Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween Peeps!

Ughh .. peeps ... for some reason those Easter time snacks just popped in my head. Bleggh. And yes there ARE Halloween peeps. The ghost ones kind of crack me up.


Happy Halloween Folks ...
From Halloween


So we are having a lot of fun for this post ...
Okay I love Snopes.com go ahead and laugh. I actually haven't been surfing the net as much. I try to read a few real estate websites and read the news in the wee hours of the morning by myself. I do love reading Inman and occasionally Trulia ... But lately work has monopolized that time. BUT I did surf Snopes this morning and here are some fun reads in light of the fun Holiday. If you are not familiar with snopes, you should. Anytime you get a hooky email from a friend/or perimeter email buddy check this site to verify the yahoo-oriented email. It is fantastic, okay back to Halloween!

TOP COSTUMES & Halloween folklore: http://www.snopes.com/holidays/halloween/halloween.asp

Here are some pics of last year of our porch. Steve and I have been non-stop this past year and I am slacking a bit on our Halloween decor. It is going to be a last minute dash to the finish line. I didn't get to enjoy my artistic work as long this year. Kind of a bummer, but c'est la vie. The girls and I carved our pumpkins up last night. Steve raced to the airport after a home inspection in Natomas (hoooRAY Ingar) to get my mom and her lovely guy Rob from the airport. Thanks Steve for doing that ...

Heck we even missed my FAVORITE event in Downtown Roseville on Vernon on Tuesday. Which saddens me so. No funny shots this year. No chasing my two year old who waits like a ninja for me to not be paying any attention. "Hey mom look over there, [insert two year old draft of air and running]" hahahaha No shots of Steve going down the big blow up slide with both of the girls squealing. Sigh.
From Halloween


The Tuesday night show in Downtown Old Roseville is such a blast with stores giving out treats and a reptile show plus costuming judging.
From Halloween


Tonight visit the Callson Manor Haunted House at the Placer County Fairgrounds. I hear it is pretty good. There are some reviews on YELP too.

For Rocklin residents:
Trick-or-Treat Faire
Community Services & Facilities - Recreation
Location: Sunset Center Main Hall (2650 Sunset Blvd., Rocklin, CA)
Admission is FREE for elementary school-aged children and younger, accompanied by an adult.
Date: 10/31/2008
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

So if you haven't gotten your outfit here is a quick reference for you to dart out to local stores. I heard last night was a MAD house at most stores. Click here for a quick google search.

So everyone be careful out there. I encourage for little ones with dark outfits to please be sporting a few glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Wal-Mart had the glow in the dark sticks for 88cents or around there. They are though every where. I really like the necklace type in lieu of the dangling stick. Keep those little ones illuminated. That way you can see them from near every angle. I like to even hit the girls wrists with a smaller version of the bracelet. I usually get my big pack of glow sticks from Wishing Well but they didn't do this year. I have some though left over from last year.

Reflective tape is great too!

Avoid the homes with no lights and avoid the foreclosure yards! And please parents and kids out there, please don't litter. With the rains here and coming, it goes into the drains or into a undeserved yard.

Be careful y'all and have a great halloween.

Steve and I will be working most of the day. We are still cranking away at work. Email is still the best way to reach ME, but Steve, I highly recommend you just pick up a phone: 916.308.2446 ...

Happy Halloween and please be safe!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Digital TV Conversion PSA

For all of you digital conversion procrastinators ... thank you Russ (Steve's dad) for sharing this hilarious video!



Get a coupon here and learn more in all sincerity: http://www.dtv.gov/

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Goodbye my favorite new gadget ...

Insert pathetic sad music here ... yes I am dramatic. My husband is the cool hand. I am the artist and marketer. So hear/read my sad little story.

I have to now come to grips that my little flip camera is a goner. What's a flip, well go to the site and see my sad loss. HAHAAHA. I was filming at our newest listing on Union in Roseville and I think I set it down on a shelf of some sort outside and now it is gone. I went over with a fine tooth comb the entire area and it is unlike me to lose things like that so I am particularly upset. Although it is a "thing" and really not that expensive, but I loved that little camera. So many funny happy memories captured. I love gadgets, I always despised those clunky camcorders, and with this little video I have had more funny moments than can be verbalized/written.

