Laura's Blog

What a Buyer Wants

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:26:35 -0700

What are today's home buyers looking for? According to a survey* of 22,000 recent home buyers, they plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than "unnecessary upgrades." Extras such as pools, media rooms and even dining rooms are considered unnecessary luxuries, with the focus being more on such things as:

Efficient use of space (e.g. cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling)
More workable kitchens (islands are still quite popular)
"Greener" features (insulation, high-efficiency appliances)
Nearby walking paths and playgrounds

In the master bath, whirlpool tubs are giving way to soaker tubs. But both are secondary to oversized showers.

Some features that are still important to buyers, however, include a home office, minimum two-car garage, and master suite on the ground floor (if it's a two-story home).

Of course, I think most buyers these days (40% of whom are first-timers) are also looking for a good deal. With interest rates and prices at historic lows, and with a small window of opportunity to cash in on the tax credits now available, what better time to be a buyer? Feel free to browse current Chico properties for sale at my web site: www.ChicoLaura.com

* As cited in the L.A. Times. To read the whole article, click here.

Chico Charmer with Guest Cottage For Sale

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:38:55 -0700

Check out this rare opportunity to own a Chico Charmer with a guest cottage! This home is for sale in Chico, Ca.

Step into vintage charm& character on one of Chico's most charming tree-lined avenues! Cozy fireplace, cheery sunroom, separate living & family rooms, wood floors, coved ceilings & lots of room & storage in main house. French doors look out to lovely patio. Roomy second dwelling has the sweetest kitchen & bonus room downstairs, separate bedroom, living room, bath upstairs. Last rented at $635/mo. Centrally located near downtown. A truly special "Chico Charmer"!

Click here for a VIRTUAL TOUR!

Click here for more photos and info!

CASH FOR CAULKERS

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:43:21 -0800

Heard of the new "CASH FOR CAULKERS" program the Obama administration is proposing? Also known as The Home Star Program, if approved by Congress it will offer rebates of $1,000 to $1,500, or 50% of the cost, for simple upgrades, such as windows and insulation, duct sealing, and energy-efficient water heaters, for a maximum of $3,000 per home.

Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)

The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year. While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available. This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency. As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"

Virtual Staging

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:02:07 -0800

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972. I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"? Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional. With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online? Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown. Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging, and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Virtual Staging

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:31 -0800

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging, and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Chico Home, Garden & Antique Show!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:07:21 -0700

Don't miss the 22nd Annual Home, Garden & Antique Show
March 15 & 16, 2008, 10am-5pm
Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico!

Produced each year by Soroptimist International of Chico, this fundraiser allows the club to continue providing community service in many areas. (Please check out the SI Chico website for more information about this great show and the services provided by this wonderful organization.) This year's show is "going GREEN" and will be better than ever, featuring food demonstrations (with delectable samples!) by some of Chico's best eateries, creative ideas for landscaping, outdoor living, home improvement, decor, a fun "Kidz Corner," antiques, and a fabulous art and wine tasting area. All this AND a classic car and hot rod expo! See you there!

Crocker Art Museum

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:37:32 -0700

Son Gabe and I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Founded in 1885 and housed in one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in the United States, the museum is a real treasure for Northern California. We especially enjoyed the works of Edwin Deakon (1838-1923). Such an interesting life. Born in England, he and his family moved to Chicago when he was young. He lost most of his artwork in the Chicago fire, then moved to S.F. and survived THAT fire (1906), and ended up in Berkeley where he painted into his golden years, mostly wilderness scenes of California and the missions. Beautiful work. If you haven't been to the Crocker, do set aside an extra couple of hours next time you're in Sac and check it out. It offers an amazing collection of art, some dating back to the 16th century. Or check out the "Digital Crocker" and take a tour from the comfort of your computer desk!

Stepford Chico?

