When It Comes to Embarrassing Moments, This Laguna Beach Realtor Holds the Record
They say ‘to err is human.’ One February 20, 2011, one Laguna Beach Realtor proved her humanity in spectacular form.
In the 15 years I’ve been in this profession, I never imagined anything like this could ever happen. Not in my wildest dreams. You see, for years I’ve been making tongue-in-cheek Home Break-In videos to showcase select Laguna Beach homes for sale. The irony is that I actually found myself in the kind of situation I’d been portraying in these productions. Only this was reality. You want to talk about embarrassing? You can still see traces of crimson on my face.
It all started out splendidly. Got a fantastic referral to this L.A. couple who wanted a second home in Laguna Beach. No problem,” I thought. “Plenty of choice Laguna Beach homes for sale.” I launched myself into full-scale power search and narrowed the field down to eight beauties.
When the couple arrived at my humble office, I was primed for major action. There I was decked out in spiffy ultra-professional pant suit and matching Hermes scarf. Tucked under my arm was a stack of Real Estate documents and books that could have filled the Library of Congress ten times over. And just for good measure I threw in a dazzling, 100-megawatt smile and a gracious offering of coffee. Yes, I was ‘Little Miss Professional. And come hell or high water, I was selling this lovely pair a Laguna Beach home.
Striding with an air of confidence, I guided the eager couple into my very important-looking, jet black Lexus sedan. I wasn’t taking any chances. I had this road master shined to gleaming perfection – even though a major rain storm would be roaring in soon.
The first Laguna Beach property I showed them didn’t quite cut it. I could see it in their faces. The house was gorgeous. But the traffic noise from Pacific Coast Hwy wasn’t exactly music to their ears. Fortunately, there would be no such issue with the next home I had in mind. A real stunner tucked away in a serene North Laguna community. It was the quintessential Laguna Beach cottage, complete with gated fence and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The couple’s reaction upon arriving at this Laguna Beach home confirmed my opinion. It was everything they had hoped for, and more. With all rockets firing, I whisked my clients to the front gate, unlocked it with the key given to me by the listing agent, and proudly lead them to the front door. I knew they were going to adore this place. Victory was in the air.
With a flourish, I guided the house key into the front door lock and twisted. To my surprise, the lock didn’t turn. I tried again. Same result. Feeling my face flush with embarrassment, I more insistently jiggled and turned the key. The stubborn lock didn’t budge. As I suppressed a howl of frustration, I heard my client’s’ wife cheerfully call out, “This one’s open!” The couple was standing by the apparently unlocked side door, which they had just opened, sans key. I shrugged to myself, “Guess the owner preferred we enter through that door. Anyway, at least we’re getting in.”
We stepped inside full anticipation. Two seconds later my jaw dropped about ten feet. I had never seen anything like this before. Strewn everywhere was a clutter of groceries and just-baked goods, such as breads and cookies. Somebody had been busy in the kitchen. Now I have to admit, the aroma wafting up from this feast was sending my senses soaring. But culinary chaos isn’t exactly high on the list of the ways to impress homebuyers. I was stymied. How could I explain this to my clients? All the while, the family poodle kept yapping at us in a friendly way. Oh well. At least somebody was making us feel welcomed.
As Mr. and Mrs. Client were wandering up to the master bedroom, I happened to glance out the kitchen window. Approaching were a mother and her teenage daughter, apparently the owners of this fine albeit Laguna Beach home. “Hmm…They weren’t supposed to be here,” I thought. “That’s why the listing agent gave me the key.” The friendly greeting I expected from the mother and daughter didn’t take place. Instead, both looked at our little group with the kind of wide, astonished eyes normally reserved for UFO sightings.
“What are you doing here?” asked the woman.
“Showing your home,” I explained. “I did not think you were going to be home”
“But my house isn’t for sale.”
“Of course it is,” I insisted a bit self-righteously. “Here it is on the MLS sheet.” But as I looked at the address of the listed home, realization hit like a Mt. Everest avalanche. That address and the address of the Laguna Beach home we just happened to be in didn’t match. I had blundered into the wrong house! Yours truly zoomed from embarrassed so mortified in about two and a half nanoseconds.
If a hole had been handy, I would have crawled through at light speed. Reacting to all the drama, my clients did the next best thing. They made their escape through the back door. I, meanwhile, was left alone to fend for myself. I could feel myself sinking as I stammered a flurry of apologies and explanations.
To her credit, the owner happened to be a very understanding soul, and did her best to ease my embarrassment.
“How on earth did you get in?” she wondered.
“With the key I had used to open the gate,” I informed.
“You don’t need a key for the gate. It’s broken. Opens right up.”
OK. That explained the mystery of the front door that wouldn’t open. Realizing the best I could do in this situation was crawl away red-faced, I segued into a hasty retreat.
“Uh, excuse me,” I ventured. “I, um, better, uh, go find the right Laguna Beach home. With a gentle nod, she gave me the green light. I quickly slipped out through the front door. In the process, I bid her a fond farewell and added, “By the way, your homemade banana bread smelled fabulous!”
“Thank you,” smiled the bemused woman as she watched me flee.
Have any of you ever had a similar, extremely embarrassing on-the-job experience? I’d love to hear about it. You can share it with me on my blog. That way, at least I’ll know I’m not alone.
And, of course, if you’re ready to enjoy the beauty and comfort of one of the many Laguna Beach homes for sale, I’ll be delighted to assist you. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Is This the Sign Our Housing Market Has Been Waiting For?
