Nivin Salsa has sold a four-bedroom house at 12 Hovell Drive, Burnside Heights for $947,000 at auction, achieving a result $57,000 above the vendor’s reserve after just 27 days on market.
Strategic preparation during the quiet period
While most of the market was on holiday, the vendor was painting, cleaning, fixing, and refreshing the property’s rendering. Every staging decision was deliberate — right down to the precise placement of furniture.
“The vendor was very particular about the location of everything in the property, and that ended up with the best presentation,” Nivin said.
When the campaign launched in late January, the timing proved perfect. Buyer demand was returning to the market, but supply remained constrained. The combination of a meticulously presented property meeting renewed buyer appetite created immediate momentum.
Digital reach and buyer response
The property generated more than 50,000 views and 32 online inquiries within the first fortnight. Over 40 groups inspected the home during the campaign, and eight bidders registered for auction day.
“It was a unique property presented in a unique market,” Nivin said.
“My active and qualified buyer database, combined with Ray White’s exposure, created quite significant reach in a limited amount of time.”
Two of those buyers became emotionally invested in the property — and they would drive the auction day competition.
Auction day momentum
Bidding opened higher than pre-auction feedback had suggested. The two emotional buyers quickly pushed the price past the vendor’s reserve, allowing Nivin to announce the property on the market.
“I knew it was going to go well because the bidding reached the reserve price pretty quickly,” she said.
“Once we announced it on the market, that increased the rest of the bidding even further.”
The property sold for $947,000 — $57,000 above the reserve price. Four bidders remained active throughout the auction, with the two most invested buyers battling it out to the final call.
Several underbidders have since purchased in surrounding suburbs, demonstrating ongoing demand in the area.
The premium family pocket
Burnside Heights sits within the Melton local government area and has established itself as a premium family-oriented location. The property is zoned for Kororoit Creek Primary School and nearby educational institutions, positioning it within a neighbourhood that attracts families seeking reliable infrastructure and access to local parks and shopping amenities.
Advice for future sellers
Nivin points to three fundamental principles that drove the campaign’s success — what she calls the three Ps.
“We have to get the presentation right, get the promotion right, and get the price right to attract as many buyers to the market,” she said.
“Once you get all three right, you’ll have an awesome campaign, a premium price, and an awesome result.”
The vendors trusted Nivin’s advice throughout the process, from initial presentation recommendations through to auction strategy. Their feedback included calling her the “queen of Burnside Heights” — recognition that speaks to both the result and the relationship.
For vendors considering listing in the area, Nivin’s campaign demonstrates that strategic preparation, market timing, and emotional buyer competition remain the pathway to premium auction results.
About the Agent
Nivin Salsa has been recognised as a premier agent by Ray White for three consecutive years and serves as Sales Director for the Ray White Rockbank office. Known for guiding successful auction campaigns and achieving suburb record prices, she maintains a service-based approach focused on turning business relationships into long-lasting connections. Visit Nivin’s website for more information.