Thursday, December 6, 2007

Steve Ostrom: Great in '08


Okay I want to boast about how great my hubbie is ... Steve has been asked to speak at a Monday morning motivational meeting labeled "Great in '08."
I am proud of you Steve Ostrom. Not only a great husband, dad and friend, but a great salesperson. I love you and I am so proud of how well you are doing. Thanks for letting me be along for the ride.

What the flyer says:

About our Presenters
Stay ahead of the game and plan
today for a Great 2008! Our panel
presenters will provide for you
terrific business ideas that have
worked for them this past year to
consistently produce business!
pictured from top left:
-- four other names removed for privacy ---
• Steve Ostrom- roseville
granite bay office


Other snippet:
"The internet has changed the way consumers shop for
a home; we must be prepared to get them through
both doors: the front door as well as the one on the
internet.
Be prepared to communicate first by LISTENING.
Listening is comprised of the following:
o Body Language (mirroring)
o Intensity Level (play the part- be ‘there’)
o Notes (taking good notes)
o Determination to Understand Consumer
o Eye Contact
o Readiness to Respond with Dialogue/ Scripts

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

What the Shell!?!


So for all of these years from reading household tips here and there INCLUDING a well-known home network, I have read that putting your egg shells down the disposal either cleaned/aided a faltering disposal and/or sharpened the blades. All these years here I thought I was doing an innocent task of throwing my little shells down the drain and chopped those bad boys in the disposal was helping and not creating problems ...

So we had a friend of ours visit recently who works in the water waste treatment industry and has informed me that I should NOT put those shells in the disposal. I should put them in the trash as well as coffee grounds (or for you compost types, you know what to do). I don't know the exact reasons why, but supposed the egg shells don't break down as they need to happen.

I knew coffee grinds were not good for the drain as well as potatoes, but now I happily add egg shells to my list.

Don't believe me google: egg+shells+disposal
I don't know all the literal reasons WHy it is bad to do, I just trust my buddy it is as he is in the industry and he seemed pretty passionate about it. SO I am running with it. Typically I ask TOO many questions, but I knew we were heading in a chemical and processing issue direction and at that point I took his word for it.

I hear the egg shell remedy often so I thought sharing this info may help you too! Help the waste water people out (they have enough &*^% on their plate-pun intended)

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Two wonderful homes in Roseville!

See our newest listing with all the photos and virtual tours: 1633 Avondale, Roseville, CA 95747: $649,900 at the premier gated community of Esquire at Crocker Ranch. www.GreatRosevilleHome.com
Five/Four Bedroom, Four Car Garage, Private Courtyard and Bonus/2nd Family Room.
Gated community, call to see this home: 916-308-2446.

Below is a photo collage of the home.





Also see our Roseville listing: www.GreatHomeInRoseville.com
For the new price of $349,999. A great home for a fantastic price very close to a park and blocks from Catheryn Gates Elementary.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Good Thanksgiving Day Weekend Project: Making Your Address to Read


It is now the Holiday season officially? Is your heart racing out of panic yet? Mine is ... and with that remember your safety and health during these times to take extra precautions for emergency vehicles to find you or your family as quickly as possible.

Accidents do happen and all we can do is be prepared.

One big and EASY thing to do this weekend is to look at something you may not always think about .. curbside numbers. We would like to encourage you to take a look at your curbside numerals this weekend. Have they faded from the cold or just age? Can you read them clearly from a distance? Are your numbers on the side of your house clearly stated and not covered by limbs of trees or bushes?

Take a good look ... if an emergency was to take place at your home or a neighbors, could they (emergency vehicles: fire dept, police, ambulance) find your address easily? It should be clearly stated in FOUR inch lettering in either reflective paint or a high contrast color (preferably black). You cannot just rely on house numerals for quick ID.

This particular pertains to those who have ornate or script numerals on their house, it is imperative you have stenciled numbers on your curb in FRONT of YOUR house or easily read on a clearly marked mailbox. A stencil is still preferred over all, but best in conjunction with all three (for example if a vehicle was on the curb blocking the numbers stenciled on the ground, they could refer to a mailbox or your house?).
We don't have ours on our mailbox, but it is easy to read on our sidewalk thanks to a very kind neighbor. A small yet powerful gift.

I found this website very interesting and I hope you do too.
http://ar.essortment.com/emergencyunits_njf.htm

Take care and be proactive not reactive in your safety measures.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The fire

Steve's family has still been kept from their homes in San Diego (Poway, CA) as well as his sister and her family in Pauma Valley. To all of our friends and family down South you are in our prayers and thoughts. We hope the fire is taken care of as quickly as possible. Our positive vibes are with you. We love you Ostroms and Friends.

Donate to the Red Cross

Garage Sale=Brush up on Negotiation Skills


So we decided to have a garage sale. We were lying a little heavy on kid's stuff so we thought it was time and perhaps a good way to meet some new neighbhors. What an interesting day. Met a lot of great folks and met some serious negotiators. Phewy!

Garage Sale again, hmmm not sure about that, but it was a fun day. I couldn't believe how MANY people there were at three solid points throughout the day. Unbelievable. Was it the signage or was it the Craigslist post? Not sure. But I do know this, Sunday was a worthless day to have a garage sale after Saturday. Not a smart idea"-er" during Football season. And the most interesting phenomena the last minute vulture that arrives during the last posted hour or soon thereafter ... they know you are ready to be D-O-N-E. Oh they know you are vulerable. SURE I will give away the rollerblades you seem super nice, sure you can have the aquarium for $3. It was fun and people were so happy to get unexpected free treasures. Good times, but then it came to a screeching halt. Curtains, brand new? Five dollars, firm.

