DC Real Estate

Case Study: How a $25K Investment Helped Our Seller Earn $100K More

As-is, this DC rowhouse was worth about $675,000. After a 30-day, $25,000 refresh funded through Compass Concierge, it listed at $775,000 and went under contract in less than a week.

At Wardman Residential, we often say that smart prep equals stronger results. One recent listing proved it.

Our client had owned their DC rowhouse for about 14 years, originally buying it with my help for $379,000. Now they were ready for a change: a newer home in a different neighborhood that better fit their lifestyle.

When I walked through the home again, it was clear it had been well loved but not fully maintained or updated. The layout, a two-level rowhouse with a small basement, wasn’t typical for the area, so comparable sales were limited. Listed as-is, we estimated it would sell for around $675,000.

The seller’s three goals

Maximize their profit
Sell quickly
Stick to a reasonable renovation budget

With those goals in mind, we introduced them to Compass Concierge. Instead of using their own money up front, they were approved quickly through Concierge, which let us make high-impact upgrades with no upfront cost.

Inside: mostly cosmetic changes

Patched picture holes and repaired drywall as needed
Painted walls and ceilings throughout
Painted trim and doors
Replaced the appliances
Replaced the bathroom floor tile
Updated the recessed lighting
Deep cleaned throughout

Wardman Insight

$25,000 in the right updates added about $100,000 to the list price.

Under contract in less than a week, with no upfront cost to the seller thanks to Compass Concierge.

Outside: a full facelift

Repaired trim as needed
Redesigned the color scheme, including brick, doors and roof
Light landscaping
Replaced two rear decks and railings
Painted the front porch and railings

These changes dramatically improved curb appeal and gave the whole property a more modern, polished look. (The finished exterior is the photo at the top of this post.)

We guided the seller and contractor on paint colors, tile styles and the overall look, because we know what buyers respond to and what will bring the most eyes to a home. To make the most of the budget, we got bids from two trusted contractors and chose the one who could deliver quality work quickly at the right price. The project took about 30 days and came in right at $25,000. Once it was done, we professionally staged and photographed the home.

The result

We listed the property at $775,000, $100,000 more than its estimated as-is value, and had it under contract in less than a week. Open house traffic was steady, and the home stood out enough to attract the right buyer quickly.

What made the difference? The new exterior gave the home a fresh, eye-catching presence, and the updated interior plus staging made it shine inside. Smart investments, a solid strategy and expert guidance helped our client move on with a smooth sale and more money in their pocket.

See the photos, floor plans and 3D tour on the 170 T St NE property page. Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about what the right prep could do for your home.

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