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Staged living room in Barrington representing a successful private listing and over-asking home sale

Beating the Clock: How We Sold a Home Over Asking

Case Studies Kevin Baum February 3, 2026

In real estate, we often talk about numbers, square footage, and "comps." But for a family with two toddlers and a third baby on the way, a home sale isn’t just a transaction—it’s a race against time.

This is the story of how we achieved a "Thanksgiving Miracle" for a growing family by focusing on the one thing that matters more than data: The Human Element.

The Challenge: A 30-Day Deadline and a Growing Family

I was referred to a wonderful couple who had just accepted a job out of state. They came to me in late October with a high-stakes goal: they needed to be closed and moved by Thanksgiving week.

The hurdles were significant:

  1. Extreme Time Constraint: We had a window of less than 30 days to go from "Hello" to "Closed."

  2. Minimizing Chaos: With two toddlers and a pregnant mother, the typical "public market" circus of open houses and constant showings wasn't just inconvenient—it was impossible.

The Solution: The "Private to Prominent" System

I know that when a client is in a high-stress situation, they don't need an agent who just "lists" a house. They need a navigator who can stay calm in the chaos.

Instead of throwing the house onto the public market and hoping for the best, I deployed my signature "Private to Prominent" strategy. We focused on building intense, behind-the-scenes momentum to find a serious buyer without the public stress.

The Step-by-Step Execution:

  • The Power of the Network: The moment we signed, I leveraged my deep-rooted connections within the @properties Christie’s and Compass networks. I went directly to the agents I knew had qualified, ready-to-act buyers.

  • Investing in the First Impression: I personally paid for a professional staging consultation to ensure the home looked its best instantly.

  • The Strategic Private Listing (PLN): We utilized the Private Listing Network. This created an "exclusive" feel that only licensed agents could see—preventing the home from syndicating to Zillow or Redfin while we built demand.

  • Hands-On Management: I personally accompanied every single showing. This allowed me to protect the family’s schedule and expertly pitch the home’s value directly to the decision-makers.

The Results: A Thanksgiving Miracle

By creating a competitive environment among a targeted group of vetted buyers, we hit every mark:

  • Sold for Over Asking Price: We secured an offer significantly above the list price.

  • Zero Public Stress: No open houses, no public traffic, and zero disruption to the family’s daily life.

  • Closed on Time: The family successfully closed the week of Thanksgiving, allowing them to focus entirely on their move and the arrival of their new baby.

In the Client's Words:

"Kevin sold our house for over asking before we even listed it. He was very responsive and attentive throughout the entire process. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else in the area... highly recommend!"

The 10% That Matters

This is where the discipline of the "other 90%" of my life pays off. The persistence I learn during 6 AM pool sessions and the focus I gain from Stoic principles allow me to execute these high-pressure strategies for my clients.

If you have a unique timeline or simply value your privacy, let's grab a coffee at Conscious Cup in Barrington. I’d love to discuss how a private sale strategy could work for your specific situation.

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