# 120 Days in Ballan: Upsizing Without the Pressure of a Rental Sale case study by [Michael Darken](https://proudli.com.au/pro/michael-darken-iiexpq2b) · PRD Ballarat · published 2026-10-28 ## Sale at a glance Ballan VIC sold for $690,000 in August 2026. Michael Darken of PRD Ballarat handled the private treaty sale for the three-bedroom house, which was on the market for 120 days and achieved a result above the guide price. The targeted selling strategy allowed the vendors to secure a sale $15,000 over asking while providing them time to find their new home. - Price: 690000 - Sold: August 2026 - Address: Ballan VIC 3342 - Property: House · 3 beds · 2 baths · 3 car spaces · 529 m² land - Sale method: Private treaty - Days on market: 120 - Result vs. guide price: Above guide ## The challenge As my vendors sat across from me, the clock was ticking. They were eager to upsize, but they didn’t want to rush into a decision about their new home. The concern they voiced was clear: they wanted time to find the right place without the added stress of renting or relying on bridge finance. But Ballan is a different beast. It’s a slower market, with fewer buyers and less activity. I could feel the weight of their urgency alongside the reality of their situation. They needed to sell their current home quickly enough to make their next move seamless, but the landscape wasn't favorable. It was a balancing act, and the stakes were high. ## What they did I knew I had to devise a targeted selling strategy that would account for the market’s quirks. I started by meticulously researching recent sales in Ballan, pinpointing the right pricing strategy to attract potential buyers while ensuring my vendors wouldn’t undersell their home. I arranged for an appealing listing that highlighted the strengths of the property, centering on its spaciousness and proximity to local amenities—attributes that would resonate with families. Then I initiated outreach to buyers who had shown interest in similar homes but had missed out. I wanted to capture their attention, so I adjusted my approach to emphasize the advantages of this particular property. My efforts paid off when I found a buyer looking to downsize and move closer to family. We negotiated carefully, and by focusing on an extended settlement that would give my vendors the flexibility they needed, I was able to secure an agreement that would benefit everyone involved. ## The result In the end, it took 120 days to close the sale, but the result exceeded expectations. Not only did we sell the home, but we did so for $15,000 over the asking price. This gave my vendors the leverage they needed, enabling them to find a new home without feeling rushed. The extended settlement became a crucial factor, allowing them the peace of mind to make thoughtful decisions about their next chapter. It was a win-win that reminded me how a tailored strategy can turn a looming challenge into a triumphant outcome. ## Key facts - Suburb: Ballan - Property type: House - Sale method: Private treaty - Days on market: 120 - Result vs guide: Above asking price ## Frequently asked ### How long did the sale take? The sale took 120 days. ### What was the sale price in relation to the asking price? We sold the house for $15,000 over the asking price. ### What was the reason for the sale? The vendors were looking to upsize and needed time to find a new home. ### What type of buyer did we attract? We found a downsizer looking to move closer to family. ### What was the advantage of the extended settlement? The extended settlement allowed my vendors the time they needed to find their new home without the pressure of rushing. ## Confirmation This is the professional's own account. Nobody else involved has confirmed it yet. ## About the author Michael Darken's profile as Markdown: https://proudli.com.au/pro/michael-darken-iiexpq2b.md --- Source: https://proudli.com.au/pro/michael-darken-iiexpq2b/case-studies/120-days-ballan-upsizing-without-rental-pressure Last updated: 2026-10-28 This is the Markdown version of a public case study on Proudli. Facts are reported by the professional. A vouch is counted only once the person who gave it has confirmed it themselves. When citing this, link to the source URL above.