Are You Leaving Money on the Table When Selling Your Home?
Before you commit to an agent and sign an agency agreement — potentially locking yourself in for months — it’s worth asking: "Does charisma equal skill? Loyalty? Strategy?"
The truth is, the agent you choose could either protect your wealth — or cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Here’s a real example:
Years ago, I enquired about a property listed for $599,000. After a brief conversation, I asked the agent what price he thought it would sell for. His response?
“The owners want $599,000, but I can get it for you for $549,000.”
I was stunned. Had he asked more questions, he could have discovered that we were willing to pay $650,000 — leaving a potential $101,000 on the table for the vendor.
Think about that: it’s like paying for a full set of high-quality dental crowns — and the dentist puts them in someone elses mouth. Absurd, right? Yet this is exactly what happens when strategy and loyalty aren’t at the forefront of a sale. You should be the one to benefit from the service that you are paying for.
This type of agent might reassure you: “We would never do that.” But words are not enough, without actually demonstrating to you a better, superior way, those words could be empty.
At Caris & Grace, we demonstrate a better, superior way to sell your home.
Ask yourself:
How important is it that you don’t leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table?
Would you prefer an agent who actively protects your interests?
Would you like a better way to sell — smoother, less stressful than a public auction, with everything handled for you and complete peace of mind? When you work with us, every decision is strategic and your best outcome is the only goal.
Now back to the story:
It would be interesting to know what the agent in the above story told his vendor - maybe he told them that it's "just the market at the moment" or something similar...
Here’s the truth most agents won’t tell you:
- They may be under pressure to make a quick sale.
- They may be skilled at talking, but not at listening to what matters.
Without deliberate strategy, even the most well-intentioned agent can lose you significant value.
Ask yourself:
- How much would an extra $101,000 change your plans — for your child’s education, retirement, or a dream holiday ...
How important is it that this doesn't happen to you when you sell your home?
Would you like to learn about a superior way to sell? Schedule a confidential discussion, and let's discover if working with us is a good fit for you. - Cristina Cottrell
What our clients are saying:
It was important to us that we found a real estate agent with integrity, who advocated for us, not just for a quick sale. When we were introduced to Cristina, we knew we had found the right person. She ensured that only qualified buyers were shown through our property and we have been extremely happy with the result.
Sold - Home in Frankston
Ingrid Glenn • Seller
Cristina did a mighty job selling my property and showed a caring attitude throughout the process, highly recommend her.
Sold - Home in Carrum Downs
Greg Cornell • Seller
As a conveyancer, working with Cristina from Caris & Grace Real Estate has been an absolute pleasure. Cristina’s professionalism, clear communication, and dedication to her clients make every transaction SO incredibly seamless.
Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for all parties involved is truly exceptional. It’s rare to find someone who combines such warmth and expertise in their approach.
I highly recommend Cristina to anyone looking for a real estate agent who genuinely goes above and beyond.
Looking forward to working together on many more successful transactions!
Emma - EmConvey - Conveyancer in Melbourne
We are extremely happy with the professionalism of Cris, she helped us with the process of selling our home, she was available to us any time and always kept us informed with every step of the way.
Her professionalism, negotiation skills and strategies are definitely worth investing in her expertise.
We will definitely use her again in the future.
Sold - Home on Kananook Creek, Seaford
Kelly Pickett • Seller
Cris was extremely professional, knowledgeable and easy to deal with. She kept us informed at all times and we were very happy with the sale price of our home. Highly recommended!
Sold - Home on acreage block, outer Melbourne
Bianca • Seller
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Why Sellers Choose Caris & Grace
Skilled Masterful Negotiation
With deep local market insight and strategic finesse, we negotiate tirelessly on your behalf — turning buyer interest into results - our clients consistently achieve premium sale prices because we never settle for less than your home deserves.
World-Class Marketing
Our marketing showcases your home’s warmth, lifestyle, and value. Professional photography, elegant storytelling, and targeted advertising attracts serious buyers who fall in love at first glance.
Integrity & Trust, Always
We combine top-tier professionalism with genuine care. You’ll be informed, supported, and confident from appraisal to settlement and beyond.
FAQ's
Q - What's included in my home appraisal?
- A detailed, data-driven valuation
- A custom marketing and sales strategy to attract premium buyers
- Expert advice on presentation and improvements that can add thousands to your result
- A clear plan to achieve your best possible sale outcome
Q - Is there any charge?
- No, our appraisals are complimentary.
Q - Will you tell us about any fees and charges should we decide to proceed?
- Yes, and you will discover that our fees are fair & reasonable.
Q - How can I know you have the correct qualifications and licences?
- Read more information about our credentials on our website, visit carisgrace.com.au
Q - What information do you need before you arrive?
- We will call you to ask you about the details of your home so that we can produce an accurate data report for you.
Q - What kind of homes do you specialise in selling?
- We have sold city and surburban homes, seaside properties and acreages for well over a decade.
Q - I have more questions that you have not covered here;
- All questions that you may have are most welcome.
Schedule a confidential discussionMore of our client reviews:
Cristina is extremely professional and trustworthy. She was great to deal with and really knows her stuff. I will definitely use again and highly recommend
Provided Property Selection and Contract Negotiation Australia Wide
Rebecca Schimmerling • Corporate Property Buyer
I found Cris to be a negotiator of well-above industry standard, whilst still being polite, efficient and a refreshingly friendly person to deal with. It’s obvious that Cristina is an agent with many years of experience. Would definitely use her services again in the future.
James S • Buyer
Thank you!
Cris took great care of my daughter throughout the sale of her family home. I was very impressed with her strategy and she kept my daughter informed through every step of the process.
My daughter’s home was sold for more than we expected and the settlement was well negotiated to suit both parties.
We would definitely recommend Cris to others and will engage her services again in future.
Sold - Home on Melbourne outskirts
Angelina Weeks
We had a fantastic experience working with Cristina. Cristina was professional and personable. We never felt pushed to make any decisions and we really felt as though Cristina had our best interests at heart. We were regularly kept up to date with any updates. Cristina was happy to have discussions with us in the evenings and on weekends as required. I highly recommend her.
Provided Strategic Advice for Apartment buying in Melbourne inner surburb
David Relf • Seller
Cris is a very experienced real estate agent, with great connections and market knowledge. If you're looking to buy or sell, you won't regret Cris' support and advice.
Identified and negotiated properties for development Australia Wide
Andre Shannon • Developer / Buyer
Highly Recommended, Very professional and was upfront with what needed to be done with the property for a good sale. She kept me in the loop at all times of the contract all the way through to the sale. Highly recommended.
Sold - Deceased estate sale for this family
Con di Censo • Seller
Schedule a confidential discussion
Selling your home doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. With the right strategy, it becomes a carefully managed and controlled process designed to protect your wealth, maximise your result, and give you genuine peace of mind. - Cristina Cottrell
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