Wow, can you beleive how Social Media has taken over our lives?  Who is not on Facebook these days?  When I first started on Facebook it was strictly for my family and friends and I used LinkedIn for business use.  Now I have clients on my personal and FB fan pages.  Sometimes I have to think twice about what I am posting on my personal FB page as I still want my clients to see me as a professional.  Twitter just turned 5 today!  I joined Twitter on 1/1/09 and really did not use it much.  I didn't care to know what people ate or where they are.  Now I see a whole different use for it.  I wake up in the morning and check out the posts and I know what is going on in the world before I read the paper.  I also follow alot of Realtors who really know what they are doing in the Social Media s... 03/21/2011

So I have never been a big supporter of To Do Lists.  I always knew what had to get done and somehow managed to get it done.  However latetly I have found that I am not getting stuff done and so last week I started making and following a To Do List.  It is amazing how accomplished I feel now.  Yesterday I had everyhting done by noon and was very proud of myself.  One of the items on my To Do List is to log into Active Rain daily and start blogging.  I think I have 12 bogs now which is amazing for me!  I am going to commit to a To Do List and measure the results in my business.  03/19/2011

February was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar.  In Finnish, the month is called Helmikuu, meaning "month of the pearl"; when snow melts on tree branches, it forms droplets, and as these freeze again, they are like pearls of ice.  Here in the U.S. we celebrate Groundhog Day in February and according to this wise old prognosticator he said it was going to be a short winter and that spring would be upon us soon.  As the weather warms we find that Real Estate starts to pick up again.  The old adages "time for some Spring cleaning"  applies to us REALTORS® as well.  Time to start cleaning out some of those dusty habits we tend to pick up in the winter months.  It se... 03/18/2011

Yesterday was a great day!  We received short sale approval on an offer my buyers made in November 2010.  My buyers fell in love with this home and put a great offer on it.  I called the listing agent and found out it had only one loan with BofA.  Unfortunetly BofA did not assign a negoitator until mid-January.  I explained the short sale process to my buyers and they said they would wait for this house.  That did not stop them from calling me twice a week for an update, even though I make it my policy to call every Friday with an update, even if the update is "no update".  A few weeks ago BofA came with a counter offer, higher sales price, no contribution to buyers closing costs, seller contribution and seller promissory note.  I thought it was a dead deal at this point.  We countered ... 03/17/2011

Bullard High Girls Soccer Beats #2 in the Nation- Advances to State Championship Game   Last night the #4 seeded Bullard Knights upset the #1 seed (#2 nationally by ESPN Rise) San Clemente in the California State Semi-Finals game 3-2. Bullard played a physically and mentally tough game.  Traveling 280 miles on game day to a very hostile envriroment after playing a very physical game 36 hrs earlier was not how the coaches would like to have managed the arrangements, but due to CIF rules, that was just the first of their challenges. Luckily, the 280 mile return trip arriving home at 2 a.m. was a happy one with girls regrouping and trying to take care of themselves in order to get back on a bus 14 hrs later to go back to Los Angeles for the Championship game Saturday. Thursday night's gam... 03/11/2011

  Bullard High Homes Market Report February 2011           # Of Homes Sold: 24 Median Price: $166,650 Average Sale Price: $188,769 Lowest Sale: 4220 W. Corona, 3/2, 1324 SF, $85,000 Highest Sale:  2458 W. Atlanta, 4/3.5, 3738 SF, $395,000 Avg. Days on Market: 72   # of New Pendings:  45 (there are an additional 13 homes listed as Backup) Median Price:  $175,000 Average Price: $242,237 Lowest Pending Price: 3739 W. Bullard #213, 2/2, 1025 SF, $59,200 Highest Pending Price:  6101 N. Woodson, 4/3.5, 4282 SF, $1,640,000 Average Days on Market: 67   # of New Homes on the Market: 40 Median Price: $221,400 Average Price: $270,290 Lowest New Listing: 3739 W. Bullard #106, 2/2, 1017 SF, $64,500 Highest New Listing: 2697 W. Lake Van Ness, 4/3.5, 3890 SF, $1,250,000     # Current Homes Available: ... 03/07/2011

