Property Preparation by Talbot Team
We first met Lisa and Jeff in early 2022 when they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second son. With their family expanding, they had one main goal: to find a larger home by June so they could settle in before their baby’s August arrival. We started by giving them a property prep checklist and advising on upgrades that would maximize their return on investment for when they were ready to sell. We went through design plans, discussing options for exterior paint and cosmetic updates to make their current home shine.
Despite all of our efforts, they weren’t able to find the ideal home within their timeline. With the baby’s arrival approaching, they decided to pivot, shifting focus to making their current space more functional. We collaborated to help them reimagine the layout, ultimately recommending a garage conversion that would give them over 300 additional square feet. This new space became a multipurpose gem—complete with a bathroom, kitchenette, lofted bed for guests, and an office for Jeff, allowing his former office to become the nursery. The conversion allowed their family to stay comfortably in their home, giving them the space they needed without compromising.
In 2024, with their children a bit older, Lisa and Jeff resumed their home search. By June, they found their new home, and we moved swiftly into a two-week prep process to get their Oakland house market-ready. The garage conversion proved to be a standout feature, transforming their home into a sought-after listing that drew substantial interest from buyers.
Lisa and Jeff’s journey is a testament to adaptability and creative problem-solving—turning a timing challenge into a fantastic upgrade that served them well in the meantime and ultimately made their home a unique, highly desirable property.
We are extremely communicative, tech-savvy, and knowledgeable of the latest market and design trends. In addition, we are one of the few Green Certified real estate teams in the Bay Area.