Never had I thought negotiating over brand new curtains would be so much work. One lady had the "walk-away" down to an art. I wouldn't budge. For some reason I couldn't budge on my curtains. Was it because I sensed this lady was a pro, perhaps? At one point it all became principal based. No way lady, no way, I simply cannot give up that dollar (what?!?!). No way for four!

Lady: "Well what if you threw in the duvet I will give you five."
Me: No
Lady: Okay I don't want any of it.
Me: Have a great day.

Lady: "Okay how about all of these clothes with the curtains for four dollars."

(wow this lady is tough).
"Nope. I have a friend I can give them to if I get that much. Sorry."
Lady: "Alright here is your five dollars."


I waited till she was out of view and then I did my best MaryLou Retton double back twist to a stuck landing. Wow what a battle. This is a condensed version. This all was in between a lot of pacing and back-and-forths. She even had a cute dog to almost distract me and give in. She was a pro. Oh what a cute dog, GIMME YOUR CURTAINS!

I had NO tough cookies, except for her, so it was a relatively easy day. But I did give away most of the stuff, because I figured it was better in a home where an item was used than collecting dust.

But I enjoyed that dollar so much that I made off my curtains and I went a little wild and bought myself a soda at Sam's club with that divine crunchy ice. Ahhh ... the thrill of victory.

We got rid of so much nice baby items and it went to homes where they would be recycled and loved again.


Unfortunately it was not a perfect day as my Redskins lost to FavRrrrreeee and the Green Bay Packers. As SpongeBob cleanly says, "Tartersauce!"

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

www.National-Open-House.com



Is your house on the market? Come be a part of the National Open House November 4th! Anyone can participate.

Tired of the negativity on the news? Rarely have we been hearing or seeing positive real estate experiences, but they do exist. Why don't you be a part of a positive experience and join up for our NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE. People from all across the nation are joining up. Again ANYONE is welcome to participate. And it is free. It is out of the good will of a group of REALTORS® and assistants.

Visit the website, ask your REALTOR® to sign up, FSBOs (For Sale By Owners) sign up. This is a Nationwide event. Steve and I want to have our hand in orchestrating a positive real estate experience, why don't you join us? Sign up today.

More updates coming to the site soon:
www.National-Open-House.com



Sunday, September 23, 2007

She's ill: Not Lead Poisoned Paint, but GottaStuckaInDaBellyButtonitis


Forget the lead paint, what about hitting your head from near fainting at the thought of something coming out of your kid's belly button?

I am speaking in jest in regards to the lead paint of course, I do realize it is a serious issue, but there are so many things that hurt you and you have to be constantly on the prowl with little ones. Well I am still trying to eliminate those olly-Pay Ocket-pays from our house that were recalled, but I have, naturally missed a few abdomen clothed pieces and magnet shoes here and there. Luckily I have a 16 month old who can sniff out any small piece that may be lodged ANYWHERE. EEEK. You try to be a good parent, but nobody is perfect. I have combed my house for tiny pieces and obviously I missed one.

Okay so my littlest one and I were outside and I was sweeping and she was singing. Slowly wobbling towards the red wagon that holds so dear to her. On her wobbly way back, she turns to me and I near pass out when I look at her. Did she suffer a hernia? What in the heck is under her shirt? There's a belly-button sized projection sticking out from underneath her shirt. No that isn't a belly button? Omg what is that?
I am so paralyzed in all the possibilities I near didn't want to lift her shirt to find what I MIGHT find. My creative brain lends to many ideas some good some very bad.

I am sick to my stomach now thinking of what I might find, I lift her little shirt to check out the ole navel, GASP it is pink. WHy my brain didn't immediately register it as a piece of plastic, I don't know. I was scared to touch it, then I reach in and touch it ... AGGGGH it's hard. I say, okay be a big girl and just pull it out what if this is serious!??! I pull and it makes a uncork noise.

As though, nothing unusual had happened, my daughter saunters off back to the red wagon continuing on her yard duties. I examine it (see attached photo) and I still don't have the slightest clue which doll or body part it belongs to of my older child's. Why couldn't it have been white or purple? How did it fit so perfectly in her B.B. Why did it have to be pink? And why did that un-corking noise have to be so funny. This was a serious moment of fear. I make certain not to laugh out loud as I want to do and make this a funny behavior so I hide around the corner to bust out laughing. Kids are a lot of work, but they sure create the hardest laughs and biggest smiles inside and out. I love you my bambina #2.

BCCause it is the polite thing to do ...


I don't think it is cool to put down people that don't BCC mass emails, not everyone understands e-protocol for mass emails or even knows what that "slot" is for or has it "clicked" on their preferences to make it available on their email composer. I am not perfect either, on occasion I WANT people to know who I sent the email to for varying reasons (to let them know who I sent it to internally with friends and family particularly to avoid duplicates). Involving business and personal groups where they go past 5-8 people, I do my best to BCC. For those of you who don't have the slightest clue what I am typing about, it is Blind Carbon Copy via email. . I have had friends of friends casually take my email to add their mailing list, which is fine because the initial sender should exercise caution when intermingling friends and business. I actually don't mind personal emails so much being open and out, but you NEVER know when somebody my hit reply-all and burn you. Of course this is all hypothetical and I have NEVER had that happen to me (cough cough gag).

