CHERRYDALE CHARMER!

This beautiful estate had been the home of a lovely couple since 1966. The estate attorney brought us in to determine the strategy and pricing for selling the house and the contents. It was up to the gills in personal property and furniture. After the heirs took the things they wanted, we brought in a trusted online auction company that sold the items of value and removed the rest. It always makes a big difference to see the house once it is cleared out. At this point, we began the “Coming Soon” campaign, with a sign out front, postcards and visits to the neighbors, Facebook ads and notice to top agents in the area. We called an exterminator to humanely trap a couple of raccoons who had made the backyard their home. Next we called in the landscaper to clean up the overgrown bushes in back so we could see the nice brick wall that was hidden. We gave the outside a good power wash, and brought in cleaners inside, too, of course, including a window washing company. Although the house was being sold “as-is” we wanted to turn it over to a buyer in as good a condition as possible. We fixed a leak from the bathroom above the kitchen, repairing the plumbing and fixing the drywall. We straightened a concrete slab by the driveway by grading concrete away from the house to prevent water infiltration. We then called the interior design team to consult on some furnishings to bring the house to life. Her team brought the furniture, artwork and accessories that highlighted the possibilities of the look and inherent charm of this early 1940’s home. Finally, the big day: ready for photography! The rainy day did not deter the intrepid photographer, and the fusion process produced perfect results, including a “frone” shot, since drones are not allowed within 25 miles of the White House. We put up the photos and floorplan into MLS the next day so it could be distributed to all the internet sites ahead of the open house that Sunday. And finally, voila! Ready for prime time. The open house was really packed with people, and interestingly, not only a lot of children, but about 10 babies! That was fun. The house got a wonderful reception and by Monday afternoon, we had received 5 offers. Our efforts had paid off.