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:58:23 -0800

Ok, I admit it; I'm a hopeless Chicophile. My dear brother-in-law Jim was recently visiting from the Portland area. I took him to our fabulous Farmer's Market and then to a favorite local coffee shop afterwards. Naturally, we ran into a number of friends and acquaintances of mine along the way (it's Chico after all!). And, as usual, each one of these fine folks (upon learning Jim was from out of town) spent a portion of their conversation extolling the virtues of life in Chico. It didn't even phase me; after all, doesn't everyone LOVE Chico? After several of these encounters, Jim confided in me that he and my sister have a little running joke about Chico being "Stepford," full of Chicoans roaming our quaint little hamlet, intoning over and over, "Don't you just LOVE Chico?"
I have to admit, I had to laugh at that and had to somewhat agree with his observation. But really, I mean, don't you just LOVE Chico? ; )

Randy Pausch - Last Lecture

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:09:19 -0800

Am I the only person in the country who hasn't seen the video of Professor Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture"? What an amazing person. In Sept. of 2006, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given "3 to 6 months of good health" left. With ongoing treatment, he seems to be doing well. More importantly, he's enjoying the time he DOES have and is sharing his wisdom and knowledge with his students and the world.
As soon as you can set aside just over an hour, I also highly recommend his lecture on time management . The hour you invest will pay you back a thousandfold. Thank you, Randy, for sharing your precious time with us. Best wishes to your wife and three young children.

Bidwell Perk

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:31:23 -0800

Simply our favorite coffee shop/eaterie/office-away-from-office, BIDWELL PERK! Located in the heart of Chico (on E. 1st Ave., near the corner of Mangrove), this lovely and thriving vendor of fine caffeinated products and delectable edibles offers free wi-fi and plenty of seating in a warm and inviting atmosphere. No wonder the "Perk" enjoys such a devoted clientele!

Springtime in Chico!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:49:14 -0800

What is lovelier than Chico in springtime? Well known as one of the best almond- (or "a-min," rhyming with "salmon," as locals pronounce it) growing areas in the world, Chico and the surrounding agricultural areas are virtually bursting with white and pink blossoms. In addition to the nut trees, we're being treated to flowering displays by Bradford (ornamental) pears, ornamental cherry trees, and various bulb beauties. (My mom and dad's neighbors probably wondered what the heck I was doing stretched out flat on my belly on their front lawn when I was photographing these gorgeous daffodils!)

Hair Sample used to Trace Movement!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:18:47 -0800

Ok, now THIS is amazing. Half-awake, listening to NPR this morning, I heard a bit about researchers being able to analyze a person's HAIR to trace the history of where they've been. Utah scientists have been researching isotopes in rainwater, mapping geographic differences, which show up in drinking water and food and, ultimately, in the consumer's hair structure! The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department applied this technique to track the movements of a "Jane Doe" (whose bones were found in their area) prior to her untimely death. Sounds crazy, but apparently it's proving to be fairly accurate. You learn something new every day! (Or at least you should). Click here for the full story.

Chico Charmer!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:10:56 -0800

This 1940s "charmer" is located on one of my absolute favorite streets in Chico, E. Sacramento Ave. (I "scored" big time with my very first listing on this street 20 years ago!) Listed at $449,000, this sweet thing features original tile, hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, tons of storage, large living and family rooms, and separate darkroom or office. A large guest house with separate bedroom and spacious living room looks out to a lovely patio with Koi pond. This wide, tree-lined street is in the heart of Chico, close to downtown, Bidwell Park and CSUC. For more info and photos, please visit my web site:

ChicoLaura.com

Please feel free to email me to view this lovely property: Laura@ChicoLaura.com

The ChicoLaura Team looks forward to hearing from you!

The Bike King

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:04:52 -0800

Today in Chico the First Annual "Tour de Ed" fundraiser was held to help raise money for the Chico Cyclist Care Fund (recently created to help cyclists who sustain injuries while bicycling). This fundraising bike ride is named for Ed McLaughlin (pictured), local bicyling legend, who suffered a severe spinal injury on Dec. 21, 2007, while riding through our beautiful Bidwell Park. A man who "walks his talk," Ed hasn't owned an automobile since 1982 (the year my younger son was born and, interestingly, the year the Greenline was established in Chico, protecting farm land on Chico's west side by separating urban and agricultural areas.), and has been a tireless advocate of bicycling (founder of Chico Velo Cycling Club) throughout his years in Chico. Largely through Ed's efforts, The League of American Bicyclists recognized Chico in 2004 with its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation. And in 1997, Chico was listed in Bicycling Magazine as the nation's #1 bicycling community.