I loved that little video camera not only for work, but for the quick videos of my children. I am sad of the funny video of my girls that is still on it with the images captured of little chalk drawings my eldest daughter did on it and me chastising my little one for dragging her feet across it. Which was actually quite hilarious.

[insert tearful music] So goodbye little FLIP camera, I sure hope you weren't stolen, but I enjoyed you tremendously while I had you. [SIGH] Oh and by the way, I love the FLIP Ultra if you are looking for a fun USB digital video camera. It takes a great, good-sized film with many optional features. I am looking at the site now, and MAaaaaybe this was SUPPOSED to happen ... sweet mercy I can design my own cover for my flip. Ei yi yi. Look out goldfish labeling. Steve just saw the new design and said, "WHAT IS THAT?" I may have earned the right for a new purchase.

See below what I created on theFLIP.com website. Sorry about the ads. The design cracks me up.
Flip Mino Camcorder with Personalized Design - Available only at www.theflip.com - $179.99
""
Check out this unique Flip Mino design on www.theflip.com. The Flip Mino camcorder combines remarkable video quality in a pocket-sized package. Now personalizable - create yours today. You've never had a camcorder that's this much fun.


When I forced to give up on my search and break down for a new one, I will repost with my first video on it's virgin tour! BUT I am sure hoping a gleaming light will beam down upon me and I will get that little video camera back.

This is why I miss my camera. This video cracks me up.

Maintaining a home if you have to be gone ...

Hmmm ... saw this video on CNN, not sure how I feel about it. Unless they don't mind showing a home easily and keep the home smelling and looking top-notch, it is hard to say if a renter would help, or rather "pluses" outweigh the "minuses." Each situation granted being unique. Besides keeping it clean and fresh (and a mowed lawn) is this really a good idea? ALTHOUGH the no rent is ENTICING! Is that enough incentive? If you are in sales and or particularly, someone from the arts, often the least appreciated are the items that come for free. Now I am not talking donation to charities, I am talking about people that can afford to dish and buy, but are looking for that deal, you give it to them and they don't value the product appopriately.

Seems like the likelihood of finding the perfect renter match is a possible one.Not everyone has the bankroll for a lawn service I suppose. Just a matter of finding all the right variables in place of someone that in lieu of rent, will mow the lawn, weed-wack and pull weeds. Keep the home clean and presented well, and willing to show the home (often after 530pm when people get off work). So if you can get that or close to, you are doing well I suppose.




There are some great renters out there, and I know many where those owners are darn lucky that they have such a great person(s) keeping the home. BUT, Oh the stories of renters and/or family members botching the house being shown to anyone. Such a hard scenario where you can often see both sides ... just a real bummer right now to be a renter where your home might be sold from underneath you or you can experience the foreclosure. It's tough sometimes especially if you are comfortable where you are and are blindsided by the experience. I remember being a renter and having our home go up for sale without us knowing and being in pajamas in my bed and having an agent walk in our house WITH clients and without as much of a phone call and I wanted to clobber him. "Oh I called ... you didn't get it." Uh huh buddy, sure there slim. My eyes were as big as saucers when I heard the deadbolt unclick. :-D So I can empathize in that respect. BUT we did always try to keep our home clean, neat, swept and tidy. I wasn't happy or ready to lose the home we were renting, but it wasn't my choice and sometimes you have to do the right thing, not the thing you want. The owner had always been good to us, but even he hadn't, sometimes doing the right thing is better than getting even. Without of course not compromising your rights as a tenant.

Best of luck to all of you trying it all and trying to do good! Our hearts are with you. Wanting to keep your neighborhood up is something we all want and need. Clean and kept areas attract others similar. A bad yard effects all.

Friday, October 17, 2008

It's Friday ...

So this Friday post: let's start with interesting, then environment, safety and Holiday!


