Love, Suzi

by Dave Brown, Tue, 17 Feb 2009

Our condo unit needed fix-ups and a facelift. We, in our late 70s, wanted to stay there longer, but were mindful of possible need to sell, downsize belongings, and go to elder living arrangements before many years. Jean’s lung problems made it important to avoid overexposure to dust and chemicals. The usual piecemeal contracting out didn’t fit.

So we approached Libby Kirwin. She responded with an integrated plan that combined good design and quality with environmental consciousness. Her network of reliable suppliers and careful eye for good buys enabled her to fit into a compatible budget. She blended life styles and mementos that we cherish with features that might help if we have to sell our condo on short notice.

She organized the work into six stages, all to be completed in just about a month. In Stage 1, her team helped us to sort through our belongings, we decided which to keep, and they linked us with outlets for selling and donating the items no longer needed. Also, Libby arranged an apartment for us to stay in during the work. In Stage 2, Libby’s team moved our remaining belongings out of the way and protected them. (For our particular needs, it turned out best to store the furniture in a rented “POD”.) Stage 3 was when old flooring was removed; needed repair work and resurfacing were done; and some bathroom and kitchen fixtures were removed and replaced. Stage 4 was when the repainting took place. Stage 5 brought better lighting and new floor coverings. (Being older persons, we chose carpeting over smooth wood surfaces.) Stage 6 saw us and our things moving back into our rejuvenated home, with creative help from Libby (who has a degree in design) in displaying our wall hangings more attractively.

As with most projects, there were some hitches, like our ceilings needing more special work than expected. But Libby’s careful orchestration along with hard work by her conscientious team enabled us to be back into our home on schedule. The final touch-ups have been done in timely manner. We have enjoyed working with Libby Kirwin’s group and highly recommend them to others who would like to have smooth sailing in property transitions like ours.

Libby is extremely professional and a real miracle worker in finding good tenants even in a tough market. Her contacts and knowledge of Newport are valuable assets for any client, and my husband and I could not be happier with her service. She has proven herself willing to go the extra mile for us as clients without being asked, and I would guess that all her clients feel the same.

Dear Libby,

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful management services you have provided for us during our stay in Newport.  From our first contact with you via www.militarybyowner.com, you have been amazingly helpful and kind.  You gave us plenty of information prior to moving to help us get settled in the area, and were always willing to answer all of our questions before our arrival.

Now that we have been settled for a few months, we wanted to thank you for your continued good service.  As a property manager, you make sure to respond to our concerns quickly, and always provide the maintenance that we request.  You do your best to make sure any work that needs to be done to the house complies with our schedules, and you promptly return phone calls and e-mails.  Your management has given us greater peace of mind, and we have enjoyed our interactions with you.

Thank you for continuing to provide wonderful services.  We will happily recommend you to any of our military friends who will be moving into this area!

Libby,