Bullard Boys Basketball Going To Valley Championships!!! The Bullard High School Boys basketball team has a chance to bring home another Valley Title when they take on Clovis West on Saturday night for the Division 1 Central Section Championship at Selland Arena at 8 pm.  This is the 3rd Knights team this winter season to compete for the Valley Title, the girls soccer team was victorious on Tuesday beating Buchanan 3-0 for their first title since 1985 while the boys soccer team lost to Buchanan on Tuesday.  The Bullard Knights traveled to Bakersfield and upset the  #2 seed 65-54 Wednesday evening to secure their spot in the Championship game.  Bullard has a 26-6 record this season and is looking for their third Valley Championship in program history.  The last title was in 1996.  This ... 03/03/2011

Bullard High School Girls Soccer Wins Central Section Division 1 Valley Championships 3-0!!!   The Bullard High School Girls Soccer team finally got to take the field for a long awaited rematch against Buchanan High School who has won the past 5 championships.  Bullard played Buchanan earlier in the season in the Peggy Renberg Classic Championship game, only to end in a tie and go to PK's, which Buchanan ended up winning.  Bullard players had one message to Buchanan at that time, "No Worries, we will see you in Valley Championships!!!"  And that they did. And they were ready.    The Valley Championships were originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 26, but due to weather predictions of possible snow in Fresno, they were postponed until Tuesday, March 1.  Oh and it turned... 03/02/2011

There are currently 3 homes for sale in the neighborhood I have named as the "Figarden Granvilles". This neighborhood consists of Granville homes that were built in the late 80's and early 90's.  It is located South of the Figarden Loop and East of Brawley, and within walking distance of Figarden Elementary School in Northwest Fresno. The following homes are for sale: 3747 W. Mesa- 4 bed/2 bath 1864 SF 3 car garage Bank Owned Foreclosure $175,000         3740 W. Tenaya- 3 bed/2 bath 1603 SF Traditional Sale $177,000           3574 W. Escalon- 3 bed/2 bath 2113 SF Bank Owned Foreclosure $222,900.         There are currently 7 homes that are under contract. The prices of the homes that are in contract range from $149,900-$279,900.  Of these 7 homes, 4 are Bank Owned Foreclosures and 3 ar... 02/28/2011

  Bullard vs Buchanan, Buchanan vs Bullard provides for an exciting time for the Boys and Girls Central Section Division 1 Soccer Championships this Tuesday, March 1.  Due to the inaccurate weather forecast the girls and boys Division 1 Central Section Championship games were rescheduled.  It was unfortunate as it turned out to be a beautiful day in Fresno and Clovis on Saturday when the games were originally schedule to be played.     So this Tuesday, March 1st, the #1 Buchanan boys face the #3 Bullard boys at Buchanan High School at 3 pm.  The Central Section Valley Championships conclude with the #1 Bullard Girls facing #2 Buchanan girls at 6 pm at McLane Stadium in Fresno. McLane has been home to the Bullard girls this season while construction on the new track and pool facilities h... 02/27/2011

Stonebridge is a prestigious Planned Unit Development located on the the Southeast Corner of Herndon and Marks in Northwest Fresno.  This gated community of 235 beautiful homes has many ammenities including 10 lakes and streams, 3 pools and spas, a clubhouse, 4 lighted tennis courts, RV Parking area, 24 hr. guard at the front entrance, and a beautiful parklike setting. Stonebridge is located close to shopping and some of Fresno's finest Golf courses, including San Joaquin Country Club and Fig Garden Golf Club.  You are also just minutes away from Sierra Sport & Racquet Club.   Below is a video showing some of the great landscapes, homes, and ammenities at Stonebridge.      There are 3 homes that are currently listed for sale:Updated August 1, 20176685 N. Nottingham Ct.-3 bed/2 bath, 204... 02/25/2011

Yes, I want this man, as a Real Estate Agent Partner.  This is Mike Aubrey and he is one of the stars on HGTV's Real Estate Intervention.  Together with Sabrina Soto, they have formed a working relationship that I want with just a few real estate agents.  I understand that Mike has a military background and some people view him as too brusque with sellers.  In my opinion, he is giving sellers what they need to hear and see: Reality and Honestly. I want a local agent that is willing to do what Mike Aubrey does.  His approach is very logical, very strategic and very cost centered.    The program has two major flaws, in my opinion.  First, as is normal with HGTV, they don't include the cost of physical labor for any of the trades that work on the house, so that is very misleading. Second, ... 02/11/2011

