By Gustavo Torres, CEO & Media Manager at Elevate Costa Blanca Hi, I’m Gustavo, CEO and content creator at Elevate Costa Blanca. Today I want to share some key advice that can make a huge difference if you’re thinking about selling your home: how to prepare it so it looks its absolute best in photos, videos, and during viewings. Because yes—your home is special. I’m sure you love it, you’ve built memories there, and you know every corner. But… how does someone else see it? How does it feel to someone walking in for the first time? That first impression—whether on screen or in person—can make the difference between selling quickly (and at a great price)... or not. So let me walk you through a few practical tips we always apply before photographing or showing a property. 🔧 1. A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way Before we bring out the lights and cameras—or welcome a buyer—start with the basics. A squeaky door, a loose handle, chipped paint, or a dripping faucet may seem minor, but for someone seeing your home for the first time, they’re red flags. Walk through each room and write down small repairs you may have stopped noticing. No need for major renovations—just a few easy fixes that show your home is well cared for. 🧼 2. Clean, Declutter… and Remove the Excess One of the most common mistakes is showing a home that’s too full. I know—every item has a story. But to the buyer, less is more. A clean, clutter-free home looks bigger, brighter, and much more appealing. Store away unused items, clear countertops, remove personal objects and make room for the buyer’s imagination. And please—no random stuff in the corners during the shoot! Everything that appears in the photos or video tells a story… make sure it’s the right one. 🌿 3. Warm and Lived-In, Not Empty We don’t want the house to feel cold or lifeless either. The goal is balance: clean and organized, but with warmth. Add simple, welcoming touches—a blanket on the sofa, a couple of cushions, a plant (real or a high-quality faux), or a small candle. These little details make a big impact in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. 💡 4. Light Is Everything As a content creator, I can tell you: lighting makes or breaks a space. Before any shoot, we open all curtains, raise the blinds, and turn on lights to highlight each area. If your home has great natural light, show it off! If not, consider adding a floor lamp or a warm LED strip in darker corners. The difference is worth it—bright homes sell better. 👃 5. And Yes… Smell Matters (A Lot) This is one of the most overlooked details, but believe me—smell can be a dealbreaker. Before any viewing, air out the home, clean rugs and upholstery, check the fridge, and don’t forget about the litter box if you have pets. Avoid strong smells like leftover cooking, tobacco, or worse—dampness, which may raise concerns about structural issues. A clean, fresh scent—nothing overpowering—can make the experience instantly more pleasant. 🎥 Preparing for Photos & Video When I arrive at a property with my team to film or shoot, we’re not just capturing spaces—we’re telling a story. We want to showcase the lifestyle that the home offers. Here’s how you can help us make it shine: Open all blinds and curtains before we arrive Turn off TVs, tidy up cables, and hide personal items Style beds, fluff cushions, clear countertops Turn on warm lighting if it’s cloudy Add tasteful staging touches—a coffee tray in the kitchen, fresh flowers, a book on the living room table And most importantly: create visual harmony. Less clutter, more flow 👥 Preparing for In-Person Viewings The prep is similar, but keep in mind that visitors also use their senses—smell, hearing, and even touch. A calm atmosphere, a comfortable temperature, soft lighting, and a subtle scent can make someone feel instantly at home. And that’s exactly what we want. ✨ Remember: You’re Selling a Feeling, Not Just a Property When a buyer steps into your home, they’re not just looking at walls and square meters. They’re looking for a feeling—a connection. And our job is to give them every reason to fall in love. Good preparation makes all the difference. It increases perceived value, enhances the content we produce, and helps your home sell faster. So if you’re thinking of selling your property in Costa Blanca, Elevate Costa Blanca is here to support you every step of the way—from prep and styling to professional media and strategic marketing. I’m Gustavo, and at Elevate Costa Blanca, we don’t just sell homes. We tell stories—and it all starts with a great first impression.