Anyone gazing out onto the great big world of Real Estate these days might be surprised by the view. What used to be a mass of gray clouds hanging over a bumpy landscape is transforming into warm, sunny skies…albeit slowly. This welcome turn of events all stems from steady economic improvements rippling through both the U.S. and Asia. Naturally, the positive trends have registered big and bright on the radar screens of some major players. And as the doors of opportunity swing open on many fronts, more and more companies are bringing Real Estate back into their revenue mix.
This upbeat view is obvious in many quarters. Craig Silvers, president of Bricks and Mortar Capital, points out that an increasing number of companies are attempting to secure Real Estate leases or purchase properties before prices reverse direction and begin a steady climb. Los Angeles-based CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. is one of the many organizations on board with the new positive attitude. Their bottom line says it all. According to the company, leasing transaction rose 35% and sales transaction revenue soared 40% over the prior year’s figures for these categories. Two major reasons for this upswing are a loosening of credit and a more bullish investor outlook.
In the profit department, CB Richiard Ellis hit $95.1 million or 30 cents per share. These figures represent a jump of 48% from $64.3 million or 21 cents a share a year prior. In a recent L.A. Times report, Chief Executive Brett White clearly reflected a bullish attitude: “We believe the market remains in the early stages of recovery, and we enter 2011 with excellent momentum in most business lines globally.”
This humble Realtor believes the upswing at CB Richard Ellis and similar companies is a sign of good things to come in the residential arena. After all, what happens in the upper stratosphere usually trickles down and impacts the world below. This, of course, bodes very well for anyone seeking a Laguna Beach home or any other Orange County home. Take the current trend as a very good omen.
All of which means there’s no longer any reason to delay getting that gorgeous, oceanfront Laguna Beach home you’ve had your heart set on. Remember, if the instincts of the commercial sector experts are on target, prices have hit bottom, or close to it. So they’ll be creeping upward soon enough. Obviously, the time to fulfill your dreams is now.
If you’d like to learn more about owning a Laguna Beach home, I’ll be delighted to help. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
This upbeat view is obvious in many quarters. Craig Silvers, president of Bricks and Mortar Capital, points out that an increasing number of companies are attempting to secure Real Estate leases or purchase properties before prices reverse direction and begin a steady climb. Los Angeles-based CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. is one of the many organizations on board with the new positive attitude. Their bottom line says it all. According to the company, leasing transaction rose 35% and sales transaction revenue soared 40% over the prior year’s figures for these categories. Two major reasons for this upswing are a loosening of credit and a more bullish investor outlook.
In the profit department, CB Richiard Ellis hit $95.1 million or 30 cents per share. These figures represent a jump of 48% from $64.3 million or 21 cents a share a year prior. In a recent L.A. Times report, Chief Executive Brett White clearly reflected a bullish attitude: “We believe the market remains in the early stages of recovery, and we enter 2011 with excellent momentum in most business lines globally.”
This humble Realtor believes the upswing at CB Richard Ellis and similar companies is a sign of good things to come in the residential arena. After all, what happens in the upper stratosphere usually trickles down and impacts the world below. This, of course, bodes very well for anyone seeking a Laguna Beach home or any other Orange County home. Take the current trend as a very good omen.
All of which means there’s no longer any reason to delay getting that gorgeous, oceanfront Laguna Beach home you’ve had your heart set on. Remember, if the instincts of the commercial sector experts are on target, prices have hit bottom, or close to it. So they’ll be creeping upward soon enough. Obviously, the time to fulfill your dreams is now.
If you’d like to learn more about owning a Laguna Beach home, I’ll be delighted to help. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Glance at Grandview Street
Grandview St., Laguna Beach
Hillary Caston, Realtor, Prudential California Real Estate
Website: thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Email: hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Blog: http://www.lagunabeachrealestatemarketblog.com/
The Area:
Grandview Street is nestled in the vicinity of Emerald Bay, Smith Cliffs, Irvine Cove, and Main Beach. It is located on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, well above this street. Grandview’s nearest cross street is Hillcrest. It is approximately an 8 minute stroll from Diver’s Cove.
Views:
Homes on this street offer breathtaking ocean and city light views.
Why I Live Here:
Several years ago I moved into a new Laguna Beach home. Talk about a treasure! The place was nothing short of amazing. But it was more than just the beautiful Laguna Beach home that made this gal’s spirits soar. The entire street was alive with a personality all its own.
Grandview Street owes much of its unique flavor to the residents themselves. Talk about variety. Psychologists, a retired investigator, a dentist, and college students. Everything under the sun. The only thing missing is attitude. Grandview residents are as down to earth folksy as you can get. That’s probably why they get along so well. Down in this neck of the woods, it really is one big happy family. And, as with any family, they all watch out for one another. Like hawks.
Reaching the fun and sun of Laguna Beach is a piece of cake from Grandview. You see, nearby is our favorite access street – which slopes at what seems like a near-vertical angle. Great for easy, breezy strolls down to Boat Canyon, where you can indulge your coffee bug at the Starbucks in Pavilions. Or maybe wander to nearby Husky Burger for thick pastrami on rye.
Now don’t fret about the calories you’ve packed on from any over-indulgence. You’ll be sweating every last one of them off on your trip back up the vertical monster. And if you’re not convinced the Olympian climb will do the trick, you can conquer additional calories at The Well. Brian, the owner of this premier fitness center, will greet you with a smile. Then he’ll beat your tushi into shape with grueling regimen of bone-crunching exercises.
