From Problem Property to New Beginning, How Patience and Persistence Paid Off.

Some properties come with baggage. And selling them takes more than just a “For Sale” sign. It requires patience, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to seeing things through.

This was certainly the case for a long-vacant commercial property that had sat empty for over 10 years. As part of a deceased estate, the building had become well-known in the area, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. It had made headlines over the years due to ongoing issues and had gained a reputation as a difficult site.

A Reputation-Challenged Property

When the owners finally decided it was time to move on, they turned to Fred Dubois. They had heard about his 15 years of experience in commercial property sales and the ethical, down-to-earth way he conducts his business.

Fred launched a four-week Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign, which generated seven offers. It was a promising result for a property with such a complicated past. One offer stood out and was accepted, moving the sale to contract stage.

But the challenges weren’t over yet.

When Everything That Could Go Wrong... Did

Just as things seemed to be progressing, the property was hit with a series of issues. There was squatter activity, a fire event, and even legal summons related to environmental and heritage concerns.

Each problem threatened to derail the sale and each required immediate attention. Fred worked closely with the sellers, helping manage and resolve each issue as it came. But despite the best efforts, one by one, the offers fell through.

Where many agents might have walked away, Fred stayed the course.

Nearly a Year of Tenacity

Over the next 12 months, Fred remained fully engaged. He provided guidance, coordinated with legal and environmental experts, and kept the lines of communication open with both the sellers and interested buyers.

Finally, after almost a year of work, one of the original buyers returned. Conditions had stabilised, most issues had been resolved, and the buyer was ready to move forward. The sale successfully settled.

A New Chapter Begins

Thanks to the persistence of everyone involved, this historical property is about to start a new life. The new owner plans to renovate and restore the building, bringing it back to life and contributing something positive to the local community. For many, this building holds sentimental value, and it’s exciting to see it heading in a new direction.

Key Takeaway

Selling challenging properties isn’t about quick wins. It’s about patience, clear communication, and never giving up. With Fred Dubois by your side, even the most complex sales can lead to a successful outcome.

If you're struggling with a hard-to-sell commercial or industrial property, contact Fred to see how he can help you move forward, no matter how tough the situation.