Case studies
How We Sold a Damaged Chatsworth Rental Property for $1.3 Million in Just 14 Days
SOLD FOR $1,300,000 | $20,050 OVER ASKING | 14 DAYS ON MARKET | RENTAL PROPERTY TURNAROUND
10725 Limerick Avenue | Chatsworth, California
SOLD FOR $1,300,000 | $20,050 OVER ASKING | 14 DAYS ON MARKET | RENTAL PROPERTY TURNAROUND
Imagine owning a rental property for years, collecting rent from the same tenants, and then suddenly losing contact with them just as you’re preparing to sell.
That’s what happened to our clients at 10725 Limerick Avenue in Chatsworth.
The sellers had never personally lived in the five-bedroom home. They owned it as an investment property and had rented it to the same tenants for years.
When they decided to sell, they notified the tenants of their plans. But their communications went unanswered. Then the next rental payment never arrived.
What we discovered when access was arranged was far more concerning than an ordinary tenant move-out.
The property showed signs of being used for cannabis-related commercial activity, and several areas had sustained significant damage. The wood flooring had buckled, the furnace had been improperly modified, and the ductwork required attention.
Our job quickly changed from selling an occupied rental property to helping the owners navigate a difficult situation, coordinate repairs, and restore the home to marketable condition.
With legal guidance, professional coordination, and a focused property preparation and marketing strategy, we helped the sellers get the house ready for sale. It ultimately sold for $1,300,000 — $20,050 above asking — after just 14 active days on the market.
The Challenge: Longtime Tenants Stopped Responding
Our sellers owned this Chatsworth property exclusively as a rental investment.
They had the same tenants living in the home for years and had decided it was time to sell.
After informing the tenants of their plans, the owners expected to begin coordinating the next steps.
Instead, the tenants stopped responding to their communications.
When the next rent payment also failed to arrive, the sellers contacted me for help.
At that point, the priority was no longer simply preparing the home for sale. We needed to understand what was happening at the property while making sure the owners handled the situation appropriately.
Bringing in a Real Estate Attorney
Rather than advising the sellers to take matters into their own hands, we connected them with our real estate attorney for guidance about their rights and the appropriate steps to take.
Following legal guidance, a written notice of entry was posted, and the owners arranged to access the property after the notice period.
When we entered the home with the sellers, we discovered a situation no one had anticipated.
The Unexpected Discovery: Significant Damage Inside the Rental Property
The property appeared to have been used for cannabis-related commercial activity.
Inside the home, we found several refrigerators and evidence of alterations that raised serious concerns about the property’s condition.
Among the issues we discovered were:
- Buckled wood flooring: Sections of the original wood flooring had been damaged and would need to be addressed.
- Improperly modified furnace: The heating equipment had been altered in a way that required professional attention.
- Ductwork concerns: The heating and ventilation ductwork had been affected and needed evaluation.
- Multiple refrigerators and equipment: Several refrigerators and other items remained inside the property.
- Additional preparation needs: The home needed substantial work before it could be professionally photographed and shown to buyers.
For owners who had maintained the property as a long-term investment, discovering these conditions was incredibly stressful.
They hadn’t expected to deal with this level of damage when they decided to sell.
The situation also raised practical questions about repair costs, insurance, the timeline for getting the house on the market, and how to move forward.
That’s where our team’s experience coordinating property preparation became especially important.
Our Strategy: Getting the Chatsworth Home Ready for Sale
Rather than allowing the unexpected situation to derail the sellers’ plans, we focused on developing an actionable strategy.
The goal was to address the home’s condition, coordinate necessary improvements, and present the property in a way that would appeal to buyers looking for a large Chatsworth home.
1. Coordinating the Necessary Property Repairs
We helped the sellers identify and organize the work required to prepare the home for the market.
The flooring was a major concern. Damaged and buckled wood floors can affect how buyers perceive an entire property, even when the house has an otherwise attractive layout.
The heating system and ductwork also needed professional attention because of the alterations we discovered.
By coordinating property preparation and repairs, we helped the homeowners move forward without having to independently manage every step of the process.
The sellers were also able to complete the work without filing an insurance claim.
2. Creating a Fresh, Move-In-Ready Presentation
After addressing the property’s condition, the focus shifted to presenting the home at its best.
The completed listing featured new vinyl flooring throughout the house and fresh interior paint, giving the rooms a clean and updated appearance.
The property’s desirable floor plan, natural light, upgraded kitchen, and remodeled primary bathroom helped create an appealing presentation for buyers.
We wanted people walking into the home to focus on its space, features, and possibilities rather than the issues that had existed before preparation.
3. Highlighting the Home’s Unique Features
Located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a private gated community of just four homes, 10725 Limerick Avenue offered several features that distinguished it from other Chatsworth properties.
The two-story home included five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with approximately 2,905 square feet of living space on a 13,273-square-foot lot.
A downstairs bedroom and full bathroom provided flexibility for guests or multigenerational living.
The living room featured soaring ceilings and a fireplace, while the adjoining family room had another fireplace and connected to the upgraded kitchen.
The kitchen offered granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, travertine backsplash, and a breakfast counter.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite included two walk-in closets, a fireplace, and a remodeled bathroom with dual sinks, a jetted tub, and a separate shower with a sitting bench.
The home also featured dual-pane windows, plantation shutters, and an expansive backyard with mountain views.
