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June 12th, 2014 at 9:09 am

Whether it’s your first or the fifth home you’re selling, if you’ve recently made the decision to sell, you have a lot on your plate. In real estate, first impressions are everything. The more attractive your home appears, the greater likelihood you’ll have of receiving a comfortable offer in record time – the ideal situation for anyone selling their home. Although you can’t predict the market, there are several things you can do to get your home ready for sale and poised to do well against the competition.

  1. Start outside. What are your first impressions? Try to keep in mind what the prospective buyer will be looking for. Make sure your lawn is well manicured. Keep the lawn cut and watered regularly. Be sure to trim any hedges, prune trees and weed your flowerbeds. Next, check your walkways and steps for cracks – reseal if possible. Inspect your gutters and be sure to repair any loose or damaged shingles.
  2. Once you’ve conquered the great outdoors, it’s time to move inside. This is a daunting task, so make a goal and complete one room at a time. Begin by picking up any clutter and organizing. This can include neatly arranging dishes, sorting laundry, packing up knickknacks and creating a filing system for loose paper.
  3. Once you’ve got your home de-cluttered and organized, take a deep breath because it’s time to clean. You’ll need to do a bit more than dust, sweep and vacuum – also polish door handles, patch walls, paint doors and rooms as needed, clean tables and surfaces and wash mirrors and windows. While you’re doing all these less-than fun projects, think about what you would want in a home you’re buying.
  4. You’re getting closer! Don’t give up yet, now it’s time to go the extra mile. Next you’ll want to optimize each space. In kitchens and bathrooms take a look at your lighting. These rooms should be well lit. If needed, buy new bulbs and use lamps to light dark spaces. Open drapes to let as much natural light in each space as possible. If you have a pet be sure you’ve tidied up their area and consider an air fresher to eliminate any associated odors. While you may be a pet lover, the next home owner may take a different stance. You don’t need to go crazy with candles or incense, instead open windows to let a fresh breeze flow through your home.
  5. Congratulations, you’ve put your best foot forward and now it’s time to sell the house! However, it can be easy to recreate the messes you’ve just cleaned up and eliminated, after all life happens. Make it a daily or weekly routine to organize and de-clutter. Enlist the help of family members to ensure the house stays in top condition. Your hard work will pay off!

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June 11th, 2014 at 9:45 am

Joe Campagna, manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Coronado office, is pleased to announce that Gina Schnell has joined his team of professionals. “Gina comes to us with a strong background in banking and financial services,” said Campagna. “With her business experience and talent for marketing and sales, she is a tremendous asset to her clients.”

Previously a senior vice president and regional sales manager for a major U.S. bank, Schnell is uniquely qualified to help her clients identify the best possible options when purchasing a home, securing a loan or selling a property. She commented that, “strong negotiating skills and the ability to communicate effectively are critical to any business transaction.” (more…)

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June 10th, 2014 at 10:51 am

This May signaled the beginning of an exciting time for many deserving local charities, as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties formed the Ventura chapter of The Charitable Foundation. “Now that we have our chapter in place the agents in our office can hold fundraisers as well as have donations taken directly out of their commissions,” noted Lyle Elliott, manager of the Ventura office.

With over 75 agents in the Ventura office, the potential impact on the community is profound. “Our office is comprised of a group of dedicated professionals who never miss a chance to serve the communities where they live and work,” added Elliott. “The fact that it will be even easier for them to donate to charity now will bring about a positive change for numerous people in need.”

The announcement was made at the inaugural meeting of the board of directors on May 15. “It was very moving to be a part of this and I’m confident that our agents will make it a success,” said Natalie Hill, manager of The Charitable Foundation. “It’s an honor for me to recognize the new chapter’s board members, which include Hope Avery, Matt Capritto, Ellyn Dembowski, Donna O’Neil, Mark Ouchi, and Clark Owens, as I couldn’t imagine a better group of people to lead the foundation’s efforts in Ventura.” (more…)

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June 9th, 2014 at 4:43 pm

The Charitable Foundation and the dedicated agents from the Los Angeles network of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties are coming together to hold a Summer Celebration for the Children’s Burn Foundation, on June 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted by top-producing agents Andrew Manning and Steve Dubin at their home in Encino Hills, the event will feature live music and a silent auction, food and cocktails.
All of the proceeds will be allocated to the Children’s Burn Foundation, one of the many non-profits supported by the L.A. chapter of The Charitable Foundation. The Children’s Burn Foundation provides child burn survivors and their families with a range of support services, including burn prevention and fire safety education, reconstructive treatment, emergency family assistance, counseling, a teen support program, and more.

“When you combine a fun social event like this with a chance to benefit such a great cause, how can you go wrong? We are expecting to see approximately 200 people, which is really a great indication of our community’s dedication to giving back,” comments Natalie Hill, manager of The Charitable Foundation. (more…)

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June 5th, 2014 at 10:45 am

swimming pool

Summer is often one of the most anticipated times of the year, when you think warm weather what comes to mind? For many it might be the outdoors and all the activities that go along with being outside; BBQs, hiking, swimming, bike riding, vacations and more. However, although there’s much fun to be had on a beautiful summer afternoon, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Some of our most beloved summer activities can also be the most dangerous. Take swimming for example, practice the following water safety tips, learn the proper skills, and equip your home with the best tools to keep your loved ones safe in the water this summer.

Water Safety Tips

  1. Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
  2. Stay close to the pool and be alert
  3. Watch children that are in the water as well as those near the pool
  4. Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa
  5. Use the buddy system – do not allow anyone to swim alone
  6. Teach children basic water safety tips
  7. Keep children away from pool drains and pipes to avoid entrapments
  8. Keep a telephone close by in case of an emergency
  9. If a child is missing, first look for him/her in the pool

Water Safety Skills to Know (more…)

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