Perfect example of a public group emailing without BCC, and I will use pig-latin to disguise who I am speaking of, I enter the oseville-Ray hoto-Phay contest. I get the mass email to 20 or so participants "sorry you get the shiny 'good job on your photo but not' sticker." Which I have no problem with because I thought my photos were beautiful. BUT what I do have a problem with is the person who sent out the "shucks you lost" email sent it "to: everyone." WHAT?! I don't want my name listed out to everyone and strangers grabbing my email possibly? Partially for my ego and second just a big no-no to people you don't know and it involves business. A little email privacy and watch out for unwanted email hijacking! C'mon. Put it in the Monday Morning Meeting People.

Mortgage people, REALTORS®, representatives of various institutions and all people self-employed that have to send group emails for whatever reason, that is fine, but USE the bcc! For polite reasons and for emails getting high-jacked by spammers. I am going to do my best to get better at this, but I thought I would say to those who haven't a clue innocent or not.

That is all I have to say. You may surmise I received a ton of junk email today with 25 to 50+ name lists on way too emails to count today. I do realize the you may claim the irony of a emailing REALTOR® group, but PLEASE note I am not discouraging writing others, I am encouraging BCC for mass emails particularly in related fields.

I feel so much better now. Back to your lives.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Podcasts Baby



Realtor.com is a large forum that funnels nationwide information from listings of REALTORS®. They now have the option, on top of photos, virtual tour links are allowing videos to be uploaded, so we are not only doing the podcasts, we are uploading the same video to Realtor.com. What does this mean? Well if people are demanding that on a search, not everyone is participating in the video game and your home has ONE more LEG up on the competition.

There "videos," which are essentially what podcasts these are (little quicktime videos, but sometimes geared towards iTunes). Podcasts are getting thrown around and used for various purposes, but we use it to assemble photos of the home. It is NOT a virtual tour.

I think they look pretty sharp and we have had great feedback. Owners have been loving them.

And to all and their recent (and not-so recently) thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your referrals. We sincerely appreciate them. That is how our business thrives.

See the sample by clicking here ...

This link may not work for all IE (Internet Explorer) browsers a friendly reminder of the PC and Mac battle and quicktime settings. Go with Firefox instead of IE as your browser. ;-)
Hope you enjoy!

Sometimes it's cool to be a geek?


Okay so I went to the Tech fair, per my hubbie's request because he knew I would enjoy it, and I did. And if you don't know, my background is originally and still is, graphic design. Nice guy initially: "So do you design websites?" Me: "Yep." Becoming an idgit: "I bet it doesn't look as sharp as this ..." Me: "Well actually I think it is better." Idgit: "Are you sure you cannot find a template site you like?" Me: "Nope."

This is why I am not pushy. You never know when someone has a better solution. Provide information and be available.

Okay on to the great parts, the speakers and people I met.

We saw Terry Watson (a Tech savvy Realtor®) speak, and we was by far my favorite. Well mainly because he validated many things that I already do do (do do?? wait what did she just type?). I utilize humor, with good information and try to stay approachable. Don't be afraid to be who you are. So I embrace my inner nerd, yet I find myself amusing still. I do love people and I love being up on new tech tools. Our good friend, Patrick Lieuw helped put on the event and he and many others did a fantastic job. I met a lot of fantastic new people and uh ... I won a PSP! Woo woo. Comcast, you may charge me a lot for merely internet service, but thanks for the Playstation. The booth reps at Comcast, regardless of my now biases towards the situation, ROCKED! Such great upbeat personalities. Thanks ladies and gents and for putting up with my hard core interrogation of how "ON DEMAND" works for Real Estate. Does anyone really use it? WHat do you all think?

Okay enough rambling, here are the cool things I learned that I would like to share with you I learned from the speakers (they were all fantastic) ...

I have a email signature do you? Don't think of your e-signature just in terms of email, think in terms of a blackberry or treo and/or your recipient. Use dashes in your phone number in your signature email and NOT "periods." I never thought of this as I do love "periods" in lieu of dashes in my phone numbers, but it is not functional as I was told for someone that wants to call you directly by accessing your "signature." Cool for stationery, but not email signatures.

A signature is the automated tagline at the end of your email with your important information.

What else did I learn, oh that I need the Jawbone phone set. I hear it is phenomenal.

Oh yes, that IS my daughter in the picture. Anyone familiar with the 2nd Ghostbusters? Remember the baby Oscar, but this is the girl version. She is a great girl, but a wild woman. She wanted to run and be free in this picture. Perhaps dismantle a few booths, pull down some table cloths, eat a few business cards — the usual in the life as a baby Realtor® assistant.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Firemen's Muster in the Park (ROYER PARK in Roseville)


So I thought I would write and say HOW much my children and I enjoyed the Muster in the Park celebrating 100 years of service by the Fire Dept this past Saturday (8/11). They had wonderful booths for the children to try on firefighter gear and they could play with/use buckets to put out pretend fires and last but not least, there was the option to try out a hose. There were some fantastic old engines from Dixon, South Placer County and all over, plus there was antique fire equipment to appreciate the history of the past 100 years. It was awesome. There was great food, music (even bag pipes which I thought was cool), bounce houses and plenty of stuff for all to enjoy. I also loved all the races they had in place and when the #1 engine extended it's ladder completely.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and firefighters. Our family really enjoyed this event.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Vineyard District 21

So Steve and I have decided to take upon the task of sending out a Quarterly newsletter to the Vineyard District, depending on the response. We are dispersing local information and we are hoping to encourage an eco-system job posting environment. The website is still underdevelopment and will not be dispersed publicly except through publication to neighbors.

