Site Conditions
Results of Our Work
Making the Most of a Small Resurfacing Budget
The family needed to sell the property, which was rented by relatives and their two small children during Covid.
The budget for resurfacing was zero. But Craig’s comprehensive assessment of the home and 45 photos documenting the details was persuasive. He showed strong reasons to invest $13,000 in cosmetic fixes.
The pool was a plus for buyer appeal but was diminished by the neighbors’ view directly into the space. Also, the surface was lifting off the pool’s deck creating a magnet for stubbed toes and tripping. Any buyer would be uneasy, but especially families with little ones.
We had to tip the scale by inexpensively adjusting hazards and unsightly aspects of the home to give buyers a positive perception.
Still, the elder executor was reluctant to put any money into the house. His family members who lived in the home understood Craig’s recommendation that a few fixes would bump up the estate’s ROI.
Exterior (before) An otherwise wonderful appearance blotted by some dead, browning hedges. The elder was upset when we suggested they be removed. Instead, he wanted to paint or stain the landscaping!
Exterior (after) We got the fountain working to provide wonderful white noise and planted affordable replacements for the failing box hedge.
Kitchen (before) The yellow wall color made the kitchen cabinetry look dated.
Kitchen (after) By merely painting sections of the wall white, the kitchen had a fresh, acceptable appearance.
Outdoor Space (before) A dry-rotted, crumbling pergola lurked outside the French doors, along the back of the house. It distracted from the otherwise beautiful yard and pool.
Outdoor Space (after) We removed the pergola and painted the rear surface of the house, making for a much fresher, more inviting outdoor space.
Light Fixtures (before) To meet budget restrictions, we replaced selected light fixtures like this chandelier that was a mismatch for the rest of the decor.
Light Fixtures (after) A pretty, modern chandelier that sets the right tone for the rest of our modernizing.
Bathroom (before) We recommended painting out the yellow walls and going for a fresh, modern look.
Bathroom (after) Brighter, cleaner and expected by current buyers.
Bedroom (before) Not bad, but we prefer a more contemporary color instead of the yellow walls.
Bedroom (after) We went with cool gray walls in the rear bedrooms and staged with multiple beds to suggest space for children. It says, “This is a modern home you can live in today.”
Backyard (before) No trees offered privacy along the rear of the property.
Backyard (after) Fresh paint, a view desk and a nice seating area convinced buyers this perch was worth the effort. Buyer response was overwhelmingly positive.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
October 19, 2023
The Sputtering Real Estate Market: We targeted buyers who would be willing to compete for the home-expanding families. They'd love the neighborhood and the home's many… Read more
February 13, 2023
The Thanksgiving Offering: Around Thanksgiving, Craig met two sisters who had inherited their 1950s-era family home. The 5-bedroom, 2-bath house, adjacent to McLaren P… Read more
February 9, 2023
No Need to Wait for Spring: The sellers had two adorable, very active small children. So no surprise, the home looked lived-in damaged hardwood floors, loud child-them… Read more
February 9, 2023
Out-of-State Sellers Face Damaged Rental Property: The owners, an out-of-state elderly couple, planned to sell this rented property in a 1031 exchange. But the tenants… Read more
January 21, 2023
The Realtor to Friend Crossover: In 2011, Craig represented these clients when they bought the duplex, in poor condition with a difficult layout. But add imagination a… Read more
January 21, 2023
Upgraded Property for Half of Budget Other Agents Advised: To sell this four-floor Glen Park home, we targeted families with children, work-from-home couples and dog l… Read more
July 22, 2022
Out-Of-State Sellers Take The Harder Route: This Daly City family home had been converted to a rental and went untouched for years. The owners, living in the Midwest, … Read more
July 21, 2022
A Neighborhood Record Sale Price: The out-of-the-area owners had rented out this home for many years. They were surprised at how tattered the property was once the ten… Read more
July 8, 2022
Time to Sell and Buy Outside the City: Craig had sold this lower-level condo in the Mission District to the same couple almost 10 years ago. Now they wanted to move ou… Read more
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