A midcentury home deserved a thoughtful refresh.

The wood paneling, brick fireplaces and broad openings toward the terrace gave 783 Balra Drive a strong personality. I wanted the preparation to work with the house. There was plenty to do without making it feel like an entirely different home.

I represented the seller and coordinated the trades, finish choices and research. Some days that meant following up on a paint detail. Other days it meant asking the city about the land.

We used Benjamin Moore White Dove on the interior walls and Chantilly Lace in gloss on the front door. New carpet went into the living room, family room and three bedrooms. Three Bell White flush-mount lights from CB2 went into the hallway, with a West Elm pendant in the dining room. New pulls refreshed the wet bar and built-in hutch.

The practical work ran alongside those choices: chimney flashing and gutter attention, selected pest-report repairs, pressure washing and continued landscaping. I coordinated the schedule so the house was ready for photography and visitors.

The creek and drainage questions needed their own attention. I reviewed survey material and contacted the City of El Cerrito and Stege Sanitary District about the existing waterway and historical easement.

For a house like this, understanding the setting is part of understanding the home. I wanted those questions addressed in the property information so buyers could evaluate the house and land together.

The listing went live on March 22, 2021, at $1,299,000. During the showing period, I answered questions and kept agents informed about the offer date. The sellers accepted an offer on March 30, the same date the listing was reported pending.