Podcasts

Okay so I am still about a month away, but I think I have figured out how to do podcasts (iTunes feature). Hopefully this will be a great addition to the many features we already add to those seeking a new representative/Realtor for their listing (rider, flyers, extensive internet postings, hosted website, private website name for listing, virtual tours, maximum MLS photos, etc).

Podcasts have the option of showing a small video to potential buyers (somewhat similar to YouTube and virtual tours in a small way) and voice documentation.

Should be an interesting exploration and thank you for YOUR interest! I will post a sample when I have this feature mastered.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/podcasts.html

Bank-Owned Homes and Still Maintaining the Neighborhood

So Steve and I have made it a goal to watch the REO/Bank-Owned Homes in our area. We want to know the inventory and what is available. We have so many of you interested in these homes and there are some great ones out there now. It is amazing. Of course there are less savory ones, but that is all real estate. Most of these homes will have a Rider, or sign hanging from the primary "for sale" sign, stating BANK OWNED, but NOT always. Also their may be a NO TRESPASSING warning pasted on the windows.

Some banks turn off the water and electricity, but this not ALWAYS the case. A brown lawn is usually a good indicator that water has been shut off.

There are two ways to look at the bank-repos, sadness for the person(s) that lost the home and two, joy that hopefully someone willl come in and recover the home and bring it back to it's glory.

On a complete side note, but because I have seen many bank-repos, this is a great opportunity of nearby neighbors to let your neighborhood shine with well-groomed yards, cleaned up patios and driveways, to entice a nice buyer. Most bank-owned buyers know what to expect out of a repossessed home and their status and are looking to the neighborhood for how they maintain themselves and the comparable homes to consider purchasing there.

It is hard for us to take of yards, if we don't have a service, during this awful heat spell, but remember a home for sale in our immediate area is not just selling that home, it is SELLING THE ENTIRE neighborhood. Keep neighborhood prices up.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Where are the Photos?

Okay so this is my opportunity to "toot" our own horn.

Listed? Getting ready to sell?
Whether you use our premier services or not, on the Metrolist (MLS and also used by SacBee.com) and Realtor.com It is so important to have the maximum amount of photos (12-Metrolist and the top 6 on Realtor.com). So often we find people requesting more photos from another agent's listing. Is this your property possibly?

We always make certain to post 12 pictures whether it be of the property or surrounding landmarks. We always to make sure to "add" value to your property and if there isn't a beneficial photo to make 12 photos of your property, we will take pictures of local park(s), neighborhood clubs (i.e. community areas), pools, golf courses, etc. We also make certain the TOP 6 photos picked up by Realtor.com are your BEST. Details, details. Not too mention, your photos will be of high-quality and presentation. Our goal is peak the interest of the buyer and get them on to the property with a GREAT offer.

Second, make sure you have your acreage set in place. So many times 0.0 acres is listed on the Metrolist. You are getting passed up on buyers looking for a specific amount of acreage. We always make certain your correct acreage is listed. No point in deceiving the buyer, they will find out eventually and why not qualify yourself correctly (especially if acreage is in your benefit, and yes this happens ALL OF THE TIME).

Details separate the good agent from the great agent. Make sure you are getting presented in the best and correct "light" possible.

Third, is your home on tour for an office and on the local Association Board of Realtors®?

You are selling to other agents/Realtors® as well as buyers. Maximize your audience the property is exposed to ... Realtors are most likely to sell your property, why not maximize your exposure. You cannot just rely solely on the internet (even though that is one of our strongest points-ePro), you have to appreciate the power of human contact and direct visual of the property.

Fourth, does your home have a virtual tour(s)? Do you know what the red spinning house is? Are you familiar with the 360 degree tours? With the RosevilleAndRocklin.com team, we realize the importance of people "seeing" your home from every angle.

Especially with the three digit heat, it is imperative to have people knowing what your home has to offer not only by location, but the layout of the home and it's "feel." And too, it will also benefit you in that someone coming to see your home live is more likely to be more serious about your home.

Finally, do you have your own personal website for your listing? What do we mean? Are you sharing space with another listing? We offer a private webLinksite and name SOLELY for your home. We own over 25+ website names and are ready to buy more.

This personal website houses all of your info regarding the home: virtual tours, ADDITIONAL photos past the 12 posted on the Metrolist (MLS) and SacBee.com. Also we know the importance of targeting the maximum audience and what the area has to offer, we also provide school information, city info, revitalization/improvement efforts of the area and much, much more.

See a sample at www.GreatRosevilleHome.com, CozyRosevilleHome.com, GreatNatomasHome.com, GreatSacramentoHome.com, MorganCreekHome.com
and many more. We also own www.HomeByThePark.com, HomeInTheCourt.com, HomeByTheGreenbelt.com and more.

If you appreciate all of these details, please call us. Not only do we offer great customer service, we house all of our services "in-house." Turn-around time on flyers and website modifications are near instant. Heather, myself, handles all of the printed and internet materials and maintains ALL of the websites personally. Steve handles all of the negotiations and Realtor® roles. Steve is honest and will provide you with all the info you need to know.

We look forward to hearing from you.

http://www.RosevilleAndRocklin.com
Steve & Heather Ostrom

Friday, June 22, 2007

So WHO lives next door?

So when you have decided to "take the jump with us," there are so many things to consider beyond getting pre-qualified for the next home (which is top dog on your list), and getting your home prepared for the move. This includes renters too (you need to get that deposit back), you never know when that cash may come in handy for that GUARANTEED Home Depot or Lowe's run. "Hey I thought I had FOUR ROLLERS! The owners took the toilet paper roll holder ... SHEESH! Guess I am BACK to the store."

