This Seller Got 100% of Asking — Here’s How

by David J. Moore

When you hear about neighbors selling their homes for top dollar, you may wonder: What’s their secret? Recently, one of our sellers on the Eastern Shore did exactly that — they sold their home for 100% of their asking price. In today’s shifting real estate market, that’s a huge win.

So how did they do it? Let’s break down the strategies that helped them succeed — and how you can use the same approach if you’re selling a home in Kent Island, Stevensville, Chester, or anywhere along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The Market Sets the Stage

Every sale starts with the local market. On the Eastern Shore, demand is still strong for well-priced homes — especially in communities like Bay City, Cloverfields, and Queen Anne Colony. Buyers are motivated, but they’re also savvy. They know when a home is overpriced, and they can tell when a home has been cared for.

That means pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

Step 1: Smart Pricing Strategy

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is aiming too high with their initial asking price. This can backfire, leaving a home sitting on the market longer than necessary.

In this case, our seller trusted our team’s local market knowledge. We pulled comparable sales in Stevensville and Chester, studied current competition, and recommended a price that was aggressive but realistic.

The result? Instead of endless negotiations, we attracted strong, qualified buyers right away. When buyers feel a home is fairly priced, they’re much more willing to bring a full-price offer.

Step 2: Staging for First Impressions

On Kent Island and the surrounding area, buyers are often drawn by lifestyle as much as the house itself — waterfront sunsets, friendly neighborhoods, and that “Eastern Shore charm.” Showcasing these qualities starts with staging.

For this sale, we guided the homeowner through:

Decluttering key rooms (especially the kitchen and living areas)
Freshening paint in neutral tones
Adding simple décor to highlight natural light and views

The difference was immediate. Instead of feeling like “someone else’s house,” buyers walked in and imagined themselves living there. That emotional connection often translates into stronger offers.

Step 3: Professional Marketing

Marketing is where we go beyond the basics. A listing with dark cellphone photos won’t stand out in today’s competitive market.

For this home, we invested in:

Professional photography (including twilight shots that showed off the yard and curb appeal)
Targeted online ads reaching buyers searching in Kent Island and Stevensville
A feature in our Weekly Snapshot blog highlighting homes under $800K in the area
Social media posts showcasing the home’s unique features

This combination made sure the listing was seen by the right people — buyers actively looking for homes in the exact price range and location.

Step 4: Strong Negotiation

Even when you have interested buyers, negotiation is where deals can fall apart. Because we positioned the home strategically, our seller received multiple showings and quick interest. When an offer came in, we guided them on how to respond confidently.

Instead of back-and-forth price cuts, the buyer recognized the value and brought in a full-price offer. Our seller didn’t leave money on the table — they achieved their goal of selling for 100% of asking.

Why This Matters for Eastern Shore Sellers

If you’re considering selling your home in Stevensville, Chester, or Kent Island, this story shows what’s possible. It’s not about luck. It’s about following a proven plan:

Price it right
Present it beautifully
Market it effectively
Negotiate with confidence

Every seller wants to maximize their return — but not every seller knows how to make that happen. That’s where a local, experienced real estate team comes in.

Your Turn: Can You Get 100% Too?

The truth is, every home is unique. A waterfront property in Bay City will need a different approach than a cozy rancher in Chester. But the same core principles apply.

If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to get a clear picture of your home’s value and the steps to prepare it for the market. That’s exactly why we created our Seller Guide — a resource that walks you through everything from preparing your home to closing the deal.

Don’t Just Guess — Get the Facts

Too many homeowners rely on online estimates that can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t risk underpricing (or overpricing) your biggest asset.

We’ll provide a personalized Home Value Offer that’s tailored to your neighborhood, your home’s features, and the current Eastern Shore market. No pressure, just real data and expert guidance.

Final Thoughts

This seller didn’t get lucky. They followed the right steps — with the right team — and achieved a top-dollar result. You can too. Whether you’re in Kent Island, Stevensville, Chester, or another part of the Eastern Shore, you deserve to feel confident and supported through the selling process.

👉 Ready to sell? Contact David J. Moore & Associates at 410-733-6477 or visit ChesapeakeShoresRealtor.com