Shiny, clean windows are always a must. I recommend cleaning your windows at least once a year; not just when you move. Clean windows make everything look so much better, just like a clean car. Mr. Sparkle and his team detail each window inside and out and they have extension ladders so they can access every spot. ( No pun intended. )
Art Selection – Something special that is rarely done.
Michelle Bello met with us at 55 Sea View Avenue prior to selecting ARTWORK to discuss our ideas and to measure the spaces we were hoping to fill. Michelle emailed us some choices to choose from; most are local artists. Our goal: to add color and bring a more youthful, contemporary look into each room while complimenting the beautiful details and craftsmanship of this exceptional home. My goal as the Realtor is different than that of a designer. My goal is to appeal to a wide range of buyers – the younger as well as the more mature. I hope you enjoy what we’ve done. Stop by on September 13th from 10-1pm to preview our work. To purchase what you see here please contact Michelle Bello. Michelle also has wonderful art hanging in our office at HIGHLAND PARTNERS at 342 Highland Avenue in Piedmont- we invite you to stop in and take a look. Michelle works with professionals to hang each piece safely and precisely. Thanks Michelle!!! I love what you’ve done. You will find my favorite piece in the art room at 55 Sea View Avenue – I call it COLOR SPLASH.
We had two selections to choose from – This was my choice. I liked the way the green and the blue drew your eye to the green plants inside and out and the way the blue drew your eye to the water and the blue sky outside. The other artwork pulled you in and commanded you to focus on the ART entirely and not the home and many details in the room. If we were at a museum or in an art gallery with the sole purpose of selling the artwork, then the other piece would be appropriate. In this case the art complements and lightens the room. My goal has been achieved.We had two selections to choose from – This was my choice. I liked the way the green and the blue drew your eye to the green plants inside and out and the way the blue drew your eye to the water and the blue sky outside. The other artwork pulled you in and commanded you to focus on the ART entirely and not the home and many details in the room. If we were at a museum or in an art gallery with the sole purpose of selling the artwork, then the other piece would be appropriate. In this case the art complements and lightens the room. My goal has been achieved.
Don’t forget the Garden and Home Improvement needs as well – Power Washing, Packing, Storing, Hauling, Purging, Managing. And reports, disclosures and permits.
Order a Sketch, book my photographer, Scott Hargis. He is truly amazing. He lights each room in order to obtain the very best shot. And if the lighting is not ideal he will reschedule without complaints. Quentin Bacon, my social media producer is helping me to share the PROCESS with you. I just love the PROCESS. I have so much fun watching the transformation from Lived In to Luxury Living. LIGHTS, Camera, Action, FLOWERS, Brochures, Websites, Print Ads, Write Copy, Blog, Post and so much more. I didn’t realize how many tasks I do each time I bring a home onto the market. Not all agents do as much as I do. I’ll move and help re-arrange, even in my heels.
Watch and Enjoy – Today we hung art and next week we meet with the San Francisco Chronicle and then Scott shoots evening photos Thursday and Interior shots on Friday. Stay Tuned – the final product will be unveiled on line by next weekend. Open for you to see in person September 13th.
Look for us in the Robb Report, the SF iS, the San Francisco Chronicle, Realtor.com, Real Bird, The Hills Newspaper, the Piedmont Post, the Piedmonter, the Montclairion, SF GATE, Debbi and Adam.com, 55SeaViewPiedmont.com, TheHighlandPartners.com and many other websites and social media sites.
Hope to see you on the 13th!