Selling By Design-Staging presents  an exciting testament to the value of home staging in the Tale Of Two Houses. The homes have very similar floor plans,are on the same street in an upscale gated community and were built by the same builder. House number one has more square footage, one more bedroom and one more garage than does house number two. Both homes have lovely swimming pools, so welcome during Fresno, CA's  hot summers. House number one's price is significantly lower than house number two. One of these  spacious homes  sold rather quickly, while the other is still languishing on the market. Was it the larger, less expensive home that is now under contract? No, infact it was the smaller, more expensive, house number two that sold. HOW Could That Be? It makes no sense. Isn't big... 02/11/2011

This is a photo taken of my oldest daughter, Morgan, at her basketball game vs. Madera on Tuesday, Feb. 1.  Elizabeth Barker, who is an awesome photographer was kind enough to send to me. If you need a photographer in the Fresno area, please contact Elizabeth, she will get you some great shots like this one.       Bullard High won the game against Madera, Morgan had 12 points in this game and 14 against Sanger on Friday night. She also is playing Varsity soccer and scored two goals on Thursday in their win against Edison!!! Was a great week for Bullard High girls sports, 4-0!!!   02/06/2011

  Pete's Teriyaki is one of my favorite places to eat in Northwest Fresno.  They have delicious food, generous portions and great prices!  My favorite thing at Pete's Teriyaki is the House Specialty-Special Fried Chicken Spicy!!!  Make sure to add Spicy to your order, it is actually addicting!!!  Ask my 15 year old who wishes I would get her the Spicy Chicken everday!!! I get text messages every week from her begging me to bring her Pete's at school!!! If she misses a week without Pete's, she gets cranky. I'm serious.  That's how good it is.          The House Specialty comes with a huge portion of chicken, steamed white rice, and Tempura vegetables.  Just a head's up, if you want the cucumber salad, you just have to ask, it's included on request.  Also, you must request Tempura sauce f... 02/06/2011

In the world of home staging, or real estate staging, the timeless adage, "It's what's on the inside that counts," does not apply. If a seller wants to coax potential buyers inside a house it had better look clean, fresh and inviting on the outside first. Of course the inside must be clean, fresh and inviting also. But the first impression of a house will be of its exterior. It may entice the buyers in or cause them to just drive by. With this in mind here are ten things that a homeowner  should do before a house goes on the market. Power wash the outside walls, walkways and driveway. Power washers can be rented at Home Depot and other home improvement stores for between $70 and $80. Power washing removes dirt, mold, moss etc. giving a home a fresh clean appearance. Trim plants, and tre... 01/29/2011

Beautiful yet unsellable? As a home staging professional I have seen countless homes that are beautifully, often professionally decorated, but are unsellable. "How is that possible," a seller may ask, " I hired the best decorator in town, these fabrics are imported." Or you might hear, " These are priceless antiques."              " All our friends say our house is lovely." "Yes," I reply, "Your home is beautiful and it's perfect for you. But it needs to be seen as perfect for prospective buyers." Sometimes that is enough to make the light dawn and they get it, the need for home staging. But more often than not people who live in extravagant, expensive homes just don't see the need for changing their house to meet the desires of the buying public.  " The new owners will just change it a... 01/28/2011

The word seems to be spreading regarding the merits of home staging. Sellers and real estate agents are getting the idea, but not the picture. At least not the picture a potential buyer needs. The term  "shows well" is often used to describe a home that has been decluttered and are clean, but are for lack of better term, is boring. The person who staged the home whether it be the owner, the REA, or even a would be  home stager has neutralized the house so much that it has become forgettable. Of course it has to be neutral looking enough to appeal to the largest buyer pool possible, but not so bland that it is not appealing to anyone. As a home staging professional, I have checked out thousands of MLS pictures and attended many an open house. The description often reads, "Pristine, well ... 01/11/2011

Did you know that professional home stagers can also be weight loss experts? Selling By Design-Staging has developed a plan to take the weight off your mind and shoulders that leads many into the winter blahs, a condition characterized by feeling trapped in a house that looks and feels more like a storage facility than a home, a sensation of being smothered by stuff, but overwhelmed by the thought of clearing and organizing it. The long awaited remedy to this condition is the mood elevating procedure of Re. Realize that you deserve to be revitalized. Refuse to be held captive any longer by your stuff. Retain the services of a professional home stager who also specializes in redesign and reorganization. Relax and trust that between the two of you your home will become a peaceful retreat.... 01/05/2011

I ran out of time yesterday when writing my blog on Internet photos and did not post any pics. So I am adding them to the original post today. 12/10/2010