We emphasized these features in our property photography, video tour, and listing marketing.
4. Professional Photography and YouTube Video Marketing
Once the property was ready, we introduced it to buyers with professional listing photographs and a YouTube home tour.
The video helped showcase the home’s spacious living areas, updated presentation, private gated setting, large backyard, and mountain views.
We wanted buyers to appreciate how much the property offered and understand the layout before visiting in person.
With the home prepared, priced, and marketed, we moved forward with the sale.
View all 45 photos
Watch Our Chatsworth Home Tour
See the completed property after preparation, including the spacious interior, updated flooring, five-bedroom floor plan, private gated setting, large backyard, and mountain views.
Watch the YouTube property tour:
The Results: Sold in 14 Days for $20,050 Above Asking
After everything the sellers had experienced, the final result was a major turnaround.
We listed 10725 Limerick Avenue for $1,279,950.
The property attracted buyer interest and was under contract after 14 active days in the MLS.
It ultimately closed on May 12, 2023, for $1,300,000 — $20,050 above asking price.
For our sellers, the outcome represented far more than a successful sale.
They went from unanswered tenant communications, missed rent, unexpected property damage, and uncertainty about how to proceed to having the property prepared, marketed, and sold.
They were able to move forward without filing a property insurance claim.
Why This Sale Matters
This transaction is an example of why selling an investment property can involve much more than determining its market value.
Sometimes the biggest challenge happens before the home is ever listed.
Rental properties may require tenant coordination, legal guidance, repairs, cleanup, and careful project management before they’re ready for prospective buyers.
At 10725 Limerick Avenue, we helped the owners navigate an unexpected situation, coordinate the property’s preparation, and successfully bring it to market.
The right real estate agent doesn’t just market your home. They help solve the problems standing between you and a successful sale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Rental Property in Chatsworth
Can I sell my Chatsworth rental property if the tenants stop paying rent?
Yes, a rental property can generally be sold while occupied, but the owners must comply with applicable California and Los Angeles tenancy laws. Nonpayment of rent does not automatically terminate the tenancy or authorize immediate possession. A real estate attorney can help determine the appropriate steps. At 10725 Limerick Avenue, we connected the owners with legal counsel when their tenants stopped responding and a rent payment was missed.
What should I do if my tenants stop responding when I want to sell my rental property?
Begin by reviewing the lease agreement and documenting your communications. Before attempting entry, changing access, or taking possession, consult an attorney familiar with California landlord-tenant law. In this case, we referred the owners to a real estate attorney and followed a legally guided process for arranging access to the property.
What happens if tenants damage my rental property before I sell it?
The next steps depend on the extent of the damage, the lease, insurance coverage, and applicable laws. Owners may need to document conditions, obtain professional evaluations, and determine whether repairs are necessary before listing. We helped our Chatsworth sellers coordinate the preparation of a property with damaged flooring and heating-system concerns.
Can I sell a rental property without filing an insurance claim for tenant damage?
Yes, property owners may choose to pay for repairs without filing an insurance claim, depending on the circumstances. Whether that makes financial sense depends on the repair costs, available coverage, deductibles, and other considerations. At 10725 Limerick Avenue, the owners completed the necessary work without filing a property insurance claim.
Should I repair tenant damage before selling a house in Chatsworth?
It depends on the severity of the damage, repair costs, expected sale price, and buyer demand. Significant damage can make a property harder to market and may affect financing or buyer interest. For this Chatsworth home, we helped coordinate preparation so the property could be presented in updated condition rather than marketed with the original damage.
Can a real estate agent help coordinate repairs before listing a rental property?
Yes. Some agents provide hands-on property preparation services, helping owners coordinate contractors, cleaning, painting, flooring, staging, and other improvements. The Scott Himelstein Group offers property preparation and Concierge Plus services to qualifying sellers throughout Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley.
How long does it take to sell a renovated rental property in Chatsworth?
The timeframe depends on the property’s condition, price, location, and market conditions. At 10725 Limerick Avenue, after the necessary preparation was completed, the home went under contract following 14 active days in the MLS and closed for $1,300,000. Preparation timelines and selling results vary by property.
How do I choose the best real estate agent to sell my Chatsworth investment property?
Look for an agent experienced with rental properties, tenant-related challenges, property preparation, marketing, and escrow negotiations. Ask whether the agent can coordinate repairs and work alongside your legal and tax professionals when necessary. Actual case studies can demonstrate how an agent manages complicated transactions from beginning to end.
What is my Chatsworth rental property worth if it needs repairs?
The property’s value depends on its location, square footage, lot size, condition, rental status, repair needs, and current comparable sales. An accurate valuation should consider both the property’s existing condition and any financially sensible improvements. Scott Himelstein can provide a customized market analysis and help evaluate your options.
Where Is 10725 Limerick Avenue?
Thinking About Selling a Rental Property in Chatsworth?
Whether you’re dealing with a long-term tenant, unexpected property damage, deferred maintenance, or a rental home that needs improvements before going on the market, you don’t have to manage the process alone.
The Scott Himelstein Group helps property owners throughout Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley navigate the real estate side of challenging rental-property sales.
From coordinating property preparation and professional marketing to negotiating offers and managing escrow, we’ll help you develop a practical plan for selling your property.
Let Scott work for you.
Contact Scott Himelstein for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation about selling your Chatsworth rental property.
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