Success Story — Little Italy Duplex.
From “Not Show Ready” To a Bidding War in Little Italy
When my client first called me about their duplex in Little Italy, they were nervous. The building was older, a bit tired, and one of the units was still tenanted. On paper it had potential. In person it felt like a project. The big question was: where do we even start?
We focused on what would move the needle. The tenant was incredibly cooperative, which gave us room to work our magic. With strategic decluttering, smart space planning, and elevated styling, the duplex shifted from “lived-in and dated” to a swoon-worthy lifestyle. Suddenly, buyers could picture themselves (or their future tenants) enjoying a character-filled home in a walkable, in-demand neighbourhood, with upside for anyone willing to do a bit of cosmetic work.
Most importantly, the seller trusted the plan. They followed every piece of advice from prep to showings. The result? A fast sale, multiple offers, and a final price over asking.
What started as an anxious “Is this even market-ready?” ended with an ecstatic seller, a seamless key exchange, and one more older Ottawa property turned into a quiet success story.
If you’re sitting on a place that feels “too dated” or “not ready,” you might be closer to a great result than you think, with the right strategy behind it.
From the Seller
“I’ve worked with Shamil Jessa for over a decade in the Ottawa real estate market, and he is hands down the best realtor I could ask for. He’s helped me buy and sell multiple homes, and every single experience has exceeded my expectations. My properties sold quickly and for more than I anticipated, thanks to his deep knowledge of the Ottawa market and his ability to position a home perfectly for buyers. Shamil is professional, responsive, and strategic, which made the entire process smooth and stress free.
What truly sets Shamil apart from other agents is his integrity and the way he treats his clients. He genuinely cares about people and consistently goes above and beyond, often taking on tasks that most realtors wouldn’t, simply to make things easier for his clients. From managing the details of preparing my home for sale to offering cost-saving ideas and steady guidance, he always put my best interests first.”