Residents craving a bit of culture won’t ever be circling for hours in quest of a parking space. The Laguna Beach Art Museum and Art Walk are both a convenient three blocks away. Great outdoor escapes can be had just as easily. Picturesque Crystal Cove State Park is just two minutes away, while the nearby 73 Freeway will whisk you on a northbound journey to your favorite out-of-town destination.
And…
1. You Never Need To Go To A Dog Show When You Live Here.
Step onto any street in the North Laguna province, and you’re instantly in the presence of every variety of dog in the known universe. We’re talking a full spectrum of pampered pooches prowling and prancing their way into your hearts. From Chihuahuas and Poodles to Great Danes and Labradors, they’re out here in full force. And like their owners, they exhibit a full range of personalities. Take the two sets of Basset Hounds I often see out and about. They are definitely the unofficial Guardians of Grandview. One pair is especially vigilant.When anyone unfamiliar happens to pass near their home, they waddle to their owner’s fence, pout out their lips, and blast their fiercest howls.
2. You Can Step Back in History Without a Time Machine.
North Laguna is blessed with numerous sites boasting illustrious histories. Pyne Castle is one of these landmarks. Built in 1935 by Estel Walter Pyne, the sumptuous estate sits on 2.3 acres of picturesque grounds overlooking the entire city of Laguna Beach. Now don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore this architectural masterpiece. But there is one slight issue related to personal privacy. You see, because of Pyne Castle’s superb vantage point, the property happens to look right down into my bedroom. What makes the situation a little more risqué for this humble Realtor is that the building is no longer a single residence. It was converted into a sixteen unit apartment complex in the 1960’s. All of which means, if I don’t keep my blinds closed, I could have an unintended audience viewing the greatest show in Laguna Beach.
3. It’s Easy to Stop and Smell the Flowers
They come from all over. Flower-loving spectators with one thing on their minds. Getting a glimpse of North Laguna’s botanical wonderland. It’s there on the corner of Grandview and Hillcrest. Shining like a beacon. A charming cottage home graced by an English garden to end all English gardens. We’re talking floral splendor that tingles and tantalizes every one of your senses. Roses, irises, lilies, and more, all spreading into a sea of vibrant rainbow colors and cascading fountains.
4. It Has North Laguna’s Best-Kept Secret
It’s called Zeytcon Restaurant, and the food is out of this world. The menu is a simple selection of Armenian delights guaranteed to send your taste buds soaring. Owned and operated by Susanna Alexander, a first-time restaurateur, Zeytcon is as friendly a place as you could want. In fact, on my first visit, the cook kindly gave me the ultimate remedy for my nagging cold – an oregano pizza. It worked wonders.
A Rare Discovery
With so much going for it, Grandview has to be one of the best discoveries I’ve ever made. If you’re looking for a Laguna Beach home in a close-knit community brimming with character, you definitely should take a glance at Grandview.
CURRENT MARKET ACTIVITY:
19 homes sold in North Laguna in the past 6 months with an average price of $1.6 million. Sales prices ranged from $607,000 to $4.8 million. Presently, there are 26 active listings in North Laguna. Prices range from $465,000 to a high of $9 million. This group includes 11 condos. Currently there are 6 homes in escrow, with a price range of $1,075,000 to $11,400,000.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
(949)922-8490
hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Hillary Caston, Realtor, Prudential California Real Estate
Website: thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Email: hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Blog: http://www.lagunabeachrealestatemarketblog.com/
The Area:
Grandview Street is nestled in the vicinity of Emerald Bay, Smith Cliffs, Irvine Cove, and Main Beach. It is located on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, well above this street. Grandview’s nearest cross street is Hillcrest. It is approximately an 8 minute stroll from Diver’s Cove.
Views:
Homes on this street offer breathtaking ocean and city light views.
Why I Live Here:
Several years ago I moved into a new Laguna Beach home. Talk about a treasure! The place was nothing short of amazing. But it was more than just the beautiful Laguna Beach home that made this gal’s spirits soar. The entire street was alive with a personality all its own.
Grandview Street owes much of its unique flavor to the residents themselves. Talk about variety. Psychologists, a retired investigator, a dentist, and college students. Everything under the sun. The only thing missing is attitude. Grandview residents are as down to earth folksy as you can get. That’s probably why they get along so well. Down in this neck of the woods, it really is one big happy family. And, as with any family, they all watch out for one another. Like hawks.
Reaching the fun and sun of Laguna Beach is a piece of cake from Grandview. You see, nearby is our favorite access street – which slopes at what seems like a near-vertical angle. Great for easy, breezy strolls down to Boat Canyon, where you can indulge your coffee bug at the Starbucks in Pavilions. Or maybe wander to nearby Husky Burger for thick pastrami on rye.
Now don’t fret about the calories you’ve packed on from any over-indulgence. You’ll be sweating every last one of them off on your trip back up the vertical monster. And if you’re not convinced the Olympian climb will do the trick, you can conquer additional calories at The Well. Brian, the owner of this premier fitness center, will greet you with a smile. Then he’ll beat your tushi into shape with grueling regimen of bone-crunching exercises.
Residents craving a bit of culture won’t ever be circling for hours in quest of a parking space. The Laguna Beach Art Museum and Art Walk are both a convenient three blocks away. Great outdoor escapes can be had just as easily. Picturesque Crystal Cove State Park is just two minutes away, while the nearby 73 Freeway will whisk you on a northbound journey to your favorite out-of-town destination.
