70 Corte Precita, Greenbrae

Site Conditions

Difficult tenants were dragging their feet on moving out
Steep hillside with soil movement was a red flag for buyers
Foundation problems presented a project for new owners

Results of Our Work

29 offers
Listed at $1.599M, sold for $1.45M
Resurfacing budget of $57,900 and $11,250 for staging brought 29 competing buyers

Tenant, Foundation & Soil Instability Woes

Craig had just helped a client next door sell their home when one of the sellers of 70 Corte Precita contacted him. She was desperate to get the tenants out, upgrade the property and get it sold.

Craig introduced his landlord attorney who encouraged one tenant to move out, although the son stuck around longer than was agreed. He was drinking beer in a weed-smelling haze during the second walkthrough. Craig and the seller, meaning to be overheard, discussed installing the for-sale sign and changing locks. Two days later the son vacated.

Earlier, the seller invested $480,000 for permits and professionals to repair soil movement on the steep hillside, but it would still concern buyers. The home needed to show like a dream to overcome their reticence.

They believed work related to 20-year-old foundation repair estimates had been completed. After three weeks, though, the building department finally revealed none of the deficiencies had been addressed.

A former licensed contractor, Craig quickly obtained several engineer opinions and quotes to show a clear path forward. He was available to explain the details, since most buyer agents lacked the expertise to comfortably discuss the reports with their clients.

Kitchen (before) The countertop was two levels and felt choppy, out of date. With no eat-in bar, old flooring, and dated knobs and pulls, the kitchen was just sad.

Kitchen (after) Our designer performed magic with a small budget—lower cabinet color, marble-like quartz counter, brushed nickel handles, single-stem faucet. New single-height counter seats 4.

Living Room (before) The carpet in the home needed an upgrade—dirty, with wear patterns and desperately in need of stretching.

Living Room (after) The gathering spot to enjoy the views and vaulted ceilings. Wide-plank flooring better celebrated the home’s architectural ceiling and fireplace design.

Dining Room (before) Across the hall from the kitchen, what had been the dining room, facing the street.

New Office/Guest Room (after) We repurposed the dining room to show the option of a home office/guest bedroom to better attract our target audience.

Bathroom (before) Budget dictated small changes, but our client agreed that at least we had to address the older grout and worn caulking around the tub.

Bathroom (after) For less than $500, the result was fresh and inviting.

Lounge (before) Attached to the kitchen, this former lounge had great views and dramatic ceiling height. We thought there was better use for the space.

New Dining Area (after) We transformed the lounge into a dining area and resisted adding a chandelier. Instead, recessed lighting produced a clean, modern dining experience for entertaining and raising a family.