When it came time to list my client’s rowhome in the community of Warwick Village in Del Ray, Alexandria, I was genuinely excited. I used to live in Del Ray, and any excuse to stop by for coffee and crispy tacos at my old haunts is a good one! But beyond the nostalgia, I knew this home had great potential—it just needed the right strategy to shine.
The Challenge
The timing wasn’t exactly ideal. Federal government furloughs were in full swing, and the local real estate market had cooled considerably. Meanwhile, the sellers had already purchased their next home and moved out. Selling quickly—and for top dollar—before the holidays was a must.
Like many Warwick Village homes, this one had its quirks. It had been well loved by a family, and while the systems were updated, the cosmetics were… not. Picture an original 1950s bathroom, walls that hadn’t seen fresh paint in years, and a kitchen that proudly screamed “late 90s.”
The Plan
After presenting my strategy, my clients gave me full creative control to make updates and prepare the marketing campaign. The plan was rooted in one key insight: our buyer would likely be someone who valued Del Ray’s walkable lifestyle and wanted a move-in-ready home rather than a fixer-upper.
With that in mind, we focused on smart, high-impact cosmetic updates:
- Paint: We repainted nearly every surface in the home. I chose a light neutral for the main living spaces to make them feel bright and open, while using a fun blue and green in the bedrooms to keep that signature Del Ray charm.
- Lighting: We swapped outdated fixtures for modern ones that made a big difference in how the home felt.
- Kitchen Refresh: A small change—removing the dated cabinet trim above the window—let more natural light pour in and instantly modernized the space. We also swapped cabinet pulls to be more on-trend.
- Staging: This was key. My stager and I designed the layout to showcase how livable the space was. We made sure a dining table fit comfortably on the main level (something competing listings weren’t doing) and created a cozy, functional lower level.
The Marketing Launch
Once the updates were complete, we rolled out a comprehensive marketing plan. We started with professional photos, floor plans, and a video tour. Then we listed the home as “Coming Soon,” giving us time to build excitement. We promoted it on social media, reached out to local agents with buyers, and emphasized its unbeatable location just one block from Del Ray’s main drag with shops and restaurants.
The Pricing Strategy
Pricing was the final piece of the puzzle. Comparable homes in the neighborhood were dropping their prices, some as low as $699k. Still, after analyzing sales and touring competing properties, I felt confident this home’s value could reach at least $750k if we positioned it correctly. That price point would make it the highest active listing in Warwick Village at the time (there were three other similar active listings priced lower), but the location and presentation supported it.
The Results
The results spoke for themselves. Within three days on the market, we hosted a busy open house, had over ten private showings, and received two offers—one of them $25k over list price with no inspection or appraisal contingencies. My clients sold their home for $775,000 and were absolutely thrilled with the outcome.
Selling a home is equal parts strategy, marketing, and storytelling—and when all three come together, magic happens.
Thinking about selling your home? I’d love to chat—no pressure, no strings attached. Let’s talk about how we can help your home stand out and sell for top dollar too.