Hoppers Crossing seller gains $45k ditching off-market sale

This Hoppers Crossing home sold for $728,000 after ditching an off-market campaign for a full advertising blitz.

A Melbourne family who almost sold their long-time home off-market have walked away $45,000 richer.

The move was thanks to a full-blown campaign that drew a flurry of offers and sealed the deal just days after hitting the market.

The owners of 81 Birchwood Boulevard, Hoppers Crossing, had spent 27 years raising their kids in the three-bedroom home before making the emotional decision to sell, and initially tested the waters off-market with another agency.

But when early offers failed to stack up, they handed the reins to Hockingstuart Werribee’s Justin Tong, and the results were swift.

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“It was off-market for about a month and they were only receiving offers up to $680,000,” Mr Tong said.

“We launched a full advertising campaign, had 14 groups through at the first open, received three written offers and sold it on the Sunday.”

The property ultimately sold for $728,000, and Mr Tong said the sellers couldn’t have been happier.

“They were ecstatic, really happy they chose the advertised approach,” he said.

“It ended up getting them $45,000 more than what they were being offered previously, so they were definitely pleased.”

A central kitchen comes equipped with a breakfast bar, gas cooktop and ample storage.

Natural light floods the main living area, which flows to the backyard via sliding doors.

According to property records, the home last sold for $124,000 in 1997, marking a more than five-fold increase over the family’s near three-decade ownership.

And it wasn’t just a standout for sentiment.

The result also outpaced the local median, with the latest PropTrack data showing the median house price in Hoppers Crossing is now $630,000, up 4.1 per cent over the past year.

The red brick residence sits on a substantial 730sq m block and features multiple living areas, a spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, and a huge pergola designed for entertaining, complete with ceiling fan, potbelly stove and room to dine alfresco no matter the season.

The spacious main bedroom includes a bay window, ensuite and wall-to-wall robes.

A huge covered pergola delivers year-round entertaining space with a potbelly stove and ceiling fan.

A lush, tree-lined backyard adds to the home’s tranquil appeal, while rare gated side access and a double garage make it a standout for tradies, hobbyists or families needing extra space.

Mr Tong said letting go was bittersweet for the vendors, who raised their children there and had deep roots in the neighbourhood.

“It was an emotional sale for them, but they’re downsizing and making a tree change to the Otways, so it’s also an exciting next chapter,” he said.

The family bathroom features a walk-in shower, full-width mirror and modern finishes.

Multiple living zones give families room to spread out, relax or entertain with ease.

The Hockingstuart Werribee director said while off-market campaigns had grown in popularity, sellers should think twice before skipping open inspections.

“Some buyers are trying to avoid competition, they want to secure something without going head-to-head at open homes or auctions,” Mr Tong said.

“But that’s exactly why I don’t recommend off-market selling for most vendors. You risk leaving money on the table.”

“The reality is, the best buyer for your property might not be working with the agent you’ve initially chosen.

“If you’re not putting your home in front of the entire marketplace, you’re limiting your chances of getting the best result.”

Casual meals are made easy thanks to the wraparound bench and generous kitchen layout.

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