Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hi Joanna - this can be a long and very emotional process -- congrats on the progress to date and to the unveiling-to-be of the finished product.   Here's to a successful sale and great return on investment.  

Jun 12, 2014 01:21 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Joanna, yes, it's a labor of love! And will wait for the pictures 'AFTER'! Good luck.

Jun 12, 2014 01:28 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Joanna. I have seem so many homes over the years, that could have used your assistance, but got so much less for the property, because they didn't hire a pro to help them, like you are help this client.

Jun 12, 2014 06:46 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Looks like some great progress, Joanna.  I remember you writing about this before.  BTW, I know someone who reglaze bathtubs if you want to get rid of the blue.

Jun 12, 2014 07:05 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Bubbeleh, you certainly had your work cut out for you on so many levels.  Amazing results, but no surprise......can't wait for the final results.

Jun 12, 2014 07:55 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks so much Michael, it has been a long and arduous process.  The emptying of paperwork from years and years of collecting and saving-stamps and coins-very time consuming.

Thanks Praful and you will see the afters for sure.

Good morning Joe, sometimes kids are pennywise and pound foolish when it comes to the estates of their parents-they just want it over.  Hopefully, these sons are making the right decisions.

Good morning Debbie, I have a tub reglazer but I will call you later for the name of yours, if you really like the guy.  We are definitely reglazing to white-but it has to happen after the tile and before the final grouting.

Good morning tateleh, oy do I ever on yes, many levels.  Will definitely share.

 

Jun 12, 2014 10:17 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Joanna,

I never thought out the pain and the emotion involved in your line of work. Dismantling the home and tossing out things that had been in that house for years --- well, it breaks my heart. Yet... it is reality. People are what matter most and you have the compassion, understanding, and the talent that is so needed, especially in situations like this. Thank you Joanna.

Jun 15, 2014 01:44 AM
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Hi Joanna I don't know what we would do without staging expertise such as yours. I do not have an eye for that work and it can make or break a sale.

Jun 15, 2014 02:31 AM
Roy Kelley
Realty Group Referrals - Gaithersburg, MD

This home presents a major challenge. Please share some photographs of the completed job.

I hope they did not discard family photographs that would be treasured by future generations.

Jun 15, 2014 03:56 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi Noah, that is a very supportive comment and I thank you so much! Hope you had a good day and that the weather in Evanston was beautiful!

Hi Roy, no, I believe that family photos were taken by the sons and grandchildren to be passed down.

Jun 15, 2014 09:04 AM
Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD
ViewHomes of Clark County - Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
REALTORS® in Clark County, WA

Joanna, they hired the right gal for the job. And, I appreciate your sensitive emotion regarding the "stuff" that goes. And, so happy the family will save the photos for memories and connections to the past.

Jun 16, 2014 02:13 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Absolutely.  This is a family that treasures family.  Thanks for stopping by Debb and have a great week.

Jun 16, 2014 02:55 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. The owner is in the best hands and will reap the benefits of you expert eye and quality vendors. 

Jun 16, 2014 03:06 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks Debbie, I am looking forward to finishing this as well and plan to take lots of photos.

Jun 16, 2014 04:01 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA Realtor
Sun Lakes Realty - Banning, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Joanna,

It is hard for family to move on but it makes it much easier to sell an outdated home after some cluttering and a few modifications are made. I cannot wait to see your finished project.

Jun 16, 2014 02:06 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks Kristin.  There is often great emotional attachment and when the house belongs to parents, it is hard to let go of your past.  But we will persevere and they will be relieved once everything is done.  Will post photos!

Jun 16, 2014 10:08 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Joanna,

What an undertaking!! You are the perfect one to take charge of this project and can't wait to see the grand unveiling! You are doing a great job of releasing the home from it's inhabitants and creating a new atmosphere for a family to take over the reigns and create a new chapter for this home to flourish once again!  

Jun 16, 2014 10:32 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

It's moving slowly Dorie but happy to report in the right direction.

Jun 16, 2014 11:44 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Joanna I've worked with a number of families helping them sell the family home after being there for many years, and it's never an easy process.  Emotions can run high and with various family members involved, sometimes even reaching agreement on what should be done is challenging.  Good job helping this family get to the finish line!  Looking forward to the final photos of the transformation.

Jun 17, 2014 03:09 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Good morning Maureen, you put it so well, emotions run high and the process of getting the brothers to agree was not an easy one but I am hoping to cross the finish line within the next month.  Thanks for stopping by.

Jun 17, 2014 10:25 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta GA 404-939-2727
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Buckhead - Midtown - Westside ... Love our City - Love our Clients! - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Dear Joanna -
 Even though I live in Atlanta, I know exactly what that neighborhood looks like because my aunt lived on Lookout Place in Ardsley! The old "small world" business!