Selling a Property Is a Team Effort – And Why Great Content Sells Selling a home on the Costa Blanca isn’t just a transaction—it’s a well-executed strategy. From accurate pricing to captivating storytelling, success lies in the hands of a dedicated and experienced team. At Elevate Costa Blanca, we believe that selling a property is never a solo act—it’s a collaboration. And it’s this team-driven approach that allows us to consistently help homeowners stand out in a competitive market and sell with confidence. Why Selling a Home Is a Team Effort When someone decides to sell their home in the Costa Blanca, it marks the beginning of a journey that demands insight, precision, and coordination. From expert real estate agents to a media specialist behind the lens, every member of our team plays a crucial role in bringing the property to life and to market. Our process at Elevate Costa Blanca is built on three pillars: Market insight High-impact content Hands-on client support We don't believe in shortcuts or guesswork. From day one, we work closely with our clients—accompanying them on visits, facilitating meetings between buyers and sellers, and maintaining open, honest communication throughout. Step 1: Strategic Pricing Backed by Real Local Expertise Before a property is listed, it’s vital to get the pricing right. That’s where Lenka and Tommy come in—our seasoned real estate agents with deep knowledge of the Costa Blanca market. Specializing in international clients from Northern and Eastern Europe, they bring years of experience to property valuations, buyer negotiations, and market analysis. Their goal? Set a price that attracts serious interest while reflecting the true value of your home. We base our valuations on: Local trends and neighborhood data Year built, property upgrades, and current condition Comparable sales and active listings This ensures your property enters the market with a competitive edge. Step 2: Great Content Makes Buyers Fall in Love—Before the First Visit In today's real estate landscape, the first showing happens online. That means your home needs to stop the scroll and spark emotion—instantly. This is where Gustavo, our in-house content specialist, works his magic. As our lead photographer, videographer, and digital media manager, he knows how to make buyers fall in love with a property before they even visit. Through Gustavo’s lens, we create: High-quality, magazine-style photography Cinematic lifestyle video tours Aerial drone footage to highlight views and surroundings Reels and short-form content optimized for social media Descriptive copy that sells not just the features, but the feeling of the home Every piece of content is designed to evoke emotion and invite engagement—so buyers don’t just look, they imagine living there. Step 3: Reaching the Right Buyers, in the Right Places Marketing isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen by the right people. We use advanced digital tools and platforms to target active buyers across Spain, Northern Europe, and beyond. From Instagram and Facebook to YouTube and international property portals, our campaigns are crafted to put your property in front of qualified, motivated buyers. First Impressions Matter—Everywhere Whether on a phone, tablet, or laptop, your property has just a few seconds to make an impression. That’s why we combine professional visuals with strategic placement to ensure your home stands out in any feed or search result. At Elevate Costa Blanca, we don’t just post listings—we tell stories. Stories that make buyers pause, click, and take the next step. Thinking of Selling Your Property in Costa Blanca? Let’s Talk. Whether your property is in Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, or anywhere in between, Elevate Costa Blanca is ready to help you succeed. With Lenka and Tommy guiding the real estate strategy, and Gustavo bringing your home to life through stunning visuals, you get a team that’s transparent, hands-on, and passionately committed to results. 📩 Contact Elevate Costa Blanca today—and let’s elevate your property to its full potential.