So back to the storyline, you need to "interview" your neighborhood. Sometimes stories get told after 7pm about the true workings of a neighborhood and/or on the weekends. This is not a time to be shy, introduce yourself to neighbors and see what they are like. No situation is PERFECT, but see what you are getting you (and possibly) others are investing into ... particularly if you are hoping to stay long-term somewhere. See what schools are zoned for that particular area and what parks are near by, if that interests you. Think about daily life for you.

When we moved into our neighborhood, we learned a lot about "court protocol" and who was who in the court. I later learned more, but we are happy where we are at ...

"So you say you have a key to our house ... Oh really!??!"
[me to Steve O] "We are going to 'ang-chay our EY-kays immediateLY."
(yes that is pig-latin a shot back to elementary school).

Beyond the "neighborhood interviewing," you also have to weigh what is important to you, yard, age of the home and the builder who built your home. Often people are swayed by the uniform look of builders in the past 15 years. Some people love this uniform look ... and that is great ... but make a home be functional for you too (yard size, maintenance of the yard, cleaning that new house, and social workings of the house).

Do you know what CCR's are? Do you know what HOA is and does your neighborhood have it (you have to include this in your considerations of price and cost of living)?

HOA: Home Owner Association: Dues for an Association and are generally put forth towards general grounds maintenance and the association.

CCR: Community Codes and Regulations (sometimes with different words swapped). This is the rules of the neighborhood and policies. These do not have monthly dues, but are the "requirements" which may or may not be enforced in your neighborhood. This can have a high appeal to some because it does keep neigbhorhoods in "check" if they are enforced. Those without HOA's it is hard to enforce CCR's and is often, if enforced, taken on by a group of dedicated neighbors. (examples: lawn being mowed, garbage cans not out more than 24 hours on the curb, light fixtures being replaced when out, etc). Sure there may be a few vigilant neighbors that you find pesky, but what is pesky, when a neighborhood is looking good?
Keep it perspective. Your neighbors up-keep is your money too and your home's worth.

Ask what a typical electricity bill is for the home? Are they PG&E? Are they SMUD or Roseville Electric? Things that are important in monthly financing for oneself.

Past neighborhood workings and monthly dues/bills, find out the functional workings of the new pad and it's location.

Is it a busy street? Does it dead end and work like a court? Do you HAVE to have a court home? Do you know how much it takes to maintain a pool or large yard? Decisions you need to mull over.

Now I am not writing this to stress you out, but to be prepared, makes you stronger and wiser.

Granted nothing in life has to be permanent, so consider this ... if you have the liberties and finances to get what you want, TAKE IT! There are so many amazing homes out there. Let us help you!

So when we decided to take the jump, we knew we wanted a court home, with having young children, and we wanted a yard and back garage. We wanted to have an outdoor space to have people over. Simple criteria. We wanted to an older home, that would need some help and we were not against a fixer. We knew the risks of a fixer, but WE got our inspections done (DON'T EVER EVER EVER pass up inspections people) and we took the plunge. Don't let a $20 dollar can of paint or simple carpet replacement get in the way of your visions. Some people want a completed home with "ready-to-go" appeal, others want to score a deal and do the work themselves. Know the pros and cons of both sides.

So start thinking about your life requirements in a home, whether this is your 1st home or 2nd or 3rd. Sometimes you have to start somewhere, and that "somewhere" isn't always glamorous. Everyone starts somewhere. Our first home was a 2-bd in a "not so luxurious" neighborhood. But I will tell you what, those were some of our nicest neighbors. Not every pretty neighborhood is what it seems.

Think long-term if finances provide, and or think in terms of "stepping stones" to your next home if you are slowly working to get to your dream home. Find out what your finances and needs are ... ask questions we can help!

Good luck!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Walkie Talkies are Cool ... Sometimes.

So I will bounce back and forth between Real Estate materials and personal stories. I personally find all educational materials boring and like to "jazz" it up a little with my personal anecdotes.

So my daughter has an amazing little new friend in our neighborhood ... good times for all. Complete opposite of my daughter but they mesh well and too, butt heads, but great for young kids. Constantly learning from each other's different approaches and techniques.

So enough about the backgrounds, yesterday the wonderful world of walkie talkies was introduced to them ... omigosh, what have we gotten ourselves into? Now they can totally know what they are doing at all times.

I wonder what the "wear-off of interest" factor is with battery operated walkie-talkies?

Every ten seconds, "hey do you know how to use this thing?"
"Hey do you know what I had for dinner?"
"Can we have a sleep over?"

So my daughter is just not "getting it." Our neighborhood buddy is as quick as they come. Sharp as a tack and quick to find a solution. My girl is my little flower. Very deliberate and wants to know all involved risks. Just as smart, but a completely different approach. More emotionally driven and not as gadget savvy.

As I remember back in my can and string days, I couldn't always pick up things as fast as I do know. "Wait I hold the string tight and talk where??"Such a stark contrast to my current nerdie-computer girl status. Don't worry my babydoll, your nerd days are shortly ahead of you if my genetics have any play in your life.

My daughter: WHAT?!?! I cannot hear you."

Me: "let go of the button ... so she can talk girl. Okay you have to hold down the button to talk and THEN let go when you are done."

My daughter: "Oh .... wait what??"

Me: "Oh nevermind."
I guess you have to learn on the war field how to experience and utilize effectively the almighty walkie-talkie.

Such a powerful tool, such a mighty obligation …
"Hey are you asleep now ... don't worry I will call you in the morning."

