In a neighborhood as soulful as Venice, a home’s next chapter often begins with a moment of serendipity. For the family-built legacy at 22 25th Pl, that moment happened during an estate sale—a time when neighbors and local admirers are invited to honor a home’s past. It was here that the future buyers, seasonal residents who had rented just a block away for six years, walked through the door and realized they weren’t just visiting; they were coming home.

• Best For: sellers who want to leverage local momentum with total privacy
• Decision Takeaway: Combining local engagement (like an estate sale) with a Private Exclusive strategy captures high-intent buyers before a public launch.
• Key Considerations: “Fate” moments often happen during pre-listing prep; Private Exclusives provide the framework to secure these buyers without public exposure.
• Next Smart Step: Let’s discuss how to use your home’s preparation phase as a powerful, quiet marketing window.

Serendipity at the Estate Sale

There is a unique magic in how 22 25th Pl found its new stewards. Built and cherished by the owners in 1980, the home was a sanctuary of creativity, art and memory. While we were in the midst of professional photography and preparing for the market, the estate sale drew in those who already felt a connection to the block.

The buyers—”snowbirds” from out of state who had spent the last six years as Venice renters—were captivated by the home’s spirit. Though they didn’t know they were ready to purchase that very day, the experience stayed with them. It was a “fate” moment that only happens when a home is prepared with heart and local presence.

The Leverage of the Private Exclusive Network

Once that “fate” connection was made at the estate sale, the Compass Private Exclusive network became our most vital tool. Because the home was already positioned as a Private Exclusive, we had the professional infrastructure to:

• Manage Interest Securely: Move from a casual discovery to a serious negotiation without the home ever being indexed on public search engines.
• Maintain Exclusive Leverage: Negotiate with high-intent buyers while keeping the property’s profile shielded from public “days on market” pressure.
• Bridge the Gap: Allow the buyer’s agent to connect directly with Melissa Menard to facilitate a seamless off-market transition.

This strategy allowed the sellers to secure a buyer who truly valued the home’s artistic legacy—all while the home was still in the “photography phase” of preparation.

Curious if your home’s preparation phase could attract the perfect buyer? We’re here to help, let’s talk.

Melissa Menard REALTOR® | Compass
Venice & Surrounding Los Angeles Areas
📞 310.729.9726 | DRE# 01858710
📧 melissa@melissamenardhomes.com
🌐 www.MelissaMenardHomes.com

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How did an estate sale lead to an off-market real estate sale?
An estate sale is often the first time neighbors and local “super-fans” of a neighborhood get to see the interior of a storied home. In the case of 22 25th Pl, the buyers were already local renters who walked in for the estate sale and felt an immediate connection. We then used our Private Exclusive framework to turn that interest into a secure, off-market contract.

What is the benefit of a Private Exclusive if a buyer is found locally?
The Private Exclusive status provides the professional “shield” and leverage needed to close the deal. It allows the seller to negotiate from a position of exclusivity, knowing the home isn’t publicly “stale” on the MLS. It also ensures that the buyers feel they are securing a rare opportunity before it’s available to the general public.

Can I sell my home off-market to someone who isn’t a Compass client?
Absolutely. While the Private Exclusive network is a Compass tool, it doesn’t exclude outside buyers. In this Venice sale, the buyers were represented by an outside agent who reached out directly to Melissa Menard. Our network provided the visibility to the agent community that the home was available for a “quiet” sale.

Why is the “photography phase” so important for off-market sales?
In our recent sale, the interest peaked the very day we were shooting professional photos. This phase is a high-energy time when the home looks its best. By having the home already listed as a Private Exclusive during this time, we can show the property to highly motivated parties who are “ready to pounce” on new, unlisted inventory.

How do “snowbird” buyers benefit from off-market listings?
Seasonal buyers often rent in the neighborhood for years before buying. They are “hyper-local” and usually have an agent watching for off-market opportunities. By selling privately, we cater to these buyers’ desire for a “home away from home” that hasn’t been picked over by the general public market.

What happened to the sculptures in the courtyard?
The courtyard sculptures were a defining feature of the artist’s legacy at 22 25th Pl. While they were a major part of the buyers’ initial attraction during the estate sale, the most important outcome was that the buyers chose to keep and “bring back to life” the home itself, ensuring the creative spirit of the property remains intact. And the Sellers gifted one of the sculptures to the Buyers, keeping a legacy intact.