And…
1. You Never Need To Go To A Dog Show When You Live Here.
Step onto any street in the North Laguna province, and you’re instantly in the presence of every variety of dog in the known universe. We’re talking a full spectrum of pampered pooches prowling and prancing their way into your hearts. From Chihuahuas and Poodles to Great Danes and Labradors, they’re out here in full force. And like their owners, they exhibit a full range of personalities. Take the two sets of Basset Hounds I often see out and about. They are definitely the unofficial Guardians of Grandview. One pair is especially vigilant.When anyone unfamiliar happens to pass near their home, they waddle to their owner’s fence, pout out their lips, and blast their fiercest howls.
2. You Can Step Back in History Without a Time Machine.
North Laguna is blessed with numerous sites boasting illustrious histories. Pyne Castle is one of these landmarks. Built in 1935 by Estel Walter Pyne, the sumptuous estate sits on 2.3 acres of picturesque grounds overlooking the entire city of Laguna Beach. Now don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore this architectural masterpiece. But there is one slight issue related to personal privacy. You see, because of Pyne Castle’s superb vantage point, the property happens to look right down into my bedroom. What makes the situation a little more risqué for this humble Realtor is that the building is no longer a single residence. It was converted into a sixteen unit apartment complex in the 1960’s. All of which means, if I don’t keep my blinds closed, I could have an unintended audience viewing the greatest show in Laguna Beach.
3. It’s Easy to Stop and Smell the Flowers
They come from all over. Flower-loving spectators with one thing on their minds. Getting a glimpse of North Laguna’s botanical wonderland. It’s there on the corner of Grandview and Hillcrest. Shining like a beacon. A charming cottage home graced by an English garden to end all English gardens. We’re talking floral splendor that tingles and tantalizes every one of your senses. Roses, irises, lilies, and more, all spreading into a sea of vibrant rainbow colors and cascading fountains.
4. It Has North Laguna’s Best-Kept Secret
It’s called Zeytcon Restaurant, and the food is out of this world. The menu is a simple selection of Armenian delights guaranteed to send your taste buds soaring. Owned and operated by Susanna Alexander, a first-time restaurateur, Zeytcon is as friendly a place as you could want. In fact, on my first visit, the cook kindly gave me the ultimate remedy for my nagging cold – an oregano pizza. It worked wonders.
A Rare Discovery
With so much going for it, Grandview has to be one of the best discoveries I’ve ever made. If you’re looking for a Laguna Beach home in a close-knit community brimming with character, you definitely should take a glance at Grandview.
CURRENT MARKET ACTIVITY:
19 homes sold in North Laguna in the past 6 months with an average price of $1.6 million. Sales prices ranged from $607,000 to $4.8 million. Presently, there are 26 active listings in North Laguna. Prices range from $465,000 to a high of $9 million. This group includes 11 condos. Currently there are 6 homes in escrow, with a price range of $1,075,000 to $11,400,000.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
(949)922-8490
hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
10 Steps to a Speedier Home Sale
10 Steps to a Speedier Home Sale
Let’s face it. Selling a Laguna Beach home in today’s marketplace takes more than a good price. Your house must stand out from the crowd and shout ‘take me, I’m yours!’ The best way to create this irresistible appeal is through effective staging. Melissa Spangler, acclaimed staging expert and owner of Spangler Design and Development, offers these 10 tips on how to give your Laguna Beach home the look that sells.
1. Depersonalize – Your home may be a palace, but if it has too much of the YOU in it, buyers will turn their heads. Guaranteed. You’ve got de-personalize your happy home. This means, kick it into high gear and remove all photos of your kids’ camp out from the fridge, all event schedules from the walls, etc. In other words, anything that screams YOU must go.
2. De-Clutter – This goes hand in hand with depersonalization. Out go all the little knick-knacks such as Hummels crowded into shelves, carelessly discarded skateboards, etc. To create the image of more closet space, remove all those garments that have been collecting dust since the turn of the century. Buyers are attracted to clean, clear spaces.
3. Shift It Into Neutral – You may adore your screaming pink walls with psychedelic accents. But it’s a good bet this color scheme will send prospective buyers fleeing. So make sure your Laguna Beach home is dressed in soft, neutral shades such as beige, gentle greens, etc. The idea here is to create a soothing feel and easy flow from room to room.
4. Deep Clean – Your’re on a cleaning mission, and you’re going in deep. Ready? Rub, wipe, rinse, and repeat. This means everything – floor, windows, fridge. Leave no spot untouched by your cleansing hands. The sale of your home depends on it.
5. Touch Up Where Necessary – When selling a home, even the little things count. So cover spots with touch-up paint, fill in those holes and nicks with plaster, and polish doorknobs until they shine like the stars.
6. Spruce Up the Cabinetry – Polish the wood surfaces, clean the glass, and dress it all up with attractive pulls and handles. And make sure you give all appliances the same first-class treatment.
7. Display Bedding and Towels With Care - Make sure these household essentials match and are neatly displayed. And while you’re at it, add a special touch such as accent pillows to liven things up.
8. Accentuate Your Home’s Best Features – A major factor in generating sales appeal is drawing attention to the positive, and away from the negative. If a room is small, add a mirror to create the impression of more space. Or shift a buyer’s focus to a point of interest, such as a strategically-placed vase of flowers.
