Before you spend. Before you list.
I walk the property, separate necessary work from expensive distraction, build the sequence, bring in the right people, and direct the sale from preparation through closing.
You may have a list already: paint, floors, landscaping, the bathroom you never got around to updating. Before you hire anyone, I want to see the house with you. Some things may need attention. Others may be exactly what makes it appealing.
At 718 34th Street in Richmond, I kept the original tile baths and focused on floors, cleaning, landscaping and presentation. At 1443 Scenic Avenue in Berkeley, I managed a broader restoration, down to the sconces and door fixtures. The right amount of preparation depends on the house and the move you are trying to make.
We will talk about known issues, past improvements and the records you have. I will help arrange inspections and specialist follow-up where they will give us useful answers. A repair estimate is more helpful when everyone knows which problem it is meant to solve.
We can compare selling in the current condition with selective preparation or a more involved project. I will help you weigh the likely sale outcome against the cost, time and disruption. We will decide what to do, what to leave and who will handle each task.
Paint and repairs need to finish before staging and photography. I coordinate the sequence, check the presentation and choose the details the photographs should show. Then we set the asking price and organize the launch around the house and its competition.
I follow up with agents, answer questions, compare offers and negotiate. Once we are in escrow, there are still deadlines, inspections and practical matters to manage. At Doidge Avenue in Pinole, that included getting an air-conditioning repair handled before closing.
I will explain the choices and keep you involved in the decisions. That includes the scope of work, estimates, timing and changes as they come up. I coordinate with the contractors, inspectors, title team and other professionals so you have a clear next step.
When offers arrive, we will look beyond the headline price: financing, contingencies, requested credits, closing dates and any time you need in the home after the sale. I want the terms to make sense for your move.
Say that at the beginning. We can look at the current market and the work the property needs before you choose a direction. If keeping or renting it is also on your mind, I can help with the real-estate questions and coordinate with your tax, legal or lending advisers where their input matters.
I will tell you what I notice, what may be worth doing and what you can leave alone.
Walk the property with Colin