I met Ed about 20 years ago (one of those "Chico" things--can't remember where or exactly when) and, even though our paths have only occasionally crossed over the years, those moments have always been graced with that big, sparkling "Ed" grin and cheerful hello. I firmly believe that Ed McLaughlin is one of those unsung heroes who breeze through life touching so many lives, working selflessly to leave the planet a better place. No wonder everyone loves the guy. Here's to your health and ultimate recovery, Ed. As the Chico Velo motto declares:

Eat, Breathe, Drink, Pedal

and hopefully you'll be back pedaling again in the not-too-distant future.

(Donations can be made payable to: "Chico Cyclist Care Fund," c/o Pullins Cyclery, 801 Main St.,Chico, CA 95928)

The Forever Stamp - Save $$$ !!!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:11:24 -0800

POSTAGE IS GOING UP AGAIN! On May12, 2008, postage is going up one cent on first class stamps. However, if you purchase stamps now at 41 cents with the"forever liberty bell" logo, you can send your mail after May12 with them being honored for the 41 cents you already paid. It's time to stock up on stamps. A two-ounce letter will be 59 cents and postcards will be 27 cents. Check with the post office or go to http://www.usps.com/ for more information. Those pennies add up as we all know! Skip the pretty picture stamps, get the forever stamps, and save!

ChicoBag

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:12:50 -0800

What's strong enough to hold 20 pounds, small enough to fit in your purse (or on your belt) and can help save the planet? It's the affordable, handy, chic ChicoBag! I keep a ChicoBag in my purse and another one in my car for those quick stops at the grocery store.

Developed by one of our own local Chico citizens Andy Keller, ChicoBag has been featured in Real Simple, Entrepreneur, PARADE, Natural Health, Money, and Vision magazines.

Talk about "green"--ChicoBag even has a recycling program for expired ChicoBags! Expired ChicoBags are "repurposed" into door mats, dog beds and prayer flags. (And no, I don't own stock in the ChicoBag--I'm just a fan!) Don't let Plastic Bag Monster get you!

Getting Things Done

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:16:41 -0800

Having read this book, Getting Things Done (The Art of Stress-Free Productivity), late last year, I wasn't surprised to hear in a review today on NPR that "Tech Junkies" have embraced some of the concepts and applied them to the Wonderful World of Computers. "GTD," as the book (and method) is apparently known by its devoted practitioners, has inspired blogs, web sites and even software.

In my personal and business life, the book truly did help to get me more organized (something I'm always striving to do). I revamped my entire filing system, instituted new "in" and "out" boxes (actually lovely baskets) for my assistant and myself, and started keeping "To Do" lists in the "Tasks" section of my computer. These are separated in the following areas: "Computer," "Phone," "Office," "Home," and "Errands." Each week I update each list in the computer and then print out updated lists, which I carry around in a clipboard folder (which I find easier to add to and check off as I go about my week).

Some of the web sites which have evolved from "GTD" are davidco.com (the author David Allen's official site), 43 Folders, LifeHacker, Getting Things Done (My Experience with Using GTD), and Office Zealot. Here's to a more organized, simplified and lower-stress life!

True Love Coffee House Comedy

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:51:06 -0800

Son Kiel seems to be pursuing his stand-up comedy career with the same passion he has shown for (among other things) golf, acting, and crossword puzzles (not necessarily in that order). He's networking, making new friends, and has even been learning the ropes producing shows. I enjoyed my first time watching him perform his stand-up at U.C. Davis last month. He writes his own material, and for the most part it's pretty clean and (in my opinion--but then again I AM the mom!) very funny. Next show: Feb 22 at the True Love Coffee House. Along with several other comedians, this show will feature the sweet, pure voice of Kiel's main squeeze, Melissa Fulkerson. If you're anywhere near Sacramento, hope you can catch it!