Preparing a home for Market…
A blank canvas – i walk the entire home up and down in and around, to get a feel for it. Then i discuss what it may need and get an idea of what the homeowner is willing to do and not to do. This particular home does not have young children so there are no plastic toys and excess clothes of all ages filling the closets, hallways, playrooms and attic. And the furniture is all very expensive and in good condition – however, with that said we have to take into consideration that the home will be looked at by people, young and old, with varied tastes and styles. SO after i have a feeling for the space and the home i bring in my first team. Kelly Banks of Designing Women Interiors and MB Jesse, Painting Contractors and the homeowners daughter, Kimberly who happens to be my longtime friend. We all collaborate and share ideas. We all have a varied perspective. My voices come from those of homebuyers – i hear what they will say. i’m not a homebuyer whisperer, but my intuition and gut always puts me on top. Now, Kim, an artist with a keen sense of design sees a different angle while Kelly helps bring it back to “staging” not “living”. Be sure there were 3 opinions. Just like today when we hung art. I just have to brag a little. Michelle, our Art Consultant and Kim, an Artist herself were leaning towards a darker less contrasting piece while I loved the piece that ended up hanging on the wall. The Art that we hung had strokes of green and blue that pulled in the green plants and blue water from the view. The other piece, was yes, a great masterpiece, but i as would others be drawn to analyzing the ART and not enjoying the room and the view. I won I won! A realtors point of view is one that knows and anticipates the homebuyers thoughts and objections – and with that we try to mitiagate what we can. I love that too! The PROCESS, each step of the way.
MB JESSE, Painting Contractors
That’s Me and Ricardo checking out the paint and deciding what and when. What needs to be painted, what can we live with and when we want to start.
When isn’t in a two weeks Ricardo, with me when is always tomorrow. Immediately, PRONTO! 
The Beginning….Check out the After Pictures…Let there be Art
Painting Check List 
What a Gorgeous Garden and Stunning, Sparkling Swimming Pool – Imagine the Parties and Events and Fun you could have here! 
Garden looks good – But old furniture needs to go – Off to the garage it goes. 
Kelly and Debbi – collaborating, discussing or perhaps disagreeing. Setting the calendar, outlining the vision.
To be a bedroom or not. These are the questions one must ask. A family room, a media room, a guest suite or office. Maximizing the asset. Can you believe we were just in 10th grade? ! Where did the time go? Trips to Lake Tahoe, Summer Chemistry Class, Con-Law with Mr. Kitchens.
Memories….
Shade Repairs, Window Treatments, Pillows for the Outdoor Chairs …. these are just a few additional items on the rapidly growing “TO DO” LIST.
Michelle Bello, Art Consultant Extraordinaire – I can’t wait to see the final art hanging in place bringing the rooms to new life. Thanks Michelle!! Please stop by Highland Partners to preview more of Michelle’s art from various local artists. We are so lucky to have such extraordinary pieces hanging in our office. We greatly appreciate it! Also, keep an eye out, here on my BLOG, for the date of our upcoming preview reception with Michelle and one or two of her favorite local artists.
27 King Avenue Preview Party – July 2010
I always like to create a buzz for my properties. The latest is to include the service providers who have worked on the home as well as the designer. I think it is really quite fun and it definitely expands the guest list. It’s all about getting people thru the door and getting the word out. You never know where that buyer may come from, who told them about it – and sometimes people who come to look for fun are the very ones who end up buying ! That has happened to me at least twice before. Another property in Piedmont for 3.5 million and one in Claremont Pines for 2 million. Impulse buyers? Perhaps. The preview reception at King with William Anderson the Interior Designer was really fun. It was well attended and people enjoyed the home. The indoor outdoor access with multiple French Doors and two lovely courtyards made the ease to entertain my guests seemless. Thanks William for inviting your wonderful friends and clients!
Thanks to my colleagues at Highland Partners for assisting me and tending the wine bar. More people came than expected. A pleasant surprise!
Food and Wind from Andronico’s in Berkeley on Shattuck. 
Me, Mindy Sun, a Highland Partner and William Anderson, the Interior Designer for 27 King Avenue and so many more Piedmont and other Bay Area Homes.
Me and Mary McCrae
Hollywood Style – Chateau Marmont – Hollywood Hills – 1940’s Actresses – That’s what i see when i step through the doors – On the other hand i also see Under the Tuscan Sun – the Tuscan Countryside, vineyards and handpainted vases, lemons and fruit trees.
Bruce Wagg, Another Highland Partner, Realtor – and friends. Thanks for helping out Bruce!
Doug and Candace ( middle and right ) Doug Fuller, Highland Partner, Realtor and his fun and funny wife Candace – Social Media/Public Relations Consultant
Debbi and Adam www.debbiandadam.com Thanks for coming!!! xoxo