Things to consider when moving ...

  1. Have you interviewed multiple Realtors® (we do encourage using certified Realtors®)?
    You should know you have the best ... we pride ourselves on exemplary negotiation skills and premier marketing services. Challenge us.
  2. If you are downsizing are you ready to take on the smaller space yet? Have you consider what materials you will have to dispose of ... (the RosevilleAndRocklin.com Team can help you advertise on the internet for a garage sale or guide you how to post your materials).
  3. If you are moving-up, how much will it cost to maintain the grounds (utilities, garden services, cleaning a larger space emotionally and physically, pool maintenance, etc)? Are you ready for that included finances and/or time spent maintaining?
  4. If you are currently an owner, make sure you understand the money you may or may not have used during refis (refinances), will you be selling competitively or will you be renting?
    4.a. If you will be renting, have you interviewed multiple management companies? Do you understand the undertakings of having a rental and the finances possibly/that are involved? We own multiple properties, and RIGHT NOW is a great time to purchase properties for investment. There are so many things to consider (in-state, out-of-state, how do I manage the property, etc.). Laws for each state are different for monitoring/protecting renters and owners. It is a great option for those that can do it, and many of you can, but we do encourage you to educate yourselves if it is right for you. Ask me more details if you are interested in perhaps purchasing bank-owned properties or you would like me to refer an agent out-of-area (Idaho, Texas, etc.)
  5. Finally and most importantly, GET PRE-QUALIFIED. There is no point to seeing homes until you are ready to do so ... don't lose the house of your dreams because you weren't ready to make the jump. It does not take much effort and we can guide you how to begin the process. Why waste your time looking at homes that are financially inappropriate for you.
In light of all the foreclosures and bank-owned properties in the area, it is imperative you do what is right for you and you educate yourself on all of what you are financially attaching yourself to now and in five years. Keep the lines of communication and knowledge always open for more. Ask MANY questions and protect yourself. It is a great time for move-up buyers and we encourage you to see what options are out there if you are indeed finding yourself in an opportune situation to want, need and are equipped to "move-up." Make the Jump with us! 916-308-2446. We have an incredible automated email search engine (also can be modified for bank-owned properties-see the GREAT GREAT deals out there).




Sunday, June 17, 2007

When a Realtor® feels good ...

Life is good when you hand over the keys to a new home to a client. Home ownership is a good thing. Even when you are having one of "those weeks," somehow the smile on a person's face when they make the realization come true with their OWN personal space that they own, it makes it all OKAY!

It is not always the easiest path, but to earn a client's trust and begin a good friendship is priceless. With the three digit weather upon us, we appreciate all of your referrals. Steve and I are grateful for all of our friends that presented new business to us, whether it be out-of-the area referrals, new home developments or just relocating locally, THANK YOU. We sincerely appreciate you.

Have a great Father's day weekend. The Ostroms are going to have a fun day with Steve O (aka Dad, Daddy). Hopefully the weather stays nice for all of us today.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Funny Video Montage

If you love Mike Myers as much as I do ... you will love this montage that someone posted played at an awards ceremony that will remain unmentioned.

http://www.devilducky.com/media/62918/

Very funny and all clean MINUS one mini-bomb at the end.
It has snipits from So I Married an Axe Murder to Wayne's World to Goldmember. Good times.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Bank-Owned … it is "like totally" the buyer rage.

So we are getting a lot of people asking about bank-owned homes. You probably have been hearing the term "bank-owned" or "REO homes." With all of the new terms, post-market boom, you have probably heard these terms or even possibly the phrase "short sale." What are the differences of the two terms: "Bank-Owned / REO / Foreclosure" and "Short Sale."

Unfortunately the term "bank-owned" is very sad for those it applies to, that whether it be an inappropriate loan, refi(s), homes placed as collateral for other ventures, or relocation ... it is a sad state for some former owners and for that my heart is sad. I still don't understand everything, nor will I ever claim to be an authority on this matter (I leave the "number thinking" to my husband, Steve O the Roseville, Rocklin Realtor®), but I don't think everyone knew the consequences of what they WERE doing getting into some of these homes. Or perhaps they were positive thinkers that this would always last (the market boom and continually rising prices). It is hard to erase the memories of the record-high prices homes were fetching, but to each situation their is a silver-lining [for some ...]

1. What is Bank-Owned? As the term indicates, the property is owned by the Bank now. The home has been foreclosed on the previous owners, and now the "bank," whomever that is, has found a listing agent that will price this home "to move." Meaning, it is ideally it is going to be a good deal in the neighborhood, but this is NOT always the case. Some are originally priced higher, but we would like to think prices may fall if the house stays on the market for too long. Banks do not want to lose any more money than they have to, BUT they also don't want to be selling the house for nothing. Again, I cannot speak or represent a bank, but this is the line of thinking one may approach. Each situation is unique and should be approached as "the unexpected may HAPPEN."

When you see this property listed it will MOST LIKELY say posted on it "Bank-Owned" in the form of a rider, paper posting on the front door or in the window. You are negotiating through the listing agent and the Bank is the seller. Home conditions are NOT always the best. Sometimes the homes have been left with a "visual" thank you note by disgruntled former owners, but not always. Some homes have just been neglected. If you have the eyes to see past the grime, a little handy work (or more in some cases), bank-owned homes are a great opportunity. Don't let paint color or a little neglect get in the way of the integrity of a home. Check out some of these deals. If you are interested we have a search engine set specifically for bank-owned homes, Email us at info@RosevilleAndRocklin.com. There is no obligation and you can quit at ANY time.