North State Symphony

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:23:02 -0800

North State Symphony

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the North State Symphony "Dance Mix" concert at the CSUC Laxson Auditorium. This concert was beautifully performed by accomplished musicians from throughout Northern California and masterfully conducted by Music Director Kyle Wiley Pickett. The program included a concert tango called Tangazo by Astor Piazzolla, an extended suite from Swan Lake by Peter Tchaikovsky, Slavonic Dances by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and Hungarian Sketches by Bela Bartok. I had the privilege of hosting one of the musicians (viola) for the weekend in my Chico home. How wonderful to have such powerful, professional performances offered right here in our little Northern California community!

Soroptimist International of Chico

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:28:01 -0800

It's been my pleasure and honor the past 10 years to be a member of Soroptimist International of Chico , a local chapter of this phenomenal worldwide service group. The mission statement of Soroptimist International reads: "Soroptimist is a world wide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women."Our local club celebrated it's 75th anniversary several years ago by pledging $75,000 for the establishment of a Salvation Army rehab center .Our largest fundraiser, the Home, Garden & Antique Show , is scheduled for March 15 & 16, 2008, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds here in Chico. Hope to see you there!

Recycling with Mosaic Tile Art

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:44:29 -0800

How about THIS for recycling? A birdbath I purchased several years ago was becoming corroded and unsightly. Rather than "toss" it, I decided to give it a new life via mosaic tile art. Using cracked & broken dishes, shards of a broken car mirror, glue and grout, the rusty old eyesore was transformed into garden art! Since then, friends and family members have learned never to trash their cracked or broken dishes. ; )

It's Good to be Green!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:18:26 -0800

A recent issue of Country Home Magazine listed our little town of CHICO in the Top 20 "Greenest" cities in the U.S. One of the reasons for this honor may be the Chico Green Campus program which has been established at CSUC. This student-designed program was created to "raise student, staff and faculty awareness about energy efficiency and the relationship between it and the environment."

Way to go, Chico!

Valentine's Day - R U Ready?

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:57:31 -0800

In chatting with son Kiel the other day (who now lives in Sacramento where he works at The Pyramid Restaurant and at his stand-up comedy career in various comedy clubs), the topic of Valentine's Day came up. Far be it from me to "micromanage" my sons' lives! However, the "mom" in me just wanted to check to be sure he remembers his adorable girlfriend, Melissa, on Valentine's Day. But who says this particular holiday has to be for "sweethearts only"? I like to surprise my family and friends with cards, e-cards and/or treats (Shubert's -- Chico's oldest ice cream & candy store -- is a family favorite!). For more "heart day" ideas, check out http://www.virtualchocolate.com/ . Wishing you love & friendship this Valentine's Day!

BankRate.com

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:53:45 -0800

Web site tip-of-the-day: Do these great interest rates have you thinking about doing a refi? Want to figure out your savings over your current mortgage? Or are you simply interested in becoming a more savvy investor? Check out the BankRate.com web site for easy-to-use calculators, articles on investing, tax tips, trends & predictions, and much, much more!

Aloha!

Laura Burghardt (W. M. Campbell Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:30:21 -0800

Just returned from the annual CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) conference in Waikiki, Oahu. As usual, the conference featured great speakers (especially the always-entertaining-and-high-energy Howard Brinton), and two days packed with timely topics presented by panels of top producers from all over the country. In addition to learning about the latest technology (gotta get one of them new-fangled "Flip Video" cameras!) and changes in the industry, the conference afforded us the valuable opportunity of connecting and networking with CRS agents from all over the country and even an enthusiastic group from Spain. And to top it all off, a friend and I zipped over to Maui for four days of snorkeling, whale watching, kayaking, and ziplining. With freezing temps back home in Chico, CA, it sure didn't hurt to have a conference in a tropical paradise! (This photo was my first attempt to transfer a photo from my Treo to the computer.)