More Than a Successful Sale: How Experience Made the Difference for a Stillwater Brownstone Seller
A recent client review captures what thoughtful representation is really about: understanding the goal, negotiating the details, and delivering a result that works for the seller’s life.
“Richard was really great to work with. For one, he has unbelievable knowledge of the Stillwater market. But the best part of working with him to me was he listened and heard what it was we were looking for and he made it happen. I would work with him again in a heartbeat!”
— Recent seller reviewThe result was about more than the sale price
When my sellers entrusted me with the sale of their Stillwater brownstone, they had a clear vision of what a successful move would look like. They wanted an excellent price, of course. But just as importantly, they hoped to remain in their home until they were ready to head south in the fall. Both goals mattered, and my job was to build a strategy around them.
A strong outcome, measured in more than one way
The brownstone sold in 54 days, at a price 14% higher than the sale price of another brownstone a few doors away. I also negotiated two months of occupancy at no charge after the sale, giving my sellers valuable flexibility as they prepared for their next chapter. That combination—price, timing, and terms—was the outcome they had hoped for from the beginning.
Listening is where the strategy begins
No two sellers define success in quite the same way. Some need certainty about their closing date. Others value privacy, flexibility, or a seamless transition. Before recommending a marketing and negotiation plan, I take time to understand what matters most to the people I represent. In this case, the ability to stay in the home through the transition was not an afterthought; it was a priority.
Why experience matters in a changing market
As the real estate market becomes more selective, experience matters more—not less. Pricing requires an understanding of the nuances between properties, even those on the same street. Marketing must make a home’s distinctive qualities clear. And negotiations must consider the entire agreement, not just the number on the purchase contract. A successful sale is the result of positioning, judgment, preparation, and knowing which terms are most valuable to your client.
Local knowledge. Thoughtful representation. Meaningful results.
I have spent more than three decades helping buyers and sellers navigate the Stillwater and St. Croix Valley real estate markets. My goal is not simply to get a property sold. It is to listen carefully, advise clearly, and negotiate for the outcome that best serves the people who have placed their trust in me.
Considering selling your Stillwater home?
If you are thinking about selling a brownstone, historic home, waterfront property, or distinctive residence in the St. Croix Valley, I would welcome a conversation about your goals, your timing, and what a thoughtful sales strategy could accomplish. Experience that makes a difference.
Let’s talk about your next move.
Richard McDonough | Senior Global Real Estate Advisor · Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty
*The 14% comparison refers to the reported sale price of a different brownstone a few doors away; property features, timing, and transaction terms may differ. Occupancy terms were negotiated for this particular transaction and are not guaranteed in other sales.