2. What is a Short Sale? Generic Heather terms, short sale is where the seller is selling the house for less than he owes on the property. This STILL sale has to be approved by the bank and is not a sure deal (the bank needs various things, which also includes seller proof of why money being owed to the bank will not all be there, so you can see the complexity of the issue). Often times escrow (escrow: when you are locked-IN a deal/agreement to purchase a home) You are STILL dealing with the current sellers of the home and negotiating (through the agent).

Best of luck searching and contact us for all of your real estate needs. We will help you sort through all the homes! 916-308-2446 Steve Ostrom, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker.

ABOVE all, GET PRE-APPROVED by a lender.
If you don't have a lender, get one or ask us to refer you to a reputable lender. Get the conversation going. Nothing is set in stone doing so, and you will find out where you stand in home purchases. Information is power. Look at homes you can afford and live an affordable means of living. That doesn't mean sell yourself short, high-expectations that are reasonably met are always important. Set reasonable goals and call us when you are ready to "Make the Jump With Us!"

Or you can email us at info@RosevilleAndRocklin.com


Eating Outside Rocks (that is if it isn't 100 degrees)!

I am just thinking. Wow is this one of the last times I can eat outside with a tolerable temperature and sans mosquitoes? Of course, I really miss my food being sprinkled with a dash of WNV* spray, but not really.

We had margaritas and tri-tip last night on our patio with our friends and it was DE-li-CioUs! Our 1-yr old thought it was a great opportunity to take a dirt bath in our recently de-weeded flower bed. Our other daughter, incessantly played her Shrek baby from McD's over and over again, but I didn't care, life was good. Weather, family, good friends and margaritas make for a perfect evening.

And yes, I will destroy that little baby doll that burps and screams "dada dada DaDaaaa." The team designing the "golden arches" meal play toys, is a sicko!



*West Nile Virus

Why I Love this Area

Okay so many of my friends joke about my shock collar that I supposedly sport/wear because I rarely leave the area anymore. Unless of course I have one of my kids in the car for carpool. Just teasing, well sort of ...

But seriously, I have limited my needs to this area and quite frankly, most all have been fulfilled. Placer County rocks.

I have found a new hairdresser; I no longer have time with work and two little ones to go to my shop in Downtown Sac, nor to the one in Folsom. There is more than enough fantastic and affordable dining locally. We have a great mall (though slightly under scaled in areas, still amazing and they are hopefully fixing that issue with the new scheduled construction). I do miss the bumblebee park visits, but will enjoy the indoor one during the hot days of summer. It will be interesting to see the dynamic of children INSIDE the mall screaming like wild-animals. HAHAHAHA. I can only pray it doesn't ruin the teenagers shopping experience. "OmIgosh, can you BELIEVE that kid area? I totally had problems swiping my Daddy's AMEX card." As long as they don't remove the salt water tank with Nemo in it at a certain Mexican fast-food restaurant, all is good in the Ostrom hood.

The area that is so supportive of young families and killer facilities to use FOR FREE and/or at a reasonable price and I love it. I have to say I haven't taken complete full advantage of all that it has to offer, but I do my best, particularly my husband does.

Why would I leave this area? I have everything right here. I always get told to leave my area, and I DID work in Downtown Sac for many years, and there ARE amazing areas Downtown and other places, but I guess I am just comfortable here. I do realize that there are shops and dining Downtown Sac that cannot be duplicated up here to me, at this point in time. For me bonus to Sacramento, it seems like satellite school with some of the dining that has been transplanted here (sit down dining). They have tried, and though good and the same food, the ambiance is simply not there (yet). Especially when in a mini-mall atmosphere and there is still construction a stone's throw away. I do thoroughly enjoy the architecture of the old buildings with the new in Downtown Sacramento (see I am giving kudos to the Sac??). Sure we will have beautiful buildings and elegant dining here, but they are apples and oranges to me right now.

We did briefly live in the Pocket area, and I did LOVE that area. Very community oriented. Good times Steve and I had there and we still have so many people we often visit there and in Land Park. But I missed my hometown Roseville and I wanted to be closer to my mom and brother. But, I do "dig" some other areas. I DO, pinkie swear.

Enter relocation BACK to Roseville, CA.

I do have to say, the addition of the Roseville "Galleria" Mall was the best thing ever for me. I also loved where the city has gone with their public facilities and Parks and Recs. No matter what you think about growth of this area, talk about great shopping and perimeter area stores and the options for family and kids activities is FANTASTIC. It is amazing. You can find everything now. Everything is so close and accessible for all.

I love the Roseville, Rocklin and Granite Bay area. I also started thinking, past the superficial needs of my little world, I respect the hard work it takes to manage these areas and have the appropriate foresight to develop each area respectively. It makes me so sad to see an area that was once thriving, succumb to age, external social and financial circumstances. Or even a commercial area owner that doesn't see the importance of maintain it's facilities. We always have to keep caring and preparing for the future. To lie still is to die with a city. We have to perpetuate success and maintenance to instill care into the people it houses. Of course there will always be that neighbor that doesn't see why he should have his 3 junk cars towed. Nothing is perfect.

It is crazy how many wonderful stores we have to access and in general, such well-maintained areas. My few complaints are so minor in the scheme of things, but not really (the crazy, fast drivers on Pleasant Grove and Roseville Pkwy-the speed limit is NOT 65+). But I do realize this is everywhere; I still don't like it. Nor do I like passing by these 16-year olds wearing nicer apparel then I could've ever dreamed of at their age? I would like to see their parent's visa bill. SERIOUS! But that's another topic.