Interesting:
A one in two million occurrence ... that will never experience a skinny dip in hot butter and no it isn't hanging out in the Red Lobster tank for all-you-can-eat night.




Environment:




I had no clue about wire hangers, minus the fact that I despise them. Heck you can get cheap wood hangers from IKEA! So anyhoo, I thought the story above was a good one and food for thought for those like us, that are frequently the dry cleaners. Maybe we could start treating them like "canvas bags" and bring in ones for your clothes. Not sure if that is a viable solution for quick turnaround and loss, but something to start with conceptually.


Safety:
Is it just me or are we seeing a re-surge in hand-held illegal cell phone use? I have been nearly mowed over by men and women a half dozen times this week on their cell phone. Ya got kids on the road, and incoming call comes in, PULL OVER people or don't answer. I know a lot of us don't like the earpiece, I agree I am not the biggest fan. So here is another alternative, which I can vouch, sounds great, the Blue Ant.

Steve has LOVED his blue ant in lieu of the sci-fi freaky ear piece. I know it is an accessory to some, but I tell you I do get freaked out still to this day of people looking like they are talking to themselves. I have answered people thinking they were talking to me, only to find out they were on the secret stealth ear piece blue tooth. "FOILED AGAIN, Arrgggh!" Only to be followed with a nasty eye roll or a condescending, "it's okay honey." Oh puh-lease.


Holiday:
Halloween is ON a Friday this year. WahOooO! I have a lot of making up to do with my kids and busting out some serious Halloween decorations with our busy schedules. And Wishing Well, I am NOT happy with you discontinuing my glow in the dark necklace packs! I loved giving kids the necklaces to make them seen and heard in the dark night.

So be careful out there folks and have a safe and happy weekend.

Oh and if you are a land lover this weekend and have the rock and roll lifestyle of sleeping by 930 ... if you have TiVo, Sarah Palin plans on Saturday Night Live this weekend. No word yet if Tina Fey will show.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Oh you didn't take HER off the REPLY all? Uh oh ...

Okay since I am swimming in real estate photo and website marketing mania, a post off-topic today ... and taking a walk on the funnier side of internet life.

So I was doing my usual work and early morning routine today when I was introduced to Google's new email "do-ya-really-wanna-send-that-email" protection/prevention software, "Goggles," like beer goggles. This cracked me up so much I had to share. I don't use Google's email system, but I do like all the gadgets and their thinking. I also am a frequent user of their IM with friends and clients.

The google email prevention software, from what I read, kicks in late at night and makes you complete basic questions of a math-related nature before it allows you to send that email. Insinuating and/or reminding, an email you should not probably be sending under conditions of perhaps an altered state of mind or say "emotional clouding?"

Heck sometimes I get an email late at night from a person involved with a real estate transaction that perhaps doesn't have the "sweetest" e-tone that this may be a good thing for some of us. And I want to sometimes retaliate with a "hey miss/mr. suzy/joe poopy pants!?! Can I help you in the sunshine category?" Not everyone is blessed with the gift of good e-tone and or perhaps e-manners we can all safely assess. What I do know is angry emails only further the hostile black snowball so I do myself to catch that anger and just say, "Bless their heart. They hit the oblivious tree and hit every branch on the way down." And I move on.

Okay that doesn't tag a chord? Sunshine and yellow happy faces only grace your days, well perhaps you have done the fateful "REPLY all" and said things you probably shouldn't have said late at night. Uh oh! I have some top notch friend stories involved here, but I digress ... AND Granted some people truly don't care who knows their thoughts, but if you do ... this could be the late night program to/for you. Heck maybe google should be called "goffee" in the morning? Early at work pre-coffee say? Or even better "groggles." Maybe instead of math in the morning it could be the cue for pre-sent emails could be, "Hey lugnut, did you know you are replying all and your boss is on here?"

So if you don't trust yourself to a late night email you will regret or MAYBE catch you not taking off that REPLY all too, give it a whirl. Or just read google's blog for a giggle. Click here.

