Geoff Grist has sold a two-bedroom unit at 22/96 Ourimbah Road in Mosman for $1.025 million after the property’s transformation from tenant-occupied to vacant drew four competing offers and secured local first-home buyers.
Geoff Grist has demonstrated how patience and presentation strategy can transform a campaign when a two-bedroom Mosman unit sold for $1.025 million after local first-home buyers returned for a second inspection.
The 31-day private treaty campaign began with a challenge: the tenant had given notice, but the vendor wanted to start marketing immediately. Geoff agreed, working with tenants who were mid-move and surrounded by packing boxes.
The presentation pivot
The property looked different at every inspection as the tenants gradually moved out. Then came the turning point. Once vacant and spotlessly clean, the apartment revealed itself as a bright, spacious home with a unique exposed brick kitchen from its 1963 build and a northeast aspect that bathed the living areas in morning sunlight.
One couple who had inspected during the tenant occupation returned for a second look.
“They came back and said, oh, it looks completely different now,” Geoff recalls. “That sealed the deal.”
The chocolates strategy
Managing tenant cooperation during a sale campaign requires relationship skills that often go unrecognised. Geoff’s approach was straightforward.
“The tenants were fantastic. I used to leave a box of chocolates for them, which they greatly appreciated.”
That small gesture kept the property presentation-ready throughout the campaign and demonstrated the professionalism that helps campaigns succeed even under challenging circumstances.
Four offers and a threshold crossed
The buyers who returned were local first-home buyers from Mosman, ready to move out of home and establish their independence. What attracted them beyond the sunlit aspect and exposed brick kitchen was the practical package: a lock-up garage with remote door on a separate title, plus a large storage unit also on separate title.
“Having a full lock-up garage and then a very large storage unit made the whole package attractive,” Geoff notes.
The campaign generated four offers, all hovering just under the million-dollar mark. When the successful buyers came in above that threshold, the vendor understood the market had spoken clearly.
Mosman’s premium position
Mosman sits on Sydney’s prestigious Lower North Shore, known for its leafy streets, harbour proximity, and strong appeal to families and professionals. The property’s northeast aspect and quiet position near Middle Harbour Public School positioned it well within a suburb where two-bedroom apartments have recently traded in a wide range between $800,000 and $2.85 million.
The value equation
Geoff’s advice for future Mosman sellers centres on buyer psychology in the current market.
“Buyers are looking for value, and sellers need to be realistic in their pricing. That way we attract a good selection of buyers and find the one that sees the best value in their property.”
His approach of pricing to invite offers proved effective.
“As I say to people, I’ve never sold a property to someone that hasn’t made an offer first.”
The vendor provided clear instructions throughout and was delighted with the outcome, allowing him to move forward with certainty.
About the Agent
Geoff Grist has over 20 years’ experience in residential real estate across Mosman and Neutral Bay. His approach centres on structured campaigns designed to create buyer competition and early momentum, with every strategy tailored to current local market conditions and buyer behaviour. Geoff prioritises clear communication and honest advice throughout the selling process. Visit Geoff’s website for more information or call Geoff on 0414712021.