Page 18 of Taking a Chance on Charlevoix
Chapter Eight
MARLOWE
The day of Donatellos’ open house in Olde Naples dawned sunny and cool. Cool meant in the low seventies, which wasn't at all unusual for Naples in the winter. But you never knew what to expect. Marlowe was glad it wasn’t raining. The outdoor area of that home was so spectacular that she wanted everyone to get the full effect. Shari's assistant Trevor had sent out an attractive email, along with targeted Google and Facebook ads. Some of the addresses were from people up north. That was not unusual but they might be renting a small home or condo and want to trade up.
When Marlowe arrived at the house, she used the lock box to enter. The house was comfortably cool and inviting.Very nice and thank you, Carmella.Walking down the tile floor to the kitchen area, she set herself up at the counter. Trevor had agreed to come for backup. After Carmella's comment during Marlowe’s last visit, she had laid down the law about the owner’s presence at the open house.
“No one likes to run into an owner at an open house.” To her relief, the older woman seemed to understand.
“Not to worry. Marco and me, we’ll be golfing that day.” Carmella’s response suited Marlowe just fine.
“Perfect,” she murmured as she opened the back doors. Her eyes swept the pool and the yard beyond the lanai. The sun sparkled invitingly on the water. The exotic flowers spaced around the kidney shaped pool added a nice floral touch. The gardeners had freshened the large turquoise and blue pots. Today the potted plants showed well in bright pink, orange and yellow. Out beyond the pool deck was a well-tended yard, artfully enclosed with a white fence to accommodate a dog, which was very important for pet owners.
Going back inside, Marlowe checked out the master suite to make sure that there weren't too many personal touches. People liked to imagine their own family photos or artwork in a bedroom or master bath. But Carmella must have forgotten. On top of one of dressers stood an abundance of silver framed family photos, including her wedding portrait. They had made such a beautiful couple. But prospects didn’t need to see that today. Opening the top drawer, Marlowe carefully tucked the framed photos inside. She made a mental note to replace them before leaving that day.
Marco and Carmella had separate bathrooms and that feature always showed well. Marco's bathroom had a black marble shower while Carmella’s boasted white marble and a wonderful jacuzzi. “I like having my own bathroom. Then every time we go out, we pretend it’s a date. I like to surprise my Marco,” she’d told Marlowe with a cute wink the day she’d been showing her around. On one of their trips to Italy, the couple had brought back hand-painted sinks and ceramic fixtures. Although they looked a little dated, the delicate floral designs did add charm.
The master bed was king-size and the suite had sliding doors leading out to the pool area. Two spacious walk-in closets were nicely designed with shelves and stacks of drawers. A decorator had helped Carmella organize her clothing by function andcolor. Her Lily Pulitzer golf togs were separate from daytime capri pants with matching tops. A swish of gorgeous evening gowns shimmered, taking up half a wall.
The built-in jewelry case was hidden behind a panel, but thieves were so crafty. And yes, an open house could be considered easy pickings. Agents had to be alert. Marlowe had an answer to the problem. It only took her a second to set up a secret camera among Carmella's lovely pastel sweaters. One of the well known realtors in town had reported an unnerving theft during an open house a few months back. She did not want to take any risks even though Trevor was there to circulate. They’d discussed their strategy.
Marlowe wished they could afford these closets at Sunnycrest. But she quickly banished that thought. Although they hadn't talked about a specific budget, she doubted that they'd be able to afford that kind of luxury. But as she studied the shelves, drawers and compartments, she tucked the idea away. After all, she’d be paying for some of that renovation. Would she actually be living there? One step at a time and she drew in a calming breath.
Dashing upstairs as one o’clock approached, Marlowe gave a careful eye to the two guest rooms. Each was an ensuite and she made mental notes on the features. They did intend to add bathrooms to the bedrooms on the second floor of Sunnycrest. What would they include? The shower heads had become dated and the same was true of the fixtures.
That week she'd had a chance to set up appointments with both Chase Wilson and Seth Barrett, the two architects suggested by Gabby, for the upcoming week. Either Izzy or Aunt Cate would be at Sunnycrest to walk each prospect through the project. She sure hoped that one of the men met their approval. But Gabby had said she could do further digging if needed. Whata help she was turning out to be. Marlowe hoped to see her again the next time she was in Charlevoix.
Standing on the landings, she heard the door open downstairs. Leaving the guest rooms and the spacious landing, which was set up as a second TV area, she made her way downstairs. That day she’d chosen a hyacinth sleeveless sheath that might look good with all the flowers. No stilettos today, just kitten heels. She didn’t want to tower over people. Her hair was swept into a high ponytail that allowed her to show off her hand-hammered earrings and necklace. Marlowe wanted to look professional and yet very approachable. Trevor was waiting for her in the kitchen.
“Wow, this place is just as elegant as its pictures.” He ran a hand over the five-star white marble. “The kitchen is enough to make any woman want to cook.”
“I think so too. I've just checked the upstairs. Would you make sure that you circle through the house repeatedly? That way all of the guests will know that someone is around all the time. I'll do the same.”
“Got it.” Trevor took off when the doorbell rang and Marlowe exhaled. She heard Trevor greet the people who were at the front door. Walking back into the foyer, she greeted the couple who were probably in their fifties, just the right age to be stepping up to this property.
Carmella had set out some of her lemonade and cookies from the Italian bakery on Tamiami. No baking for her today. Once Marlowe had shown people the kitchen, pool and yard, she took them back into the house through the master suite and then to the foyer. Trevor took it from there and led them upstairs.
Sometimes she couldn't still believe that Shari had shared her own staff. To her knowledge this was rare. Watching Trevor work, Marlowe realized that he was more polished than Jenna. Shari had probably been developing him for quite some time.
As more people arrived, the two of them fell into a rhythm. One of them was always circulating and answering questions. When immediate offers came, Marlowe sat down with the potential buyers in the sunroom. After about an hour a full cash offer came in. Her strategy was to take note of it while keeping the offers coming. The more time she spent in this house, the more she wanted to see those numbers go up. Not only would the Donatellos benefit, she would too. Marlowe didn't know what the future might hold for her or what kind of cash flow she might need before she could bring her new venture in Charlevoix up to speed.
She was finessing one offer when the woman said, “Your associate told me that the hardware in the master suite would not be included. Do you know if those pieces are available here in Naples?”
Marlowe felt shock drain the color from her face. “I'm sorry, would you give me a minute please?” What was Trevor telling them? She’d thought it was clear that the Venetian fixtures had to stay. The very idea of ripping them out of the bathroom at this price point was absurd.
When she entered the front hall area, she ran straight into Trevor. “What the heck is this about the hardware?” she whispered. “Of course it stays with the house.”
“I'm sorry, what are you talking about?” His forehead wrinkled.
She brought him up to speed as she headed back to the master suite. As she rushed past the windows, she noticed Carmella's yellow Porsche out on the driveway. Marlowe’s stomach clenched and her blood pressure went up. She found Carmella in her closet, calmly folding and refolding her sweaters. “I thought you wouldn't be here today. We agreed.”
The older woman gave a dismissive snort. “You didn't think I would leave my jewelry box here unattended.”
“You were told to put precious items in your safety deposit box.” Taking out her phone, Marlowe opened her camera app. “I've got that covered,” she said, showing Carmella the view of the closet.
Sniffing, Carmella turned away.
But Marlowe had to make this clear. Keeping her voice low, she said, “You can't begin excluding things from the sale.”
