How I Sold 124 Mauna Loa Drive in Monrovia for $1.05M

Ethan Poulos
Sep 6
3 min read

Suburban house with white walls, green bushes, and a large tree. Sunlit lawn and clear blue sky. Peaceful residential setting.

On August 4th, 2025, I had the opportunity to represent the sale of 124 Mauna Loa Drive in Monrovia. The property wasn’t move-in ready—it needed repairs, updates, and a fresh start. But with the right preparation and marketing strategy, we sold it for an impressive $1,050,000 to a cash buyer, closing in just 15 days.

This sale is proof that you don’t need to pour tens of thousands of dollars into renovations before selling. With the right strategy, you can still achieve top dollar.

Empty living room with beige carpet, recessed lights, and a ceiling fan. Sunlight streaming through three windows. Wooden door visible.

Preparing the Home: Clearing It Out

When I first toured the home, it was full of belongings that made it difficult for buyers to see its potential. Before hitting the market, I helped coordinate the complete clearance of the house, leaving it empty and ready for showings.

This simple but powerful step allowed buyers to focus on the home’s size, layout, and potential rather than being distracted by clutter. An empty house can actually feel more inviting—it lets buyers visualize their own future inside even if that future requires updating the home.

Empty room with wooden walls and ceiling beams, large window with curtain, brown carpet, shelves, and a closed door. Calm atmosphere.

A Hidden Advantage: The Detached Bonus Room

Beyond the main residence, 124 Mauna Loa had something special—a detached bonus room. While the main house needed work, this extra space opened up exciting possibilities:

A home office or creative studio
A guest suite or gym
Potential rental income with the right improvements

By emphasizing this unique feature, we gave buyers a reason to see value beyond the repairs needed.

Aerial view of suburban neighborhood with green gardens, houses, and mountain backdrop. Clear sky and afternoon light create a serene mood.

The Strategy: Location + Smart Marketing

Instead of sinking money into renovations, we leaned into the home’s strongest selling points:

Excellent Monrovia location, close to schools, parks, and shopping
Spacious layout and lot size, appealing to families and investors
Flexibility, offering buyers the chance to customize the property

We priced the property strategically to spark interest, created a clean presentation, and highlighted its future potential. The result? Immediate buyer interest and strong offers.

Floor plan showing a living room, dining area, kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, garage, bonus room, and patios. Dimensions labeled.

The Result: A Smooth $1.05M Cash Sale

We secured a cash buyer who recognized the property’s value and potential. Because it was a cash transaction, the process was smooth and fast—closing in only 15 days.

The sellers were thrilled, and the buyers walked away with a home they could truly make their own.

Empty room with beige walls, textured ceiling, and faded carpet. Curtains cover two windows, and a ceiling fan light is on. Quiet, neutral mood.

Why This Matters for Monrovia Homeowners

If you own a home in Monrovia or the surrounding area and are wondering whether you should invest in major renovations before selling—this sale is your answer. You don’t have to.

Here’s what this success story shows:

Repairs aren’t always necessary. Buyers are often looking for homes they can improve themselves.
Preparation matters. A clean, empty home allows buyers to see potential.
Unique features add value. Detached rooms, bonus spaces, or larger lots can tip the scales.
The right agent makes the process smooth. From preparing the home to marketing to negotiation, the right strategy gets results.

White single-story house with manicured bushes, green lawn, and clear blue sky. Surrounded by similar homes, creating a serene suburban setting.

Thinking About Selling? Let’s Talk.

Every home has potential—no matter its condition. My job is to bring out that potential, market it effectively, and make sure you get the best possible result.

If you’re considering selling your home in Monrovia or the San Gabriel Valley, let’s connect. I’ll show you how we can turn your property into a success story—just like we did with 124 Mauna Loa Drive.

📞 Contact me today to learn how I can help you sell your home quickly, smoothly, and for a price you’ll be proud of.

--Ethan Poulos

CA Realtor®

eXp Realty of CA. Inc.

DRE#02185483

909-252-2241