Elevate Investment Hub – Invest in Costa Blanca with Confidence and Opportunity Welcome to the Investment Hub by Elevate Costa Blanca—a space where expertise meets real opportunity. Here, we're not just talking about buying properties. We're talking about making smart decisions, surrounding yourself with the right professionals, and investing in one of the most exciting regions in Spain: the Costa Blanca. To make sure you're fully supported every step of the way, we’ve partnered with leading lawyers Raquel Cayotopa and Richard Edo from Diversity Law, experts in real estate, tax law, and immigration. Together, we offer you a secure, smooth, and profitable path to property investment in Spain. 🏡 What Kind of Opportunities Do We Offer? Our team carefully curates a portfolio of high-potential properties: Luxury villas, beachfront apartments, charming townhouses... Plus commercial and hospitality projects with excellent return on investment. Many of these properties come from bank foreclosures, giving us access to exclusive deals far below market value. 👥 Who’s Behind Your Investment Journey? Behind every successful investment, there’s a great team—and that’s where Elevate shines. Lenka and Tommy, our expert real estate agents on the ground here in Costa Blanca, work daily with international investors. They know the region inside and out, and their mission is to identify the true gems in the market—properties that align perfectly with your goals. Raquel and Richard, from Diversity Law, handle all the legalities: contracts, tax structures, Golden Visa applications—everything you need to invest with total peace of mind. Alongside them, our team includes architects, financial advisors, and property managers who cover every detail, from renovation planning to rental income strategy. With us, you don’t just get a list of properties. You get a full team walking with you, before, during, and long after your purchase. 🤝 What’s Included in Our Investment Support? Full legal due diligence Tax and investment structure optimization Property management (rentals, maintenance, renovations) Assistance with Golden Visa and residency Most importantly: clear, honest, and ongoing communication Our goal isn’t just for you to invest. It’s for you to invest wisely. ☀️ Why Costa Blanca? If you’re looking for a place where your money can grow safely, Costa Blanca has it all: A steadily appreciating real estate market High rental returns from both vacation and long-term rentals Legal security and a stable economy Incredible year-round climate and strong international demand Investor-friendly incentives like the Golden Visa Buying here isn’t just about owning a property—it’s about investing in a region full of life, beauty, and long-term growth potential. 🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step? At Elevate Costa Blanca, we don’t just sell properties—we design tailored investment strategies. We do it with transparency, commitment, and a team that truly cares about your success. Got questions? Want to see real opportunities? Need advice for your specific case? 📩 Reach out today. We’re here to help you invest with clarity, confidence, and vision—right here in the heart of Costa Blanca.

In our experience as real estate agents on the Costa Blanca, we’ve learned that every property visit is a unique opportunity to spark emotion, open doors, and—at best—create a connection between the buyer and their future home. But there’s one golden rule we should never forget: first impressions are everything. One Day, Five Visits, and a Valuable Lesson Just a few days ago, our colleague Lenka arranged a full day of property visits for a client from the Czech Republic. Five properties, all carefully selected to meet her criteria in terms of budget, location, and features: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to amenities. As is often the case, some of the viewings were arranged in collaboration with other agencies. In this particular instance, Lenka was acting as the buyer’s agent, coordinating the entire itinerary and ensuring each property put its best foot forward. However, the final visit of the day gave us a tough—but important—lesson. When Everything Matches… But Something’s Off On paper, the property had great potential. It was located in a beautiful residential area, within our client’s preferred zone, and it ticked all the boxes. But upon arrival, the experience took a disappointing turn. First, the listing agent was nowhere to be found. Worse, they had not informed the homeowners of the visit or advised them on how to prepare the property for a potential buyer. We were greeted by the owner, who spoke neither Spanish nor English, which made communication during the visit extremely limited. The house was cluttered and filled with personal items—photos, toiletries, toys, clothes everywhere. Instead of helping the client imagine herself living there, the environment conveyed disorder and visual noise. On top of that, the family remained inside the home during the visit. The father was sitting on the sofa watching TV, the son was lying in bed on his phone… and, to be honest, let’s just say the bathroom had recently been used in a way that left a strong impression—and not a good one. The outcome? Even though the property met the client’s needs, the energy and atmosphere completely turned her off. Who’s to Blame? Let’s be fair: the homeowners weren’t at fault. The responsibility lies with the listing agent, whose lack of professionalism and attention to detail turned a genuine sales opportunity into a total miss. A well-prepared home could have sold that day. Instead, that chance was lost due to one simple oversight: not realizing that selling a home is about telling a story and creating an emotional connection. Our Commitment: Professionalism, Care, and High Standards From this experience, we made a clear decision. From now on, any property we visit with a buyer must meet the following conditions: The home must be spotlessly clean and tidy. Personal items like photographs and memorabilia that won’t stay with the property must be stored away. The listing agent must be present and well-prepared. Homeowners and family members must leave the property during the visit. The environment should be welcoming, with soft, pleasant scents that create a sense of peace and invitation. Raising the Real Estate Standard on the Costa Blanca At our agency, we don’t just sell houses—we create meaningful experiences and add human value to every transaction. This blog is part of our ongoing journal of real-life lessons because we believe that sharing our experiences helps us grow both as professionals and as an industry. We remain committed to one clear goal: to raise the bar in the real estate sector on the Costa Blanca and ensure that every client—buyer or seller—receives the attention and respect they deserve. Because yes, in real estate, first impressions matter… and we make sure every single one counts.