Kathryn Parkes and Kirsty Schultz secured $2.6 million for a five-bedroom house on nearly an acre in Narrawallee after pivoting from auction to private treaty when their strongest buyers needed finance certainty.
The pivot that secured the sale
Kathryn Parkes and Kirsty Schultz sensed early that 42 Maclay Street would need a responsive approach. The five-bedroom house sat on just under an acre near Narrawallee Inlet — a rare combination of space and coastal proximity with nothing comparable on the market.
“This was all about communicating with buyers all the way through and being very transparent with everyone that came through the door,” Kathryn said.
Kathryn and Kirsty started with an auction campaign but no rigid price guide. The strategy was to listen to market feedback and adapt accordingly.
When the right buyers couldn’t meet auction terms
Four weeks into the campaign, two serious buyers emerged. Both said they loved the property. However, only one could participate under auction conditions.
“When we realised our buyers weren’t able to participate under auction conditions, we transitioned to ensure that our buyers and our vendors were happy to get a good result,” Kathryn said.
The buyers needed unconditional finance before committing — a common requirement that auction timelines don’t always accommodate. Kathryn and Kirsty recognised that the auction format was working against their vendors’ best interests.
The transition to private treaty was straightforward. The vendors understood the marketplace and trusted their agents’ communication throughout the process. The sale settled at $2.6 million on 2 April 2026.
What drew the buyers
The successful purchasers were local — a couple with farming backgrounds seeking their forever home. The single-level layout, pool, and privacy appealed, but it was the extra land that sealed their commitment.
“They come from a farming background so having that extra bit of land and privacy was very important to them,” Kathryn said.
At inspections, buyers consistently noted the craftsmanship. For a 20-year-old home, the quality of the build stood out — high-end finishes, structural integrity, and an open-plan design that felt both spacious and secure.
Narrawallee’s quiet appeal
Narrawallee’s appeal lies in its coastal charm without the crowds of neighbouring Mollymook. The suburb attracts families seeking beachside living with privacy, particularly properties offering extra land close to Narrawallee Inlet. Buyers familiar with the area recognise it as a quieter alternative to busier South Coast destinations.
“If you know Narrawallee, you know it’s a beautiful place,” Kathryn said. “It’s becoming more popular, but deep down the locals know it’s a secret little gem.”
Advice for future sellers
Kathryn’s counsel for anyone listing in Narrawallee centres on one principle: listen to the market.
“The buyers that want to get into the area are looking for good value and they’re looking for a place that they can call their own,” she said. “It’s all about being very open and listening to what the market is going to pay for a property.”
The vendors were delighted with the outcome — a result Kathryn attributes to transparency, communication, and willingness to adapt when the campaign required it.
About the Agent
Kathryn Parkes grew up in Ulladulla and continues to raise her two boys on the South Coast, staying active in the local RSL Sub-Branch and AFL Junior Club. After careers in the Royal Australian Air Force, Human Resources, and Customer Service, she entered real estate in 2016 and now works as a Sales Professional with One Agency Elite Property Group, combining nearly a decade of property experience with deep local knowledge. Visit Kathryn’s website for more information or call Kathryn on 0474165080.