When the owners of this Orinda home first reached out, they weren’t expecting miracles. Their property needed work—inside and out—and based on comparable sales in the neighborhood, they expected to walk away with around $1.2 million. But with our guidance and some smart, strategic upgrades, they ended up selling for $1.7 million—$500,000 more than anticipated.
This is exactly the kind of transformation Kelly Crawford Homes is known for. Here's how we did it.
The Challenge: A Dated Property in a Competitive Market
From the outside, the home showed signs of neglect. The walkway was overgrown with dead shrubbery. Inside, outdated carpeting, tired bathrooms, and a lack of light made the space feel uninviting. The property, on a forested hillside with 3/4 of an acre, needed to meet Orinda’s fire code requirements before it could be listed.
The sellers had a smaller budget, limited time, and a desire to maximize their return so they could go into their new home with more money for retirement. That’s where we came in.
The Plan: Strategic Improvements with Real ROI
Rather than suggesting a full renovation, we identified key upgrades that would have the biggest impact on both presentation and buyer perception—without breaking the bank. Here's what we focused on:
- Interior and exterior painting to freshen up the space
- New lighting and minor layout improvements to brighten up each room
- Bathroom updates that brought a clean, modern feel
- New landscaping to boost curb appeal and create a welcoming first impression
- Full property cleanup including staging and window treatments
- Code compliance upgrades for Orinda fire regulations
All of this was coordinated and executed by our in-house team and trusted partners—making the process seamless for the sellers.
The Transformation: Clean, Bright, and Market-Ready
What started as a dated and overlooked home quickly became a standout. The fresh paint, brighter lighting, and cleaner layout changed the way buyers experienced the space. Outside, new landscaping and a clear, beautifully landscaped path to the door made a strong first impression.
The home was staged to highlight its strengths, and every detail was dialed in—from how the home smelled when you walked in, to how the light poured into the living room at 3 p.m. on a spring afternoon.
The Results: A Short-Day Turnaround and $1.7M Sale
We listed the home at $1.7 million and within 21 days, we were in contract in a very cold market.
That’s $500,000 more than the sellers expected and a 10x on their pre-sale upgrades investment—thanks to a proven approach, local expertise, and the right team executing every detail.
Here’s What These Orinda Home Sellers Had To Say:
“We are so appreciative of Kelly and his team’s services. He worked with us patiently for an entire year leading up to our move and the sale of our Orinda home, where we had lived for decades. Kelly offered clear, thoughtful guidance and never rushed the process, even when the conversations were tough. Thanks to his support, we found the best possible outcome for our home—and built a trusting relationship that made a major life decision feel manageable.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kelly to anyone—especially those feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. If you’ve lived in your home for many years, raised a family there, and are facing more than just a real estate transaction, Kelly is exactly who you want by your side. His communication, empathy, and knowledge were invaluable to us. He’s the best in the business in Lamorinda!
We are extremely happy with the entire experience!”
Final Thoughts: Getting The Most Value in Lamorinda
This wasn’t luck—it was strategy. In markets like Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga, getting top dollar requires more than just listing a home. It takes vision, local knowledge, and a personalized approach to each property.
At Kelly Crawford Homes, that’s what we do every day. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just exploring your options, we’re here to help you maximize your home’s potential—and your return.
Thinking about selling your home in Lamorinda? Reach out to Kelly to see how we can help maximize your return.
