Daniel Mark has sold a four-bedroom house at 36 Moani Street, Eleebana, for $1.31 million via private treaty after a nine-week campaign centred on strategic pre-market renovations.
The property had been vacant for several months when Daniel took on the listing. His advice to the vendors was clear: invest in presentation before going live. That meant bathroom renovations, interior and exterior paint, electrical upgrades, and, most significantly, converting the former double garage into an internal living area with a large bay window overlooking Lake Macquarie.
The feature that stuck
The garage conversion became the standout talking point at inspections. Buyers consistently commented on the fresh feel throughout the home, particularly the upgraded bathrooms, but it was the lake-view living area that captured attention.
“The biggest renovation that was mostly talked about by buyers was the bathrooms, but also just how fresh everything felt,” Daniel said.
“The upgraded bay window, which was the old double garage renovated into another internal living area with a large bay window overlooking the lake, was a big hit for buyers.”
The campaign attracted 52 buyers through the property over nine weeks. Only one group made an offer—a local family already living in the Lake Macquarie area, upsizing from their current home to start a family with more space.
The negotiation challenge
The buyers returned for multiple inspections before committing. When they did make an offer, the negotiation took three to four days and involved more than just price.
A faulty drainage pipe at the rear pool required repair and maintenance. Daniel had to navigate who would pay for the work, keeping both parties at the table while managing their expectations around price and terms.
“The key was to keep the negotiations moving, getting the right price that both the vendors and the purchasers could agree upon, but also make sure that the terms and conditions surrounding that price offer was also agreeable for both sides,” Daniel said.
The buyers ultimately agreed to complete the pool repairs, and the vendors, who had already invested significant time and effort into the property and surrounding landscape, were relieved to see it all come together.
The trade-off
Daniel acknowledged the biggest challenge with the sale: converting the garage to living space meant the property had no parking. It was a trade-off that gave the home a stunning feature but removed practical car storage – a consideration he navigated honestly with buyers throughout the campaign.
What the market is doing
Eleebana is an established family suburb on the western shore of Lake Macquarie, about 15 kilometres south of Newcastle. The area offers strong school performance, lakeside recreation, and proximity to Warners Bay’s retail and dining precinct.
Daniel said the market has been volatile since major policy changes in the May budget, but confidence is returning.
“The dust is settling since those changes, and buyers seem to be regaining confidence in the market, particularly around the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle area. We are seeing this in increased numbers in open homes on midweeks and Saturday inspections.”
For vendors considering selling in Eleebana, Daniel’s advice is clear: preparation before going live makes the difference. His campaign demonstrated that investing in presentation, even when it means a longer timeline, positions the property to attract serious buyers who return, engage, and commit.
About the Agent
Daniel Mark is a licensed agent with Century 21 Novocastrian who brings military discipline to real estate transactions across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley. He takes the time to understand each client’s situation and priorities before giving advice, managing complex negotiations with composure and accountability. Recent sales include family homes in Maryland, Fletcher and Warners Bay, along with dual-income investments in Heddon Greta and North Rothbury. Visit Daniel’s website for more information or call Daniel on 0411704189.