Me personally, I LOVE LOVE a developer that puts a couple extra minutes towards understanding a plant's growth before throwing it in the ground. There are so many beautiful trees and well-thought out shrubbery in the median and street perimeters (not always, but a good amount of them). Even the young neighborhoods, will develop very attractively in years to come with their canopy-like trees planted in some areas. BUT the way they placed the trees in some of these "5 years and younger neighborhoods," does require a little more practice when opening doors on the curb DOH!!!! There goes my car door ... AGAIN.

I look forward to raising my kids here. Sure, I didn't appreciate this place when I was young and couldn't wait to escape the simplicity of Roseville (at that time-we had Strings and Sizzler as our main dining, HERE I COME CHICO!), but now with having a family here, I love this area and all of the outlying areas. We have so much to access that is free and so many cool things.

Heck Steve O took the girls to the Indian Museum here in Roseville just last week. I have never been to the Telephone Museum. And I am anxious to check out the EcoStation in Rocklin here soon. There is also a lot of Farmer's markets in the areas, including the Downtown Roseville Tuesday Nights (through July, I believe). Of course, there is ALWAYS the great Folsom lake.

IF you haven't checked out the area's children's activities for summer, you are missing out. So many great inexpensive (and some expensive) options for your kids activities this summer. I loved the reading class at the Library. We won't talk about our Ballerina experience, but it seemed like a nice class, very nice parents and families.




Have a great Summer and enjoy these [seemingly] last cool days of Springtime.

Heather "Brown" Ostrom

Sunday, June 3, 2007

We are not on the Showcase Showdown.

So Steve and I were at the gas station the other day and we had a friendly wager that it would not go over $50. As the numbers clicked wildly over 48 buckeroos, Steve started to yell "STOP STOP STOP." Thinking he was with Bob Barker spinning the wheel as it approached the $1 sign when he already had 55 cents, he didn't realize an older lady to his immediate right was backing up and reeled in horror as she thought she was running someone over.

Of course we apologized profusely, but I don't think it did much good.

Moral of the Story: Don't scream STOP STOP STOP when someone is backing up, you may be held accountable for a clean-up on Pump #4.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Our First Tuesday Night Fair in Roseville


Hello everyone,

So this is our first post. We have a lot more things to write about, but let's start with our most recent adventure, Roseville Downtown Tuesday Nights (the Farmer's Market in Old Town Roseville on Vernon). Some of you may or may not have heard of it. I had not heard of it until last year.

For those of you who DON'T know us, I am a graphic designer, Heather Brown Ostrom, and my husband, Steve Ostrom, is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. We work together as the RosevilleAndRocklin.com Team.

This was our first time (market virgins) to the Roseville Downtown Tuesday Nights. We were a wee bit excited, to say the least, and had no expectations. We did know, no matter what, we were going to enjoy ourselves.
So we loaded up our truck and headed over at 4pm, and set up our 10x10 booth tent. I was a little anxious (not to talk of course), but we had never set up a booth before, nor had Steve O. Steve wasn't nervous, so he calmed me down. Of course someone was in our vendor spot, par for the course for a day in the life of Heather (Brown) Ostrom, but the guy was awesome and gladly moved. Since that was the only mini-glitch, we were in GREAT SHAPE in my book.

It came all together thankfully; we got the tent up in one piece (thank you Rob) and it all looked amazing. I was very pleased that our mad dash the week previous, had paid off. Everything looked polished and presentable.

It was pretty darn hot on that asphalt for the first couple of hours, but once the sun went down, it was awesome weather.

Well not that you care, but we presented our new theme, "Make the Jump with Us." (see my little animation above???)

So we decided, well I did, that we had to present ourselves with a strong cohesive presentation. I ordered the banner (thank you SignsPlus), had matching (extra-long) embroidered shirts made (thank you Sew Cal), found pre-packaged goldfishes and Steve and I stapled 72 business cards into the bags. We were ready to go, laptop, flyers, all the real estate and marketing info any person could dream of ... Did we give out much, not really. But we had a GREAT time meeting people and chatting. The goldfish were naturally gone quite quickly and we had to ration towards the end.

We hoped our previous goldfish would become engrained in a parent's brain for a nano-second before it hit the trashcan. "Whar dat say, 'Make the Jump with Us?' Whar in Tar-HooTies does that Mean?!?! I dunnawanna jump. Crazy Realtors."

Of course, if we were REALLY lucky, the cheesy wrapper (with our attached business card) would lay on the bottom of a car floor eagerly waiting a tip of the wrapper to release it's crackery venom on the bottom of an innocent parent's car.

Most people don't know, but all mom's know (and clean crazy dads) that to clean up goldfish crackers in a car, is near impossible. Our goldfish will be the gift that keeps on giving. That's right, the RosevilleAndRocklin.com Team will be with you FOReVer in the form of an orange crumb (more like 1000+ crumbs). Enough said.

Well after we were done with goldfish distribution, meeting great people and closing shop we had many solid leads, made a lot of new acquaintances with people who came up and also with other vendors and business owners. IT was a great night.

I ALMOST got the group to our right to centipede for me on the ground, but it didn't pan out. They did offer to spin on their backs for me if had some cardboard, but I said it was centipede or nothing (they were awesome and if you are looking for a softball league ... they are the ones to call). I can remember every word of their DVD, but that is all.

Well here is a pic of our booth.

If you actually read this all, you must be a friend or family member.

Did I mention Pickup Stix was there? That alone made the trip FAN-Tastic!