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 ArtPainting 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.