The color transitions look great! Best wishes for good success!

Have a happy day -
Lynn

Jun 19, 2014 04:40 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi Lynn, that is so funny! Ok, so you know lots of high ranches! I look forward to sharing finished shots and wishing you a great summer.  So nice to hear from you!

Jun 19, 2014 10:50 PM
Hillary Sheperd
Servpro of Scarsdale / Mount Vernon - Scarsdale, NY
Co-Owner ~ Servpro of Scarsdale / Mount Vernon, NY

Joanna...you have such a good eye.  Cannot wait to see what you come up with as the final "reveal," you rock star!

Jun 20, 2014 08:28 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

OMG, you are so funny-I love the term "reveal" - hope you are well and enjoying the summer.  Promise to share!

Jun 20, 2014 02:31 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Yeah!!!! Finally this great post of yours is featured!!!

Everything you do is a labor of love. Some are like pregnancies, they seem to last forever (until the child is out of the house) or they can flash before your eyes!

Jun 21, 2014 01:59 AM
Kathy Streib
Room Service Home Staging - Delray Beach, FL
Home Stager - Palm Beach County,FL -561-914-6224

Joanna- I absolutely love what you said.. as a decorator/designer you're help your client make memories, and in staging you're dismantling them.  I cannot wait for the "after" of the bathroom, which I know will be outstanding. 

Jun 21, 2014 02:08 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Joanna-I'm sure you're adding tons of value and appeal to the home. Look forward to seeing the finished product. 

Jun 21, 2014 03:11 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Hi Joanna. It looks like a lot of great progress - and great choices, too. Dealing with family can be like herding cats so it's really awesome you are doing well with them and they with you.

Thanks for sharing the progress and I'm looking forward to future updates.
Great job!
Bruce.

 

Jun 21, 2014 05:21 AM
Anonymous
Wendy Tomm

Joanna thanks so much for sharing. These are difficult situations to deal with and hiring you was the best decision they could have made. Emotionally this is hard for everyone. Be patient and I wish you all the best in preparing this property for market.

Jun 21, 2014 05:46 AM
#29
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Joanna, wow! what a project you have taken! I do expect part 3 of this series soon - with everything 'staged' perfectly.

Jun 21, 2014 06:30 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi Patricia, thank you for all your positive energy-the post got featured because of your support!

Kathy, it is true.  We are dismantling those memories with hope that the family can transfer what is currently in stuff, to possible stories about family that they can share with the children and grandchildren.

Adrian and Bruce, thank you for your wonderful comments and yes, hope I am adding lots of value and I do look forward to sharing the final photos with you.

Good afternoon Wendy, I'm sure you've dealt with these kinds of things before so you know how difficult it can be.

Praful, thank you for your wonderful comment and you will see part 3, very shortly.

 

 

Jun 21, 2014 06:40 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

100% love for me as well!

 

Love and light,

Laura

Jun 21, 2014 07:27 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks Laura, wishing you love and light as well.

Jun 21, 2014 09:13 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Joanna - I remember that post.  All the blogs I read about staging makes me feel like I have too much stuff...  I know I do.  I helped my wife do a big cleanup today.

I can't wait to see the final pictures.

Jun 21, 2014 10:10 AM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Joanna, looks like you are making progress on this home. Can't wait to the see the finished project,

Jun 21, 2014 02:39 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Grant, I must tell you I relate! The more homes I do, the more I want to clean up my own and just chuck things!

Hi Pamela, we are making progress and are looking forward to crossing the finish line!

Jun 21, 2014 10:56 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I love your work Joanna and it is such fun seeing it all come together. The finished product will be awesome and with have your special touch.

Jun 26, 2014 11:54 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Good morning Debbie, hoping that next Tuesday will be the day we can say-YAY, it's done and ready for market!

Jun 26, 2014 09:44 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-755-2905

Girl, you are working for every single penny you earn (and MORE!) Wow. I was sort of sad to hear about the dumpster stuff....history going bye bye. Glad you have some help in the estate sale department. I'll bet there were some hidden treasures! 

(Did you keep anything?)

Congrats on the feature!

Jun 30, 2014 07:23 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hey girlfriend, I actually did find a treasure-that Victorian chandelier hanging in the dining room is very very special-they are selling it with the house and if the buyers don't want it, I know someone that does! I am actually keeping a wrought iron outdoor dining table and chairs in bright blue!  Thanks for the kind words kiddo, looking forward to the bathtub glazing on Sunday and hopefully, getting this house cleaned and ready to turn over to the Realtor! Will take good photos to share.

Jun 30, 2014 12:42 PM