And uh, if math is not your forté, well maybe this really won't work for you anyhow. DOH!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

$275,000  260 Union, Roseville, CA 95678: GreatHomeInRoseville.com

Another new listing in Roseville! This home is squeaky clean and turn-key ready. Home is sparkling. Many updates, upgrades and touch-ups on this prime home.

Home has a whole house fan, dual pane windows, garage cabinetry, work bench, double master suites and much more! Hardwood floors in the Kitchen. You will love all the new faucets and also the upgraded light fixtures throughout parts of the home.

Take a look at the photos for yourself.

Property website with virtual tours (plus maps) at:
http://www.GreatHomeInRoseville.com



VA & FHA loans may take a second look at this home.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

New REO listing in Sacramento

We have been nothing but pleased entering into a working relationship with our bank to assist in selling a portion of the bank-owned inventory, down-side has been more driving. But regardless and enlightening and rewarding experience.

Steve has new insight into working with multiple contractors and workpersons to get a REO up for proper condition to sell. These REOs are mandated to be painted and cleaned by the bank. So you are usually pleased when enter one of our listings and/or any of our peers who assist this bank also in selling of their bank-owned (REO, REPO) inventory.

These have been selling quite fast, so the minute we post them they usually go pending within four days or so. 

We have also been experiencing an influx of new business and listings plus future ones. Our Pleasant Grove property is SO beautiful and has acreage and storage for vehicles. If you don't know anything about Pleasant Grove it is our neighbor directly to the West of us here in Roseville.

So here is our newest REO listing in Sacramento: www.SacBankRepo.com/bridletrail ... a well-sized halfplex. Take a look at the website. More will be coming soon.




Friday, October 10, 2008

www.GreatGraniteBayHome.com

Our new listing is in Carolinda Ranch Estates in Granite Bay ...

6235 Reba Drive, Granite Bay, CA 95746

This property is amazing. www.GreatGraniteBayHome.com

So you have been watching the Carolinda Ranch Estates Area in Granite Bay waiting for that perfect home to show up on the market? Whether you are relocating to the area or you grew up locally, you know this is the place to be. You've been waiting and the home is finally here — almost three acres of secluded visual pleasure (2.8ac*). Oak trees form a picturesque canopy along this home's 300 ft* paved driveway. Lush green lawns and beautiful, mature landscaping provide a zen-like retreat for you to come home to ... A home that transitions seamlessly to its natural surroundings. Amazing visuals continue with fantastic views of Miner's Ravine Creek (approx. near the rear of the property).
The home rests high above this year-round stream.

Blending into this setting of oaks, granite outcroppings, and stream is an extensive and mature Japanese-styled landscape. It has been 20 years in the making and consists of over 50 different kinds of plants. Extensive use of patios, decks, and paved walkways let you take full advantage of the natural surroundings.









Thursday, October 9, 2008

Pass it Along ...

Although the world of possible pending foreclosure may be a matter that hides within the walls of one's personal world ... if you know of someone that may be struggling to make their mortgage, share these links with them. Blame is getting thrown around, anger is swirling and growing, but honestly it will effect all of us inevitably and sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves and work as a community to work towards a road where accountability for one's actions becomes a part of everyone's vocabulary again.

Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

http://www.hopenow.com/


It is sometimes hard to keep our chins up with all the darkness, but there is light and try your hardest to find resolution. Luck is not provided it is earned. Granted sometimes variables in life are near impossible to overcome, but I hope some can at least try to find a possible better resolution.

With that all being said, with speeding up work schedules and less time for family, we need to teach our children now what responsibility for one's actions means. So if we can help someone try to help themselves, then do so.

We cannot rely on other's always for truths or foretelling of the future of our financial world. We pay for advice and seek professional opinion, but common sense must be an active part of one's mind when making decisions involving one's financial future. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask too many questions. Don't let fear paralyze you but educate yourself when involving big decisions.

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do and that doesn't always involve good decision making at times. It isn't right, but hopefully we learn something and that is to think things through past short-term, take responsibility and learn that someone will suffer from poor decisions and life has away of making a 360 inevitably in some form.