9. Create a Great First Impression – Prospective buyers should experience a warm, inviting vibe when they approach your home. A new doormat and well-manicured lawns are all par for the course. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to dress things up with flowers for a little seasonal color.
10. Make Your Staging Task as Easy and Seamless as Possible – A great way to accomplish this is by letting an experienced designer simply your life with proven staging expertise. If you’d to learn more about giving your home the look that sells, I’ll be delighted to help. Feel free to contact me at Melissa Spangler 714.448.3537 or spangler.melissa@gmail.com.
And, of course, be sure to connect with me if you’re interested in getting the most out of buying or selling a Laguna Beach home or any other Orange County property. You can reach me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Let’s face it. Selling a Laguna Beach home in today’s marketplace takes more than a good price. Your house must stand out from the crowd and shout ‘take me, I’m yours!’ The best way to create this irresistible appeal is through effective staging. Melissa Spangler, acclaimed staging expert and owner of Spangler Design and Development, offers these 10 tips on how to give your Laguna Beach home the look that sells.
1. Depersonalize – Your home may be a palace, but if it has too much of the YOU in it, buyers will turn their heads. Guaranteed. You’ve got de-personalize your happy home. This means, kick it into high gear and remove all photos of your kids’ camp out from the fridge, all event schedules from the walls, etc. In other words, anything that screams YOU must go.
2. De-Clutter – This goes hand in hand with depersonalization. Out go all the little knick-knacks such as Hummels crowded into shelves, carelessly discarded skateboards, etc. To create the image of more closet space, remove all those garments that have been collecting dust since the turn of the century. Buyers are attracted to clean, clear spaces.
3. Shift It Into Neutral – You may adore your screaming pink walls with psychedelic accents. But it’s a good bet this color scheme will send prospective buyers fleeing. So make sure your Laguna Beach home is dressed in soft, neutral shades such as beige, gentle greens, etc. The idea here is to create a soothing feel and easy flow from room to room.
4. Deep Clean – Your’re on a cleaning mission, and you’re going in deep. Ready? Rub, wipe, rinse, and repeat. This means everything – floor, windows, fridge. Leave no spot untouched by your cleansing hands. The sale of your home depends on it.
5. Touch Up Where Necessary – When selling a home, even the little things count. So cover spots with touch-up paint, fill in those holes and nicks with plaster, and polish doorknobs until they shine like the stars.
6. Spruce Up the Cabinetry – Polish the wood surfaces, clean the glass, and dress it all up with attractive pulls and handles. And make sure you give all appliances the same first-class treatment.
7. Display Bedding and Towels With Care - Make sure these household essentials match and are neatly displayed. And while you’re at it, add a special touch such as accent pillows to liven things up.
8. Accentuate Your Home’s Best Features – A major factor in generating sales appeal is drawing attention to the positive, and away from the negative. If a room is small, add a mirror to create the impression of more space. Or shift a buyer’s focus to a point of interest, such as a strategically-placed vase of flowers.
9. Create a Great First Impression – Prospective buyers should experience a warm, inviting vibe when they approach your home. A new doormat and well-manicured lawns are all par for the course. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to dress things up with flowers for a little seasonal color.
10. Make Your Staging Task as Easy and Seamless as Possible – A great way to accomplish this is by letting an experienced designer simply your life with proven staging expertise. If you’d to learn more about giving your home the look that sells, I’ll be delighted to help. Feel free to contact me at Melissa Spangler 714.448.3537 or spangler.melissa@gmail.com.
And, of course, be sure to connect with me if you’re interested in getting the most out of buying or selling a Laguna Beach home or any other Orange County property. You can reach me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Monday, January 24, 2011
What You Should Really Look for When Buying a Laguna Beach Home
Anyone on the hunt for a Laguna Beach home probably will have ready-made criteria for determining which properties make the grade and which are flung straight into the land of the quickly forgotten. To help with the selection process, we all have a sophisticated personal scanning system that activates the minute we set foot on a prospective property. Our radar locks onto details such as wallpaper, colors, appliances, and furniture, all of them examined from every possible angle.
No doubt about it. These features are certainly important components of finding the ideal Laguna Beach home. But believe or not, most buyers don’t put enough emphasis on what rates even higher on the importance scale. According to Realtors, people often give far too fleeting glances to the more important details such as water stains in the basement, corroded electric boxes, windows that don’t open, rotting floor joists, and foundation cracks. That, however, is only the beginning. Other items that should be satisfied on the home-investigation checklist include:
-Check any hills for erosion to prevent homes slipping down slope.
-Look for driveway cracks. These could indicate foundation or geological problems.
Lawn should slope away to carry rainwater to the street.
-Driveway shouldn’t be too steep for vehicles.
-Never touch personal belongings – Checking out the contents of the fridge is mighty bad etiquette, to say the least.
Is there a right way to carry out this crucial search mission? Not really. Realtors employ a variety of approaches to get the job done. Some just let buyers go with the flow of wherever a home takes them. Others insist that buyers go through the house twice. The first look is a breezy stroll to get a feel for the Laguna Beach home under consideration. If the buyers get a positive vibe, a more detailed exploration follows.
No matter what approach is taken, Realtors agree that it’s best to get the inspection process off the launch pad early on — as in before buyers ever step inside. One way to kick of a preliminary investigation is by checking out the neighboring properties. If you like what you see, great. If not, time to reconsider. Also take a casual spin around the neighborhood at different times of day. What may be a quiet community in the morning might turn into a nightmare snarl of traffic when a nearby school gets out.
