Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home in Laurelhurst | Just Sold $200K Over Asking

There is something special about selling one of Seattle mid-century modern homes, especially in Laurelhurst.

And when the OG Diva Kim V. Colaprete is the listing agent, you can expect thoughtful strategy, architectural respect, and that Diva Difference.

Kim is known as one of the top listing agents in Seattle mid-century modern homes. Why? She does not just market these properties with a lot of passion. Kim also owns two mid-century modern homes herself. And has spent decades studying what makes these architectural gems stand out in the Seattle market.

So when our Laurelhurst seller decided it was time to downsize, we knew exactly how to position her home for success in a market that was in a downturn.

Before we dive in start here:

Tips On How To Sell A Mid-Century Modern Home In Seattle >

Just Sold Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home In Laurelhurst

Let’s dive into the strategy that Kim took to find a discerning buyer for this mid-century modern home.

The Strategy: Attract The Discerning Mid-Century Modern Home Buyer

At Team Diva, our mission is simple. We find the discerning buyers for our listings aka Diva Dwellings..

A discerning Buyer is someone who will fly in from out of state to see your home, fall in love within minutes, and write the strongest possible offer to make it theirs.

However, Discerning Buyers only show up when there are zero barriers standing in their way. Discerning buyers want to make sure they are buying a home that is in good shape, the majority of the systems have been updated, BUT they can still add their own touches to the home.

We call this strategy The Diva Difference.

The Diva Difference is built around the following powerful ideas: Fix What’s Broken, Make The Home Pretty, and Market the Heck Out Of The Home.

How Did Our Diva Difference Work For Our Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home In Laurelhurst?

Let’s dive into the strategy that Kim developed specifically for this home.

Fix What’s Broken

The home had been lived in for a very long time by the owner and it was filled with so many memories. In addition, the home was in some disrepair. Kim and her listing manager Donna came up with a list of things that needed to be fixed, found the vendors, and coordinated the work for our downsizing client. This way our client was able to focus on packing and saying goodbye to a house she has long loved.

Make The Home Pretty

Kim worked closely with the stager to make sure the architectural elements would shine through the home but the home looked extremely sophisticated online. In addition the work completed inside the home was focused on showing off the original architecture of the home.

Hence you did not find a single bad flipper remodel element in this home.

Discerning homebuyers in Seattle want sophisticated and original homes. They do not want a sterile home flipped by someone who doesn’t care about the architecture.

Market The Heck Out Of The Home

Chavi came in and worked closely with Kim to make sure every part of the home showed through. We really wanted the photographs and video to show off the original architectural details of the home. In addition, we wanted to create content where people understood how rare of a home this Laurelhurst mid-century modern home was in Seattle. In addition, we created marketing materials inside the home to help educate discerning buyers about the unique elements of the home while they were previewing the space.

Here is a sample of the marketing that we did to sell this Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home in Laurelhurst:

Discerning Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home Buyers Want Original Features NOT A Full Remodel

Many sellers assume they need to invest in a major remodel before listing. Or worse! Sellers think they need to change their home into whatever trend of millennial grey that is happening right now. The reality is that discerning Seattle homebuyers want something that is unique.

Discerning homebuyers of Seattle mid-century modern homes often prefer originality over heavy updates. They value preserved wood paneling, period details, and clean architectural lines. And yes! They love a dated kitchen!!!!

What they do not want is deferred maintenance or uncertainty around the home’s major systems.

Instead of remodeling this Laurelhurst beauty, Kim and Donna created a smart prep plan. The kitchen was unique and it was dated. Instead of trying to update the kitchen Kim and Donna had the seller focus on making sure all of the major systems, roof, basement, and other elements were in tip top shape.

Why?

Kim knows that a discerning Seattle homebuyer wants to add their own finishes to spaces. They do not want to deal with someone else’s lackluster approach to renovating a gorgeous home. That is exactly what they did for this Laurelhurst Mid-Century Modern home.

Let’s dive in more below.

Fix What’s Broken: The Mid-Century Modern Home In Laurelhurst Prep Plan

Here is how Kim removed barriers for discerning mid-century home buyers and positioned this home to stand out.

Roof Repairs

There were minor roof issues that could have raised red flags during inspection. We addressed them before going to market. Buyers felt confident that they were buying a home with “good bones” and could move forward on making an offer without hesitation.

Basement Cosmetic Restoration

There had been previous water damage in the basement. The source of the issue had already been resolved, but cosmetic repairs remained.

Kim and Donna’s team removed the baseboards, checked thoroughly for mold, added fresh paint, and replaced the baseboards. Now buyers could see that everything had been handled properly.

Once again the strategy was to show off that the home had “good bones” but not fully update the space.

Updated Light Fixtures

We all know how Kim feels about lighting in her listings. NO BOOB LIGHTS! PERIOD!!! Lighting plays a major role in Seattle mid-century modern homes. It enhances the architectural lines and sets the tone of the space. Having a 1990s boob light in a mid-century modern home makes the entire home feel blah.

Our goal is for the home to feel inspirational!

Kim had the light fixtures updated to feel clean and modern while honoring the original design of the home.

Landscaping Refresh

Our seller could no longer maintain the yard the way she once had. Rather than investing in a full overhaul, we brought in our landscaper to refresh and fluff the existing landscaping. The home immediately felt cared for and move-in ready.

Why Do Seattle Mid-Century Modern Homes Inspire Discerning Buyers?

Seattle mid-century modern homes are emotional purchases.

Discerning Seattle mid-century modern buyers are not just shopping for square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They want and WILL PAY FOR something that is unique. It needs to feel special. The home has to have history. And more importantly no one has fucked with the original fireplace or wood paneling.

Sellers who preserve the original details, reinforce the fact that home has good bones, and make the home staged in a way that is inspirational they get results. A home that is inspirational and practical means discerning buyers who do whatever it takes to make that home their own.

Speaking of who bought this home…

The Diva Difference Result: Sold For $200,000 Over Asking In A Down Market

One element we forgot to mention is that the Seattle market was reeling from the sudden increase of interest rates. The majority of the homes in and around Laurelhurst were selling at or below asking price. Not our Diva Dwelling!

We literally had overflowing open houses!

People flew into Seattle just to see this house!

FOUR offers came in on offer review day!

SOLD for $200,000 over asking price!

Address: 3502 NE 43rd St, Seattle
List Price: $1,195,000
Sold Price: $1,396,000
Listing Info >

That is what we call the Diva Difference!!!

Thinking About Selling Your Seattle Mid-Century Modern Home?

No one is better than Kim V. Colaprete selling mid-century modern homes in Seattle. Why? Kim has a passion for these special homes and her elevated sense of style helps to showcase them in their best light.

Below are just a few of the many blogs and videos we have done about tips to buy and sell mid-century homes. And also included are a few samplings of our favorite mid-century modern homes we have sold over the years.

Want more information about our passion for Mid-Century Homes in Seattle?

Kim has a very unique perspective in the Seattle mid-century modern real estate market. Not only does she own two mid-century modern homes but she has a deep passion for Seattle’s architecture. Kim has also been recognized nationally for her innovation and activism.

Are you looking for a Diva’s perspective on buying or selling mid-century homes in Seattle?

Call Kim directly at 206-850-3102 or send her an email at kim@teamdivarealestate.com to chat!