With speeding up work schedules and less time for family, we need to teach our children now what responsibility for one's actions means. So if we can help someone try to help themselves, then do so. We cannot always agree on all matters, but what we can do is learn. Pass on to the next generation our knowledge and accountability for one's actions and to think things through before leaping. What's better is not always what's best. Live within one's means as you never know what the next door opened will behold. Don't let the "keeping with the Jones'" drive your life and don't let vanity and "wants" drive you to the brink of destruction.

Be well and live life happy!

Oh and to all the magnificent neighbors of the world taking care of these short sales and foreclosures by doing little things (in a good legal fashion of course)! You are fantastic and thank you. The best way to sell that foreclosure is to keep your home looking good. Cut your lawns and pick your trash. Please for the love of that's good, take down those unused, outdated "for sale" signs, put stuff away in your yard and pass those good behaviors on to your family and friends. That means you too tenants. You live there, clean up! Accountability and responsibility. You will have happy neighbors that may help you more quickly when you may need it most. Good actions have happy returns eventually. Take care of your community, little things do matter.

Monday, October 6, 2008

10-day sales event

Steve will be participating in the 10-day sales event for Coldwell Banker!

http://coldwellbanker.feedroom.com/?fr_story=0c160e3b6b0dbad202c9ef3247abca9b894a4e99&rf=sitemap

All homes listed on the CaMoves.com and participating in the 10-day sales event will be for sale at reduced prices during this period*. This real estate event is coming up soon (October 10th-19th).

A side, but related note, CaMoves.com got a facelift too: http://www.californiamoves.com/steve.ostrom

*discounted prices may vary and not all homes listed with Coldwell Banker are participating.

Hello I am alive and so is Steve ...

I have had many people ask, I haven't gotten a real estate postcard in awhile, are you guys surviving? Where is the Goldfish? And why is there another orange Saturn in Roseville? Okay those last parts aren't true, just wanted to write that ... AND besides, that orange saturn has an orange bumper and is sans the cool goldfish sticker. With these markings, has made me a better driver as I am so nervous to have someone say, "Hey woman you cut me off." ahh the stresses of easy recognition. But I am used it being near 6-ft tall. HA!

Okay enough tangent time ... life is GREAT. We have personally exceeded our personal goal for the year and we are pushing forward with excitement of what the rest of the year holds.

We are actually doing incredible, busy yes. We are working near every day of the week. We have been attempting to take time off here and there and enjoying growing up with our girls. I have been not doing every home sale posted by postcard as it was becoming somewhat silly at one point. My mind frame may evolve depending on the market, but I feel as though it lost it's impact with each sale card. I feel as though our personal meetings with friends and clients married up with our current internet presence as more impacting on our business than wasting more paper. I think for awhile I am going to do real estate listings only for printed postcards as I do still recognize their importance on a different level and not a sort of sole self-promotion.

On client-op pics upon closing: I haven't logged all the photo shoots with our clients that I need to ... but I am hoping to get most of them done with schedule permitting.
BUT I am super pleased with our new canvas bags. Don't forget you get entered in a drawing at Trader Joe's if you bring in your own bags and 5 cents off at most grocery stores (or maybe more) PER bag.

Above is one of our recent buyers and now good friends, the Zanzis. Dr. Zanzi is a dentist in Granite Bay. They found a beautiful two-story home in Roseville. Thank you sincerely Nader & Umi. This really is a beautiful home and functional! Your wait is finally over. :-D

And thank you to all of our recent closes! I know we are missing some much needed photos. Eek.

So we all know with the all that has transpired this week in the financial market and the revised bailout plan being passed, but what does it all mean, we have yet to truly see. With our current world, it is easy to look down instead of up. Push forward, this is the time to learn and grow with our constantly evolving world. I am trying to expand my knowledge with what we have ... there is business out there to be discovered and/or refined. Passion cannot be contained and positivity is contagious. Hard work and respect for your trade does resonate!

This week we will be having a beautiful new listing coming on in Granite Bay. A truly magnificent piece of property and beautiful home. The landscaping and natural terrain will amaze you and calm you. www.GreatGraniteBayHome.com (website under construction 10/6/08).