REVIEWS.
WORKING WITH SUSAN.
1345 F Street NE | Relocation Sale
The Backstory
On paper, it seemed an impossible deal to get done. But my seller, who’d purchased just 3 years prior, and at the top of the market for that home type and location, had just returned from an overseas relocaiton, and was now moving to the west coast. He needed to sell to buy again, so, I had to make it happen. But how? The numbers didn’t work. Not only had the market changed drastically is his purchase, he’d spent over $80k on a post-purchase renovation.. He was almost immediately transferred,so instead of living in the home, he leased it. Three years and two tenants later, it was no longer in that pristine ‘just renovated’ condition.
- 2+Den 1 BA rowhouse purchased just 3 years prior in peak market
- Renovated after purchase at apprx cost of $85k
- Leased due to owner’s overseas relocation
- Market declined over duration of ownership
- Condition deteriorated during two tenancies
- Any short-term equity build negated by cost of renovations, diminished market values for location, and condition
- CMA did not support a sale with positive net
The Challenge
- Sell at a net profit in 30 days or less
The Strategy
After studying neighborhood data + demographics and evaluating the property, we shifted the listing to a higher value tier by converting an open space on the 2nd floor landing to a 3rd bedroom, at minimal cost. We negotiated beneficial rates for additional key improvements to add value and elevate presentation. These adjustments allowed us to list at the top of the 3 bedroom CMA value range. I secured a ‘Washingtonian Top 3 Open Houses’ feature and other marketing placements to boost traffic the first weekend on market. I managed the pre-offer process so that it generated multiple offers within 48 hours of the open house, and negotiated to achieve the best terms for the seller. Under contract on the fourth day. When the appraiser balked at the 3 bedroom designation and associated value, I was armed with Fannie Mae guidelines, DC code for legal bedrooms, exact measurements and a list of the attributes that justified it. Appraised at value!
Cooperative Compensation
We elected not to offer buyer broker compensation. Instead, buyers were invited to structure offers in a way that worked for them, keeping the multiple offer scenario in mind. Thus, the seller was able to save on closing costs and realize a greater net profit.
The Win
Multiple offers in four days on market. Under contract on 5th day at escalated price. Closed in 2.5 weeks at a profit.
Seller Andrew Said
Susan represented me on both the buy side and the sell side for my house that I purchased & sold in DC.
As a first time home buyer, I really leaned on her expertise and she was able to guide me through the process and use her extensive network to find the perfect house though a pocket listing and we were able to close a deal without entering into a bidding war with other buyers (This is important as the time of sale was in 2021).
Susan really shined as my listing agent when we sold my house in October of 2024. I believe this is where all great agents will demonstrate their value. She used her network and years of experience to help coordinate staging, contractor work, generate media attention and get the house listed on local real estate publications, etc. She rolled up her sleeves and helped maintain the property in my absence and ensuring it was in top condition for showings. I was genuinely impressed with her tenacity, experience and effort. To anyone considering buying or selling a property in the DMV area, I’d strongly recommend Susan!
1345 F Street NE DC 20002 | Sold at $890,000.00
I love real estate and especially so when I’m able to pull off a win like this for a cclient. There’s no better feeling than helping folks take the next step in their lives bolstered by increased value of their real estate investment.
If you’re planning to sell your Washington DC home, give me a call and let’s discuss your situation!
–Susan
Kiran
Investment Buyer | Single Family Home
“I was searching for an investment house in DC, although I live in NYC. Covid made it impossible to travel back and forth, so I was dependent on Susan’s advice, acumen and efficiency. She was superb and… well, exactly right every single time. She understood what I was looking for. She told me when a house was worth pursuing and when it was not. She was absolutely frank and responded within minutes. When the right house came up, she pursued it with such perfect strategy and timing, that I was left breathlessly impressed. The perfect jewel house is mine.The most extraordinary thing is that Susan is STILL helping me with innumerable matters even after the sale. I simply can’t believe my luck in finding the Isaacs Team. Work with them if you can. You won’t regret it.”
Brian
New Construction Buyer
“Susan tapped into her network and went out of her way to get me in on a new construction condo in a popular neighborhood in NW DC long before it even hit the market. I had the floor plans, pricing, and videos of the units before they went public.“
Zach & Pat
Adriana
Seller, Mount Pleasant
“Susan and Alex are amazing! After a bad experience with another agent left us in a very tough position, they turned everything around. They did a thorough evaluation of the property, offered expert advice and helped to prepare the condo for sale. They also supervised improvements to the property. Susan and Alex worked very hard, used local connections and communicated with us well. Despite the tough August market, we sold in less than 2 weeks. We highly recommend them for anyone who is looking for a competent local agent, with knowledge of the market and a great work ethic.”
Caren
Multiple Transactions | Downsize, single family, condo
“While other agents said, “This is what you need to do;” The Isaacs Team said, “We can do this for you!” Our process was smooth and quick, and they designed a strategy and negotiated a sale well above our asking price; and a purchase price below asking – both in the same market.”
Hongsun
Multiple Transactions | New Construction, Resale
“Susan is upfront, honest, hard working, and determined to do what’s best for her clients in an ethical manner. In my my recent experience selling my condo, she took great initiative to find buyers and to research the market. She did more than the general research that many realtors can get through brokerage software programs. She went to talk to developers in the area to develop a rationale for pricing my unit and then to fully support that price to buyers. I got more than asking without the property hitting the MLS. I appreciate the way Susan listened to my concerns and my expectations. She was not afraid to push back when she needed to. And together we arrived at a plan that led to an incredibly smooth closing. I’ll continue to use Susan and recommend her enthusiastically.”
Tracey & John
Multiple Transactions | Downsize, single family, condo
Alex & Hanna
Multiple Transactions | Single Family, Georgetown
“Considering we were not living in DC at the time, it was incredibly important for us to have an agent that was knowledgeable, communicative, and trustworthy, and we certainly found that in the Isaacs Team! Not only were Susan and Alex incredibly helpful, informative and proactive, they also went above and beyond and truly had us covered throughout the entire process. Susan & Alex leave no “i” un-dotted and no “t” un-crossed, all while working harder than any other real estate agents in town. We simply cannot recommend The Isaacs Team enough!”
