Sean Cary secured $1.26 million for a two-bedroom cottage at 23 Werin Street, Tewantin, after commissioning his own building and pest report to revive a stalled campaign.
Turning setback into strategy
Sean Cary from Sean Cary Real Estate secured $1.26 million for a beautifully renovated cottage at 23 Werin Street, Tewantin, after a contract collapse threatened to derail the campaign. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom property — a 100-year-old fishing cottage on 501 square metres — had attracted strong initial interest, but when the first deal fell over on a building and pest report, Sean knew he needed to act decisively.
“The crashed contract causes uncertainty for other buyers,” Sean said.
“Based on our past experience, I suggested we get a building and pest report so we could shore up some certainty.”
The move proved exactly right. Sean commissioned his own report to remove the question mark hanging over the property, then relaunched with open houses and an expressions of interest campaign.
Four offers across two rounds
The response validated the strategy. Sean presented two offers in the first contract round, then another two in the second — four serious buyers competing for the property in what Sean describes as a softening market.
“The market has been a little bit uncertain with interest rate rises and the uncertainty with the Middle East conflict, and now added to that the changes to property taxes,” Sean said.
“We’re still finding good interest and getting good prices, but it takes a bit of strategy with a campaign to achieve that.”
The buyers who secured the cottage had previously lived in the area before relocating two or three years earlier. They’d been searching patiently until the right property appeared — and when it did, the connection was immediate.
“The property reminded them of their grandmother’s property that was again in the area,” Sean said.
“So there’s a lot of nostalgia involved with the purchase.”
Location appeal
Tewantin sits in the established Noosa hinterland corridor, known for character homes and lifestyle appeal. The property’s $1.26 million result represents significant growth from its $825,000 sale in October 2022, reflecting sustained demand for renovated character homes in the Noosa area despite broader market headwinds.
What worked in this market
For Sean, the campaign reinforced a clear lesson about current conditions in Tewantin: competition drives results.
“If I was talking to a seller in Tewantin at the moment I would say that generating competition is the best way to achieve the highest price,” he said.
“Expressions of interest campaigns or auction campaigns are doing that job very well at the moment.”
The seller’s reaction when Sean presented the final offers confirmed the strategy had delivered.
“She was really comfortable and confident that we’d achieved the best price we could in the market,” Sean said.
“And it was at the top end of her expectations.”
The cottage itself — described by buyers at inspections as “really cute” with beautiful renovation work — had the appeal. Sean’s role was removing the obstacle that stood between interest and commitment, then creating the competitive environment that converted multiple interested parties into committed offers.
About the Agent
Sean Cary is Principal of Sean Cary Real Estate and has more than 20 years’ experience in the Noosa property market. A Licensed Real Estate Agent with a Master’s Degree in Property, he combines academic knowledge with extensive practical experience across residential sales. Since establishing his agency in 2015, Sean has built a reputation for clear communication, personalised service and strong local market insight. His approach focuses on understanding individual client goals and delivering considered property advice and outcomes. Visit Sean’s website for more information of call Sean on 0418599228.