The good news is that your thorough home investigations ultimately will help you discover a Laguna Beach home you feel could be ‘the one.’ Great. But you want to be sure, right? So go back inside and explore the place to your heart’s content. As many times as it takes. After all, this is one of the great decisions of your life. You want to be 110% convinced before taking the final step.
If you’d like to learn more about finding the ideal Laguna Beach home, I’ll be delighted to help. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
No doubt about it. These features are certainly important components of finding the ideal Laguna Beach home. But believe or not, most buyers don’t put enough emphasis on what rates even higher on the importance scale. According to Realtors, people often give far too fleeting glances to the more important details such as water stains in the basement, corroded electric boxes, windows that don’t open, rotting floor joists, and foundation cracks. That, however, is only the beginning. Other items that should be satisfied on the home-investigation checklist include:
-Check any hills for erosion to prevent homes slipping down slope.
-Look for driveway cracks. These could indicate foundation or geological problems.
Lawn should slope away to carry rainwater to the street.
-Driveway shouldn’t be too steep for vehicles.
-Never touch personal belongings – Checking out the contents of the fridge is mighty bad etiquette, to say the least.
Is there a right way to carry out this crucial search mission? Not really. Realtors employ a variety of approaches to get the job done. Some just let buyers go with the flow of wherever a home takes them. Others insist that buyers go through the house twice. The first look is a breezy stroll to get a feel for the Laguna Beach home under consideration. If the buyers get a positive vibe, a more detailed exploration follows.
No matter what approach is taken, Realtors agree that it’s best to get the inspection process off the launch pad early on — as in before buyers ever step inside. One way to kick of a preliminary investigation is by checking out the neighboring properties. If you like what you see, great. If not, time to reconsider. Also take a casual spin around the neighborhood at different times of day. What may be a quiet community in the morning might turn into a nightmare snarl of traffic when a nearby school gets out.
The good news is that your thorough home investigations ultimately will help you discover a Laguna Beach home you feel could be ‘the one.’ Great. But you want to be sure, right? So go back inside and explore the place to your heart’s content. As many times as it takes. After all, this is one of the great decisions of your life. You want to be 110% convinced before taking the final step.
If you’d like to learn more about finding the ideal Laguna Beach home, I’ll be delighted to help. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tattletale Termite Tells All About Protecting Your Home
Hi, I’m a termite. Won’t tell you my name because my comrades would kick my antennae if they found out I told you what I’m about to tell you. Sorry that it can’t be more personal. But I’ve got to make sure I’m protected. Just like you should be from the likes of me and my kind. And I’m going to tell you how to do it. Not out of the goodness of my heart, mind you. It’s just that I’ve always wanted to get published. And I figure a meaty blog is the way to go.
OK, the first thing to know is that nobody escapes. In fact, it’s been said that there are two types of homes – those infested with termites and those that will be. There’s just no place to run. Even moving to a different state won’t help. We lurk in all of them, including Hawaii. In fact, the pineapple state has the highest infestation rate – 15.1 % of the homes there count us as live-ins. In the Continental United States, Georgia is the most generous with housing, with 5.5% of the residences boasting non-paying termite tenants.
What we’re especially fond of are homes built of concrete. I can hear you now – “But I thought termites were woodetarians.” True enough. It’s just that cracks in the concrete are fantastic entryways for me and the crew. We can slip through cracks no bigger than 1/64th of an inch! We also can mosey on in alongside plumbing pipes or places where underground wires run into a house. And, of course, any place a wood wall sits atop concrete is an open invitation. Treated lumber won’t always do the trick. We have no problem building mud tunnels right over treated wood to reach our target destinations – typically those very nutritious 2x4’s or the even more satisfying 2x6’s. We’ll also make a smorgasbord out furniture, cardboard boxes, drywall paper, and anything else made of wood. Yum town!
So how do you keep us out? Definitely not by showing us the door. We’ll eat it. But if you’re serious about trouncing termites, here’s what I would do:
1. Install a good termite monitoring system. For a couple of hundred bucks, you’ll get ample warning of any uninvited wood-chomping guests stopping by for a snack.
2. Protect your home with termite barriers. You have a choice of three types – chemical, physical, and biological. All are great at sending us packing for the nearest home that isn’t as prepared as yours.
3. Make sure wood siding, latticework, door and window frames, and the like are at least six inches above ground. Wood to ground contact gives us instant access to your home sweet home. And the feast within.
4. We like it wet, so keep moisture from accumulating near the foundation of your home. Gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks are very effective water-diverters.
5. Minimize humidity in crawl spaces. You’ll keep things a whole lot drier with vents that are free of obstructions such as leaves.
6. Avoid storing lumber, firewood, or other wood near a foundation or inside of a crawl space. For obvious reasons. Wood…termites…hello.
7. Cut back on the mulching. Mulch is a moisture-retainer and a very loud call to termites everywhere to come on down and enjoy the damp.
Well, there it is. Straight from the source. Hope it helps. Gotta dash now. I’m due at the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival.
If you’d like more information about protecting your home from termites, I’ll be happy to assist you. And, of course, if you dream of finding the perfect Laguna Beach home at the perfect price, I’m available to help you reach your goals. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
OK, the first thing to know is that nobody escapes. In fact, it’s been said that there are two types of homes – those infested with termites and those that will be. There’s just no place to run. Even moving to a different state won’t help. We lurk in all of them, including Hawaii. In fact, the pineapple state has the highest infestation rate – 15.1 % of the homes there count us as live-ins. In the Continental United States, Georgia is the most generous with housing, with 5.5% of the residences boasting non-paying termite tenants.
