Grant Matterson has achieved a $2,305,000 auction result in Elanora Heights for three Italian brothers who watched via FaceTime as their property sold $35,000 above reserve after a strategically timed 28-day campaign.
Grant Matterson knew from the outset that selling a dated 1960s property for overseas vendors would require patience, transparency and precise timing.
The Elanora Heights house at 8 Merridong Road presented both challenges and opportunity. Originally a single dwelling that had been divided and tenanted to two parties, the property was in poor repair. Yet its dual driveways and street access offered significant redevelopment potential for the right buyer.
The vendors – three brothers based in Italy – would be watching proceedings unfold via FaceTime, thousands of kilometres away.
“I deferred the auction date twice until I had realistic buyers that were genuine and were going to bid for the property,” Grant said.
“I waited until I could confirm they’d be there to bid, and then I booked the auctioneer based on the competition I had organised.”
Building trust across continents
Grant’s approach centred on honest communication with the Italian brothers throughout the 28-day campaign.
“I gave them genuine feedback so they understood exactly what the property may achieve,” he said.
That trust proved decisive when bidding stalled with three registered participants. Following Grant’s advice, the vendors agreed to place the property on the market at $2,270,000.
“With my advice and their trust, they allowed me to put it on the market, and that allowed for the buyers to start bidding again,” Grant explained.
“It went up another $35,000 above their reserve price. They were very pleased with the process and the outcome.”
The hammer fell at $2,305,000.
Northern Beaches lifestyle appeal
Elanora Heights offers a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle set amidst abundant bushland on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The suburb draws comparisons to Avalon Beach for its relaxed community feel and natural surroundings, while offering larger block sizes and proximity to Narrabeen Lagoon.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property with parking for four vehicles attracted buyers recognising its potential for reinstatement or future development.
About the agent
Grant Matterson brings over 25 years of experience to the Northern Beaches market as a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Accredited Auctioneer. A proud member of the Narrabeen community, he has received multiple Rate My Agent awards including Agency of the Year for Narrabeen in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Visit Grant’s website for more information or call Grant on +61438261600.
