For Rahul and Neha, the decision to sell their Granville apartment wasn't just a financial one — it was essential for their growing family.

With a nine-month-old daughter, the couple realised that their home of seven years was no longer serving their needs.

"Since moving from an apartment to a house is a big step, every dollar we could get out of our previous property would help us put in a better deposit," Rahul explained.

However, as first-time sellers, the prospect of entering the market felt daunting.

"This was our first time selling, and that made the process even more challenging for us, because we had no idea how to go about it," Rahul said.

Cutting through the noise

The couple found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of conflicting information and agent claims out there in the market. 

They also had to contend with the emotional weight of leaving a place they had called home for so long.

"It was especially very, very difficult for me to let go of the old property," Neha admitted. "We were very attached to it."

"It was very difficult to let go, but at the same time, we were looking forward to something new."

Before they found OpenAgent, the couple felt they were searching blindly in a crowded marketplace

They turned to the platform to act as a much-needed filter, providing them with a data-backed shortlist of local agents who were suited to their needs.

"Having extra support from a platform which aggregates these agents together and helps you make better decisions based on data is very helpful," said Rahul.

"It was just one less thing to worry about."

Preparation meets professional expertise

Through the platform, they connected with Atul Bhanushali, an agent who stood out immediately for his exhaustive research and preparation.

"He was the one who came the most prepared," Neha recalled. 

"He had numbers around other properties that had sold in the whole area, we discussed what the right price would be, what challenges we might face, what sort of buyers he already had connections with"

"He went that extra step even before he even had a conversation with us. I really did like that."

Beyond the data, it was Atul’s approachability that helped ease the couple's anxiety during the campaign.

Atul felt a similar connection, noting that the couple's kindness and meticulous presentation of their home made the partnership seamless.

His approach was put to the test when the Granville market was suddenly flooded with dozens of cheaper properties during their four-week campaign.

By focusing on the unique quality of Rahul and Neha’s home — which Atul described as "better than any display home" — he was able to maintain the property's premium positioning.

The stakes remained high for the couple, who were simultaneously inspecting dozens of houses for their own purchase.

"It was a moving market, and every time we would think something was within our reach, the prices would again go up," Neha said.

A bridge to the next chapter

The successful sale of their apartment provided the critical financial bridge they needed to secure their new property.

"It was a huge relief, because the whole process does take some time and it's a strain," Rahul reflected.

"We were very happy once it was done and we could move to the next step."

By providing a curated starting point, OpenAgent allowed the family to focus on their future rather than getting lost in the search for a professional.

It turned a high-pressure life transition into a manageable success story.

"The sale went by smoothly," Neha concluded. "I would say it was a great success."