It is not often that I really miss a client when they move on to the next passage in their life. Today, I miss my new friend and client, Janet Wolcott as she starts her new life in Syracuse.
Janet was referred to me by a mutual friend. I knew that this home was special, it has a casita/third bedroom which is rare at this price point. Our mutual friend mentioned to me that a bit of “creativity” was needed as it was a home completely immersed in the Southwest character.
Heading over to Janet’s home on Palm Canyon, I had all my data, notes, historical sales in the neighborhood intact. What I didn’t count on, or study what how much more or less a “true southwest designed home” would fetch (or rope in) for this home! As I looked around, my mind was running on overdrive to figure out if this would be super desirable… or not… but my creative mind was turning.
Janet could not have been kinder or receptive to my ideas (off the top of my head)… because this was the only Southwest style home with the kiva outdoor stove, southwest tile, vigas poles in the entryway and its own Saloon off the kitchen!
Once I left, I reached out to my photographer and videographer about their upcoming marketing project. Stephen, owner of Hub Media suggested we embrace the entire Southwest ambiance and accent it, rather than try to cover it up. With that, I bought a western hat, stick horse, attire and planned out a Western video shoot.
To get this home ready to shoot, we needed to declutter as Janet and her late husband had spent many years and had many memories in this home. My job is to oversee the removal of personal items, photos, books, and the like to get it ready for a new buyer to imagine what their life would look like in the home. After having our stager come over, we realized painting the entire home in a brighter white would make a huge difference. Janet was right on board with this idea. Poor Janet, she was working tirelessly packing away her personal items as well as artwork, photos and knickknacks she loved to look at. Over 40 boxes were packed in that two week period and Delores chipped in as well!
Photo & Video day came and we all felt like we had accomplished so much. The Southwest Décor just shined through all the photo. Janet stayed with us during the daytime and twilight photo shoots to help move items and watch the action. At the end of a shoot that started at noon. I didn’t hesitate to have some of that Bourbon in Janet’s Saloon!
