Marin County Real Estate Behind the Scenes
Preparing a Luxury Home for Sale in Tiburon
My “Tale of the Sale” Series
Thomas Sold 21 Gilmartin Drive in Tiburon for $6,500,000 in 30 Days
I knew the launch of 21 Gilmartin Drive in Tiburon would be unlike any home I had introduced to the Marin County real estate market. Because it had been on the market for a while with another firm, I was concerned that agents — and thus their buyers — would overlook this stunning property. I needed to give them a reason to give it a second look. As part of my marketing plan, I decided to completely re-stage the property, install new landscaping, re-shoot all the video and photos, and host a twilight launch party that would wow agents and generate buzz for this stunning listing.
21 Gilmartin Drive was no ordinary home. It was brand-new construction and featured absolutely gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The builder / seller did an amazing job with the floorplan and the design, so each room had a stunning view and the indoor/outdoor flow was seamless. Finishes were top notch, and the home deserved a first class introduction to the market. Ultimately it sold for $6,500,000 within 30 days.
Thomas Working on the Landscape Plan for 21 Gilmartin Drive in Tiburon
I Had Olive Trees Brought in With a Crane to Provide Critical Screening for the Property
Prior to the launch, I worked with the seller to design and implement a modern landscape scheme for the property. As a former landscape designer, I have the expertise to look at a home’s surroundings and suggest landscape designs and ideas that will enhance the desirability of the home. For 21 Gilmartin, this included sourcing mature olive trees and craning them onto the property, installing a mature bamboo screen and choosing/installing all the plant material to complement the modern aesthetic of the home. I also offered advice on the final hardscape components of the home.
The stagers, Yael Putterman and Alexndra Ray, did an incredible job styling the home which included original art throughout, a video wall in the family room, gorgeous light fixtures and boutique hotel ensembles for the interior and exterior living spaces. Most of the items were available online for purchase via an app created especially for the home.
The Sleek BMW i8 in the Garage at 21 Gilmartin Drive
Once this was all complete, I began planning the launch party. I contacted my friend Chip Rutan at BMW of San Rafael and he agreed to bring one of their brand new i8 vehicles and park it in the garage (pictured above) so guests would see that even the “backstage” part of the home had been finished with impeccable attention to detail. Caterers and servers from one of my favorite restaurants in Marin County made mouth-watering bites for guests to enjoy as they explored the home, and we served a French sparkling rosé that paired perfectly.
Guests Begin Arriving for the Twilight Launch Party
Clouds earlier in the afternoon gave way to spectacular postcard-perfect weather as the guests began to arrive. Out of respect for the neighbors, we did not hire a DJ but we did have music playing throughout the home which added to the ambience. Many of the neighbors attended the party and raved about the home’s new look and its presentation.
I hope you enjoy seeing some of the photos from the party (below). Ultimately it was a huge success and guests stayed much later than I had expected. We had a great time and several commented they felt they were “on a TV show.” 30 days later the home closed for $6,500,000.
I pride myself in outstanding property preparation and presentation, with innovative cutting-edge marketing techniques that leverage the power of social media and the internet. Please call me at 415-847-5584 if you would like to discuss the sale of your home, or would just like an idea of its value in today’s market.
I love this behind the scenes insight. It’s amazing how much planning and forethought goes into a truly well done, luxury event like this. Gorgeous home, showcased in a fabulous way. Love that “TV show” feel.
Thank you so much, Judy, I’m glad you enjoyed the article!