What we’re especially fond of are homes built of concrete. I can hear you now – “But I thought termites were woodetarians.” True enough. It’s just that cracks in the concrete are fantastic entryways for me and the crew. We can slip through cracks no bigger than 1/64th of an inch! We also can mosey on in alongside plumbing pipes or places where underground wires run into a house. And, of course, any place a wood wall sits atop concrete is an open invitation. Treated lumber won’t always do the trick. We have no problem building mud tunnels right over treated wood to reach our target destinations – typically those very nutritious 2x4’s or the even more satisfying 2x6’s. We’ll also make a smorgasbord out furniture, cardboard boxes, drywall paper, and anything else made of wood. Yum town!
So how do you keep us out? Definitely not by showing us the door. We’ll eat it. But if you’re serious about trouncing termites, here’s what I would do:
1. Install a good termite monitoring system. For a couple of hundred bucks, you’ll get ample warning of any uninvited wood-chomping guests stopping by for a snack.
2. Protect your home with termite barriers. You have a choice of three types – chemical, physical, and biological. All are great at sending us packing for the nearest home that isn’t as prepared as yours.
3. Make sure wood siding, latticework, door and window frames, and the like are at least six inches above ground. Wood to ground contact gives us instant access to your home sweet home. And the feast within.
4. We like it wet, so keep moisture from accumulating near the foundation of your home. Gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks are very effective water-diverters.
5. Minimize humidity in crawl spaces. You’ll keep things a whole lot drier with vents that are free of obstructions such as leaves.
6. Avoid storing lumber, firewood, or other wood near a foundation or inside of a crawl space. For obvious reasons. Wood…termites…hello.
7. Cut back on the mulching. Mulch is a moisture-retainer and a very loud call to termites everywhere to come on down and enjoy the damp.
Well, there it is. Straight from the source. Hope it helps. Gotta dash now. I’m due at the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival.
If you’d like more information about protecting your home from termites, I’ll be happy to assist you. And, of course, if you dream of finding the perfect Laguna Beach home at the perfect price, I’m available to help you reach your goals. As one of the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Get Your Orange County Home Dressed for Success
“It looks fantastic!” These are the magic words everyone longs to hear about their Orange County home. Well-deserved praise reflects your impeccable style, good taste, and flawless judgment. But aside from sending your ego into a high-velocity orbit, there’s another good reason for making sure your home sweet home is a shining example of beauty –
It’s Gotta Have the Look That Sells
This is a fact of life. Like it or not, a home’s appearance has a deep psychological impact on prospective buyers. Sure, sure, you’ve got the world’s most gorgeous designer furnishings on display. And you’ve gone over every nook and cranny to make absolutely sure the place sparkles with cleanliness. But these steps are only a beginning. Creating the total look and feel that says sales appeal requires nothing less than the sheer artistry of superb staging.
Acclaimed interior designer Melissa Spangler has staged numerous Orange County homes. Through her company, Spangler Design Development, she’s helped many of these properties sell in record time. Melissa would like to share some of her personal insights with anyone selling or considering the sale of their home –
“It takes enormous time and energy to sell a home, especially in this soft market. Because things are so tight, sellers basically have two choices: Lower the sales price or make their home appealing enough to attract a broad spectrum of buyers. Staging is the most inexpensive way to accomplish the latter.”
Melissa sees the art of staging as 8 basic phases, each critical to upping a home’s sales appeal to acceptable levels.
1. De-Personalize – As stunning as your house may be, no buyers want to see your home as yours. They want to see it as theirs. This requires full-scale de-personalization. As quickly as humanly possible, remove all photos of your kids’ soccer team from the fridge, all event schedules from the walls, etc. In other words, purge the place of anything that screams YOU.
2. Minimize – Do you like stepping on junior’s roller blades? Neither do prospective buyers. They’re much more attracted to clean, clear spaces. So de-clutter with extreme prejudice. Put those toys away, clear counters of extraneous objects, and just say ‘no’ to knickknacks. To create the impression of more closet space, remove all those dusty garments you haven’t worn since Clinton was president. And be sure to re-locate all furniture you won’t need in your new place. Store it, sell it on eBay, whatever. Just make sure it’s good and gone.
3. Deep Clean – Rub, wipe, and rinse like your house depends on it. Because it does. Doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of an Arctic cold December. You’re doing spring cleaning, baby! Pour it on. This means floors, windows, walls, fridge. You get the idea.
4. Stick to Neutral Colors – OK, sure. Maybe a buyer will love your hot pink bedroom. Then again, the color could make another reel in horror. So make sure your wall colors are neutral, even if you have to cruise on down to the local hardware store and plunk down a wad of cash for a dozen gallons of paint. A great neutral color is water chestnut. This is a ‘fail-safe’ sandy shade that’s easy on the eyes and goes with any kind of home — contemporary, country, traditional, cottage of the Seven Dwarves, etc. If possible, go with a paint that’s low VOC (volatile organic compounds). Not only is this type eco-friendly, it minimizes those lingering odors that can be problematic for people with issues like allergies and asthma.
