Case Study: 2409 Spurgeon Ave — Out of Sight, Fully Dialed In

When a beloved family home becomes a long-term rental and the owners are living thousands of miles away, selling can feel more like a leap of faith than a transaction. That was the case with 2409 Spurgeon Ave—a one-of-a-kind property in North Redondo Beach that hadn’t been seen by the sellers in years. With trust, thoughtful prep, and the right pricing strategy, we transformed this emotionally complex sale into a full-price success.
Quick Stats
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Craftsmanship | Reclaimed barn wood floors from the 1800s and vintage wood beams from an old church |
Backyard | Mature fruit trees, custom planter boxes, large patio space ideal for entertaining |
Floor Plan | Open-concept with seamless indoor-outdoor flow |
Location | Quiet street in North Redondo Beach, minutes from the beach, parks, top-rated schools, and local shops |
Renovation | Thoughtfully expanded and updated by the seller himself |
Challenges
-
The home had been a rental for over a decade, and the sellers—now based in Mexico City—hadn’t laid eyes on it in years. One tenant was experiencing Alzheimer’s, adding layers of emotional care to any move-out plans.
-
The sellers initially resisted the idea that the home needed substantial prep work, due to both sticker shock and sentimentality.
-
They also hoped for a high sale price and a quick escrow—goals that often conflict, especially in a shifting market.
Seller Context
- Out-of-country sellers living in Mexico City and working as full-time volunteers.
- Had not occupied or visited the home in over a decade and handled the entire sale remotely.
Solution: From Remote Resistance to Full Buy-In
-
Gathered multiple vendor bids to help the sellers understand current California costs and secure strong pricing.
-
Earned their trust to move forward with full interior and exterior painting, landscaping upgrades, decluttering, and staging.
-
Managed prep while respecting the tenants’ situation, forgoing “before” photos to maintain dignity and privacy.
-
Strategically educated the sellers on the risks of overpricing in the current market, ultimately aligning on a competitive list price.
Results
-
Listed at $1,649,000 and sold at full asking price after just 17 days on marketAgent-Detail-Full.
-
Attracted immediate interest and secured an offer with strong terms and a quick closing timeline.
-
During repairs, negotiated a 50% reduction in buyer requests—delivering a welcome surprise for the sellers and maximizing their net.