes come on the market with minimal to no presentation, and buyers make judgments based on photos and price. If either of those two elements isn't aligned, they won't spend the time to see the property.
First impressions are extremely important. Even in a market with low inventory, it's crucial to get people excited about your listing. Only about half of homes actually sell over the asking price, despite what everyone says. You need to generate real competition.
When Does Pre-Sale Investment Make Sense?
This is my third successful Burlingame Hills sale recently, and each one reinforces something important: properties with potential often offer the most significant opportunities. It just takes the right strategy and execution to unlock that value.
Not every situation calls for this approach, but when the numbers make sense, the results can be remarkable.
The key is knowing which improvements will generate real competition among buyers versus which are simply nice to have.
Questions to Ask Before Investing in Pre-Sale Improvements:
What is the as-is market value versus the potential improved value?
Which improvements will generate the highest ROI?
How will strategic updates affect buyer perception and competition?
Can the work be coordinated efficiently without seller involvement?
What is the current inventory level and buyer demand in your market?
The Value of Professional Project Coordination
One of the biggest advantages our clients had was not needing to manage contractors, estimates, or timelines themselves. Our team:
Vetted and selected trusted vendors with proven track records
Coordinated all work schedules and inspections
Ensured all work met quality standards before listing
This full-service approach meant our clients, who lived several time zones away, could focus on their lives while we maximized the value of their property.
Seller Testimonial: Mary T.'s Experience
"Partnering with Raziel and his excellent team on the sale of our Burlingame home was an outstandingly positive experience. In researching listing agents for our home sale, we were impressed with how buyers and sellers praised Raziel's knowledge, skills, passion for the work, integrity, and commitment to ensuring that his clients met their goals and had a great experience.
Raziel and his team surpassed our high expectations. He listened carefully to our needs and concerns and crafted a thoughtful and customized plan for our property. Raziel brought in a team of highly experienced and creative professionals and smoothly choreographed the updates, repairs, and enhancements that we wanted ahead of our property going on the market.
When a work estimate seemed high, Raziel and his team researched and evaluated other options. This extra effort saved us considerable funds. The quality of work by all the professionals Raziel works with was superb, including painting, electrical, flooring, staging, landscaping, and plumbing.
All along the way, Raziel clearly put our interests above his, checking in with us frequently and communicating clearly. Selling our home of 25 years was both a huge personal and financial step for us, and it was a true luxury to not have concerns at any time throughout the months-long process. That was due to Raziel's extensive experience with all steps in the process, as well as his integrity. All members of his team reflected those same values, demonstrating care and thought and hard work as though it was their own property.
When it came to marketing the home, Raziel's strategy was highly effective, and we were extremely pleased with the process and the outcome he was able to secure for us. His negotiation skills and his excellent reputation and relationships within his profession were crucial for the quick and successful sale of our property. Thank you, Raziel, Emily, Angilee, and Jenny!"
— Mary T., Seller
Should You Invest in Pre-Sale Improvements?
If you've got a property with potential, or you're wondering about strategic improvements before selling, I'd love to chat. Sometimes what looks like a project is actually an opportunity.
The key is having an experienced agent who can:
Accurately assess as-is versus improved market value
Create a realistic budget and timeline
Coordinate trusted vendors and quality work
Market the property effectively to generate competition
Negotiate to maximize your final sale price
Not every home requires a significant investment before listing. But when the numbers make sense, and the potential is there, the results can be amazing.
Raziel
This article is copyrighted by Raziel Ungar and may not be reproduced or copied without express written permission.
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