Ep 3. The Best Castle in Orange County

After successfully selling a luxurious property in Beverly Hills, Aaron Kirkman, a top real estate agent decides to take on one of his toughest challenges yet. In season 1 episode 3 of Listing Impossible, titled "The Best Castle in Orange County," Aaron sets his sights on an incredible property located in the heart of Orange County. This majestic home has not only been on the market for an extended period, but it has also become an undesirable listing, even with an 18,000 square foot space with a beautiful ocean view.

During the episode, Aaron and his team discuss the importance of pricing properties appropriately, and how overpricing could be a costly mistake to potential sellers. The Castle in Orange County was initially listed at $36 million, an unrealistic price point that did not appeal to buyers. Without ruling out the possibility of finding a buyer who can see the property's true value, Aaron goes in with a new approach, proposing a change in price and marketing strategy to the seller.

As the day progresses, Aaron tours the property, taking note of its unique features while also commenting on areas that are not appealing. He presents to the owners a clear plan to bring new life to their home, including considering improvements like the addition of a vineyard, restaurant, baseball field, and more. After being presented with a reasonable cost estimate, the owners agree to the plans and an entirely new direction for the property is set.

The team works tirelessly to stage the house, bring on board architects, and make necessary repairs to bring out the true potential of the property. The show features in-depth interviews with both Aaron and the homeowners, who express their motivation and commitment to making their Castle a coveted property with no expense spared.

Additionally, the episode also features several lesser-known but crucial factors hindering the sale of high-end real estate, such as cleaning up property-related legal issues, bad publicity, and negative rumors about the property. The team realizes that to attract a buyer with a high net worth, the property must be presented realistically and candidly, with every effort made to inspire prospective buyers.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an insight into why selling real estate in Orange County at the highest level is a process that involves a great deal of patience and expertise. Every detail from pricing, marketing strategy, timing, and even handling of prospective buyers is essential and could determine the eventual success or failure of any sale.

The climax of the episode sees Aaron and his team hosting a lavish party to unveil the Castle's new look, inviting high net worth individuals, the media, and other potential buyers. The guests are treated to an exquisite showcase of the property's best features; they indulge in delicious gourmet meals made by high-end chefs, fine wines, and cocktails.

In conclusion, this episode of Listing Impossible features Aaron and his team tackling a significant challenge by transforming an undesirable listing into an irresistible property. Through this process, viewers learn about the intricacies involved in the high-end real estate industry, from pricing strategies to marketing, publicity, and the art of closing a deal. In the end, the team's hard work and dedication pay off, with the Castle in Orange County being sold at a price that reflects its true value.