Case Study: How We Sold This Northbridge Home at Auction for $3.62M – $620K Above Reserve – in the Rain on Sunday Morning.

Irving Gunawan
Aug 5
4 min read

Updated: Aug 6

As featured in the Sydney Morning Herald.

The auction of 255 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge, NSW 2063 was one to remember, not just for the result but for the story behind it.

It was Sunday morning, 3rd August 2025. The air was crisp, the rain relentless, and the rear lane was lined with a sea of umbrellas. Yet the weather couldn’t dampen the anticipation. Neighbours peeked from doorways, coffee in hand, as buyers gathered, each determined to make this almost century‑old original Northbridge home theirs.

The auctioneer’s voice rang out as bidding opened at $2.5 million. What followed was a masterclass in competitive spirit. Paddles shot up in rapid succession, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Over 85 bids came from 27 registered buyers, each representing a different story: developers envisioning a grand rebuild, renovators ready to breathe new life into its walls, families picturing their future, long‑term investors eyeing potential, and even an overseas bidder from Hong Kong joining the action online.

As the rain drummed on the pavement, the price climbed higher and higher until the final call. A local Northbridge family, with a heartfelt vision to secure the home for their daughter, triumphed. The hammer fell at $3.62 million, an incredible $620,000 above the $3 million reserve. It was a standout result that drew strong attention from buyers and the media alike, earning a feature in the Sydney Morning Herald as an example of competitive bidding and premium results in the Northbridge property market.

Northbridge property sold at auction for $3.62M by Irving G Property with auctioneer Michael Garofolo, happy buyers and sellers holding SOLD sign — 255 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge Auction Success – $3.62M Sale by Irving G Property

How We Achieved This Northbridge Auction Success

The campaign was led by Irving Gunawan, Principal of Irving G Property, alongside Anik Singh, Co‑Sales Agent. We were entrusted by the owner’s daughter to sell her family home in Northbridge as her mother transitioned into aged care, a responsibility we approached with both professionalism and care.

1. Helping the Seller Arrange Finance

One of the first challenges was time. The owner needed funds quickly to cover nursing home costs, yet many prospective buyers were seeking long settlement terms. To bridge the gap, we arranged finance through a credit company, giving the owner peace of mind and allowing us to offer buyers settlement periods of up to three months. This flexibility encouraged more confident bidding and ultimately drew more buyers into the competition on auction day. 💡 Did you know there are finance products available that can help sellers fund their sales campaign or bridge the gap before settlement? Contact Irving on 0468 956 677 to learn more.

2. Professional Presentation

First impressions matter. We engaged a professional property stylist, Angela Reynolds from Harmonia at Home, to rearrange the family’s belongings and furniture, creating an inviting and visually appealing presentation that showcased the home’s potential and helped it stand out in the competitive Northbridge property market.

Styled sunroom with vintage green sofa, wooden desk, and large windows bringing in natural light at Northbridge home sold by Irving G Property. — The professionally styled sunroom created a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlighted the home’s character and charm.

3. Marketing Reach

We maximised exposure through targeted social media campaigns and premium listings on major real estate portals, ensuring the property reached local, interstate and overseas buyers. Our marketing strategy positioned the home to capture the attention of both Northbridge buyers and those looking to move into the surrounding area.

4. Maximum Buyer Access

We ensured every serious buyer had the opportunity to inspect the property. This included multiple mid‑week open homes, evening viewings, two Saturday time slots, Sunday inspections and private viewings for those unable to attend scheduled times. Our flexible approach meant no buyer missed the chance to experience the home in person.

💡 Did you know not all agents conduct multiple viewings in a week — and many won’t open on Sundays? If you’re thinking of selling, contact Irving on 0468 956 677 to find out how our approach can give your property maximum exposure.

5. Buyer Support

We maintained constant communication with all buyers, including those based interstate and overseas, ensuring they were kept informed and engaged throughout the campaign. We arranged private viewings for those needing a second look, organised pest and building inspections, and assisted with any necessary contract amendments. This personalised support helped buyers feel confident and ready to commit on auction day.

6. Choosing the Right Selling Method

We recommended auction as the selling method, knowing the property’s prime Northbridge location and its position as a level‑entry property would attract strong demand. Throughout the campaign, multiple buyers attempted to secure the home before auction, but we advised the owner to hold firm, confident that competition on the day would drive a superior result — and it did.

The property’s prime Northbridge location, just moments from Northbridge Plaza, schools, and parks, made it an ideal candidate for a high‑demand auction.

7. The Right Auctioneer

We engaged Michael Garofolo from Cooley Auctions, one of the best professionals in the industry. His ability to read the crowd, maintain momentum and create a sense of urgency on the day played a key role in achieving the final price.

8. A Sunday Auction Advantage

Instead of the traditional Saturday, we set the auction for a Sunday, creating a more relaxed atmosphere and allowing buyers to attend without the rush of multiple inspections in one day. This strategic decision helped maximise attendance, resulting in over 100+ attendees on auction day, and contributed to the competitive bidding.

💡 Did you know auction day timing can impact your turnout and final result? Contact Irving – 0468 956 677 to discover the strategies we use to create more competition for your property.

A Campaign Tailored for Success

Although we are not based in Northbridge, our personalised, hands‑on approach made all the difference. We partnered closely with the family, ensured the property was presented at its absolute best, and crafted a strategic campaign that generated strong buyer interest and delivered a seamless sales process from start to finish.

This sale is a clear reminder that with the right agent, the right strategy and the right preparation, premium results can be achieved in any suburb, in any market condition.

📞 Thinking of selling your home and aiming for a great result? Let’s create a tailored campaign to showcase your property, attract the right buyers and achieve the best possible price for your home.