Going, Going, Not Going, Make it Go Already, Almost Gone, Finally Gone
I’ve learned several things about preparing a house for sale—lessons that come straight from real experience. The biggest one? Keep up with repairs and take on projects as the wallet allows. Not only does it help you enjoy a home that truly looks and feels good, it ensures the property stays in great shape should you ever decide to sell.
Since this is our very first chat here at The Design Bar, let me introduce myself. I’m Tynesia—“Ty” to most. I’m a licensed Interior Designer with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University. And I already know you whispered “HU!” when you read that—so let me go ahead and respond the only way we do: “You Know!”
Now, pull up a stool and stay a while.
A House Filled WITH LOVE AND HISTORY
Our Jersey City home was the perfect example of: “We want the asking price, and we’re willing to wait.” My mother and I spent years lovingly transforming the house into something comfy, cozy, and unmistakably cared for. This was the home I grew up in—but elevated in style now. Every change reflected intention and pride.
We renovated from top to bottom, starting in the attic and working our way through every single space. We added a full bath in the basement, redesigned the first-floor bathroom into a powder room, ditched the shower, and finally relocated the door so it no longer opened directly into the kitchen—a design pet peeve of mine since childhood. Even the backyard had an adorable, meticulously organized shed my mother kept in perfect order.
She adored her home. But she had grown tired of Jersey City. With visible shifts in the neighborhood and a new condo development literally breaking ground at her backyard fence, she decided it was time for greener, quieter pastures.
Staging the House: The Final Push
After years of renovation, the remaining tasks felt simple: a fresh coat of paint throughout and the finishing touches in the basement. Then came the fun part—staging.
I rented a 19-foot U-Haul and packed it with everything a buyer needs to feel at home: furniture, artwork, accessories, bedding, fluffy white towels, artisanal soaps, copper shakers and mugs for a little Moscow Mule moment in the kitchen—you name it. I had a vision and a timeline.
We staged the house with intention, love, and no small amount of elbow grease. Then we said our goodbyes, climbed into another U-Haul (me, my mom, and our three dogs—Candy, Siaki, and Audi), and headed to Washington, DC on October 31, 2023. We rolled into town just as the trick-or-treaters were roaming the streets and the city was chaotic, the U-Haul cab was cramped, but honestly—it felt like a magical adventure.
Patience in a Weird Market
The housing market was weird, so we were patient. The listing went on the market, off the market, and then on again. While we waited for the perfect buyer, a company illegally cut down the plum tree in the backyard. We were heartbroken. We loved that tree and wanted the new owners to experience just how magical it was.
Finally, the wait was over, in December of 2024, the right buyer came along—someone who truly understood the love and care that poured into our family’s very first home.
In this case, selling the house wasn’t just a transaction. It was sharing a piece of our family’s story to someone new.