5. Give Them Something to Remember – Every room should have something important to say — a special touch that lingers in the memories of prospective buyers. Some of the many possibilities are: arranging a unique grouping of pillows on a bed; dressing up a dining room for a special occasion; and displaying plants in strategic locations.
6. Create Curb Appeal – Do unto the outside as you did indoors. So de-personalize, de-clutter, and deep-clean the exterior of your home. It all has to be perfectly manicured. Remember, if prospective buyers don’t feel good about the outside of a home, chances are astronomically high they won’t bother setting foot indoors.
7. Get a Second Opinion – If you staged the home yourself, invite a friend or neighbor inside for a test run. They may very well spot a smudge of chocolate mocha pudding that slipped in under your radar.
8. Hire a Great Real Estate Agent- If you’d like to sell your home for the highest price, go with an experienced professional who’s passionate about helping you reach your goals. Hillary Caston has worked very closely with Melissa for a number of years. By combining their expertise, the partners have achieved the amazing feat of selling of ALL of Hillary’s listings in 10 Days or Less!
If you’d like to learn more about improving your home’s sales appeal with expert staging, Melissa Spangler will be more than happy to help. Feel free to contact her at Melissa@Spanglerinteriors.com.
And be sure to connect with me if you’re interested in getting the most out of buying or selling a Laguna Beach luxury property or any other Orange County home.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
FREE GAS — Get a gift card worth $25 at the pump for every referral you give our office.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
It’s Gotta Have the Look That Sells
This is a fact of life. Like it or not, a home’s appearance has a deep psychological impact on prospective buyers. Sure, sure, you’ve got the world’s most gorgeous designer furnishings on display. And you’ve gone over every nook and cranny to make absolutely sure the place sparkles with cleanliness. But these steps are only a beginning. Creating the total look and feel that says sales appeal requires nothing less than the sheer artistry of superb staging.
Acclaimed interior designer Melissa Spangler has staged numerous Orange County homes. Through her company, Spangler Design Development, she’s helped many of these properties sell in record time. Melissa would like to share some of her personal insights with anyone selling or considering the sale of their home –
“It takes enormous time and energy to sell a home, especially in this soft market. Because things are so tight, sellers basically have two choices: Lower the sales price or make their home appealing enough to attract a broad spectrum of buyers. Staging is the most inexpensive way to accomplish the latter.”
Melissa sees the art of staging as 8 basic phases, each critical to upping a home’s sales appeal to acceptable levels.
1. De-Personalize – As stunning as your house may be, no buyers want to see your home as yours. They want to see it as theirs. This requires full-scale de-personalization. As quickly as humanly possible, remove all photos of your kids’ soccer team from the fridge, all event schedules from the walls, etc. In other words, purge the place of anything that screams YOU.
2. Minimize – Do you like stepping on junior’s roller blades? Neither do prospective buyers. They’re much more attracted to clean, clear spaces. So de-clutter with extreme prejudice. Put those toys away, clear counters of extraneous objects, and just say ‘no’ to knickknacks. To create the impression of more closet space, remove all those dusty garments you haven’t worn since Clinton was president. And be sure to re-locate all furniture you won’t need in your new place. Store it, sell it on eBay, whatever. Just make sure it’s good and gone.
3. Deep Clean – Rub, wipe, and rinse like your house depends on it. Because it does. Doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of an Arctic cold December. You’re doing spring cleaning, baby! Pour it on. This means floors, windows, walls, fridge. You get the idea.
4. Stick to Neutral Colors – OK, sure. Maybe a buyer will love your hot pink bedroom. Then again, the color could make another reel in horror. So make sure your wall colors are neutral, even if you have to cruise on down to the local hardware store and plunk down a wad of cash for a dozen gallons of paint. A great neutral color is water chestnut. This is a ‘fail-safe’ sandy shade that’s easy on the eyes and goes with any kind of home — contemporary, country, traditional, cottage of the Seven Dwarves, etc. If possible, go with a paint that’s low VOC (volatile organic compounds). Not only is this type eco-friendly, it minimizes those lingering odors that can be problematic for people with issues like allergies and asthma.
5. Give Them Something to Remember – Every room should have something important to say — a special touch that lingers in the memories of prospective buyers. Some of the many possibilities are: arranging a unique grouping of pillows on a bed; dressing up a dining room for a special occasion; and displaying plants in strategic locations.
6. Create Curb Appeal – Do unto the outside as you did indoors. So de-personalize, de-clutter, and deep-clean the exterior of your home. It all has to be perfectly manicured. Remember, if prospective buyers don’t feel good about the outside of a home, chances are astronomically high they won’t bother setting foot indoors.
7. Get a Second Opinion – If you staged the home yourself, invite a friend or neighbor inside for a test run. They may very well spot a smudge of chocolate mocha pudding that slipped in under your radar.
8. Hire a Great Real Estate Agent- If you’d like to sell your home for the highest price, go with an experienced professional who’s passionate about helping you reach your goals. Hillary Caston has worked very closely with Melissa for a number of years. By combining their expertise, the partners have achieved the amazing feat of selling of ALL of Hillary’s listings in 10 Days or Less!
If you’d like to learn more about improving your home’s sales appeal with expert staging, Melissa Spangler will be more than happy to help. Feel free to contact her at Melissa@Spanglerinteriors.com.
And be sure to connect with me if you’re interested in getting the most out of buying or selling a Laguna Beach luxury property or any other Orange County home.
Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
FREE GAS — Get a gift card worth $25 at the pump for every referral you give our office.
Regards,
Hillary Caston
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