# A Niche Challenge: How I Sold Four Off-Market Units in Just Five Days Sale case study by [Michael Darken](https://proudli.com.au/pro/michael-darken-iiexpq2b) · PRD Ballarat · published 2026-10-28 ## Sale at a glance Wendouree VIC sold for $1,030,000 in September 2026. Michael Darken of PRD Ballarat handled the five-day off-market campaign for the five-bedroom apartment, achieving a result above the guide price. The property was sold to a buyer from Darken's database. - Price: 1030000 - Sold: September 2026 - Address: Wendouree VIC 3355 - Property: Apartment · 5 beds · 4 baths · 4 car spaces · 725 m² land - Sale method: Off-market - Days on market: 5 - Result vs. guide price: Above guide > Communication and transparency gets the best outcome for both parties in real estate transactions, and that's what he does best! ## The challenge I sat at my desk, knowing the clock was ticking for my clients in Wendouree. They had a unique group of four units they wanted to sell off-market, which made my task a real challenge. The niche nature of the properties meant I couldn't just rely on the usual channels and had to dig deep within my database to find the right buyer. This was no ordinary sale — I needed to find someone ready to make a move quickly and efficiently. With the properties being off-market, I knew there was a limited pool of potential buyers. I felt the pressure; my clients were relying on me to deliver results but also to ensure they did not settle for less than what these units were worth. I couldn't waste a moment in reaching out to the people I thought might see the true value of these units. I needed a strategy that played to my strengths: communication and trust, two pillars of my approach in real estate. ## What they did I got to work immediately, pulling up my database of clients. I remembered a particular buyer I had worked with before, someone who had shown interest in similar units during our past transactions. I picked up the phone and reached out, laying out the opportunity in a straightforward manner. While the circumstances were a bit unconventional, this buyer had always appreciated my transparency and thoroughness. After that initial call, I made sure to follow up with detailed information about the units. I wanted to provide not just the numbers but the story behind the properties. Each unit had its own charm and set of features, and I aimed to communicate that effectively. I knew that getting the right buyer on board meant establishing a connection and fostering a sense of confidence about this off-market sale. It took just five days, but my persistence paid off. ## The result In the end, my efforts bore fruit. I secured a buyer who understood the value of the units and was willing to step up with a great offer. We sold off-market, and I was thrilled to deliver the news to my clients — we achieved a sale price above their expectations. This wasn’t just a successful transaction; it was a testament to the power of communication and trust in real estate. My client later shared their appreciation, stating they had always experienced 10/10 service with me. Knowing I facilitated this for them, while maintaining clarity and transparency, made all the hard work worth it. ## Key facts - Property type: apartment - Sale method: off-market - Days on market: 5 - Result: sold above guide - Location: Wendouree ## Frequently asked ### How long did it take to sell the units? It took just five days to sell the units off-market. ### What type of properties were sold? The properties were a group of four apartments. ### Was the sale price above the guide? Yes, we sold the units for a price above the guide. ### How did you find a buyer for the off-market sale? I reached out to my database, specifically contacting a buyer I had worked with before who I thought would be interested. ### What is your approach to real estate transactions? I focus on communication and transparency to achieve the best outcomes for my clients. ## 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/sold-four-off-market-units-in-5-days 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.