River House Repeat
When 731 Main Street Bennington closed this fall, it was Jenifer's 3rd time selling it in as many years! How is that possible!? Why did it keep changing hands?
The First Sale
The first time 731 Main St was was listed it was by another firm for sellers who had owned the house for 15+ years. They were ready to simplify their life by selling all of their rental properties. Jenifer brought in the buyers, who owned The Harwood Hill, a local pet-friendly motel who saw the need first-hand for longer-term stays but couldn't accommodate them with their existing guest rooms. The buyers updated the house with fresh colors on the interior and exterior, added character and consistency with trim details, and furnished it for the sophisticated traveler. They experienced a strong demand immediately and made it a profitable venture! After some changes within their business, they decided to focus on their one campus, so it was time to sell!
The Second Sale
Jenifer listed and sold it to the next buyer, a mature professional who worked in the suburbs of NYC. He closed just as the pandemic hit Vermont, and invited friends and family to stay often as a refuge from city life. He replaced the roof, installed vinyl plank flooring throughout the main floor, and created a private backyard oasis. The new fence/gate, crushed stone patio, raised garden beds, and overlook to the river below added so much value to this cozy abode.
Third Time’s a Charm
When a job prospect took him overseas, Jenifer listed and sold it to the third buyer, a couple from the Midwest whose daughter needed housing as a new college student. They had driven to New England for a whirlwind weekend of college tours, and Bennington came out on top! The couple saw the For Sale sign on the adorable "River House" during the Bennington Battle Day parade. Jenifer had strategically installed this the day before, knowing it would generate a lot of interest with all the extra traffic downtown. Even though she was in the middle of a project at home, she recognized the buyer’s time crunch and made the showing happen within the hour.
Now here’s where the story gets funny. After showing the family through the house, Jenifer and Matt sat at the patio table to discuss his offer… then, out of the blue, another buyer popped around the fence, expressing her sincere interest and asking to see the house. Jenifer politely explained that she was in the middle of a showing, but encouraged the potential buyer to wait on the front porch and she would show it to her shortly. Even though Jenifer had been explaining the intensity of the market and that this would sell quickly, Matt was shocked and asked “is that your mother? Did you pay her to do that?!” Lol. Jenifer could not have timed this better if she’d tried!
Both buyers submitted very strong offers. Matt and Michelle’s daughter needed early occupancy (which meant additional rental income for a few weeks) and wanted to buy it furnished (less hassle for the seller) so they won in this competitive situation. We sold for over asking price and closed within 30 days. It was the perfect spot for their daughter to live independently and witness all that downtown Bennington has to offer!
