The Papadopoulos family owned the Mulgrave home for 35 years before its emotional handover to new buyers.
A Mulgrave home has stormed past its price guide after five bidders braved steady rain to compete for a refreshed four bedroom house on 683sq m in one of the biggest surprise results of the first summer auction weekend.
The property at 3 Cromer Cres had been listed with expectations of $950,000 to $1.03m but a larger than expected crowd braved Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Ray White Mount Waverley agent Jacob Biviano said the weather was bleak yet buyer confidence was anything but.
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“It was horrible,” Mr Biviano said.
“We were only expecting two bidders based on the campaign, then three buyers who had never been through the home before turned up and all decided to compete.
“That pushed us to five active bidders and created fantastic momentum.”
The home was called on the market at $1.11m before selling for $1.191m to a young local couple whose parents, from German and French backgrounds, stood with them during the auction.
The refreshed kitchen was part of earlier updates that helped boost buyer interest throughout the campaign.
Light filled living zones showcased the home’s ready to enjoy appeal that drew five active bidders on auction day.
Ray White Mount Waverley’s Jacob Biviano assisted the Papadopoulos family with the handover.
Mr Biviano said the moment the hammer fell drew an emotional response.
“Their families were cheering them on and when it sold there were tears of joy,” he said. “It was one of those really special auction moments.”
The Ray White Mount Waverley agent added that the sellers’ presentation work helped elevate the price.
“The owners had refreshed the internals and it makes a massive difference,” Mr Biviano said.
A tastefully updated bathroom added to the turnkey feel that resonated strongly with young families.
Fresh paint and tidy presentation helped elevate the home beyond expectations and contributed to the standout result.
“Buyers respond to homes that feel ready and without that I do not believe we would have come close to this result.”
The seller’s son, Spiros Papadopoulos, said the sale was bittersweet for his family, who had held the home since 1989 and used it as a rental for 35 years.
“I am very happy and relieved especially with the weather,” Mr Papadopoulos.
“Auction day is stressful but the result made it worth it.”
The undercover patio offered flexible outdoor living that appealed to buyers seeking year round entertaining space.
A generous 683sq m block with a family friendly backyard proved a major drawcard for local buyers.
Mr Papadopoulos said the family completed light updates including fresh paint and garden tidying, with earlier works such as the kitchen renovation already in place.
He said his mother was emotional watching the home change hands.
“My dad passed away so it is just Mum now,” he said.
“They bought it together in 1989. It holds a lot of history and she is glad it went to a family who genuinely loved it.”
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