Kim's Blog

Success in the Beautiful Rain

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:57:46 -0700

I was so excited to see that I had been featured in someone elses blog!

Thank you ActiveRain and thank you Kerrie. Let's stay positive out there.

Via Kerrie Greenhalgh (ActiveRain, Community Builder):

I heard a very powerful and simple saying this week: Energy flows where attention goes.

Why do we spend our attention and therefore energy on things beyond our control? Why do we tire ourselves focusing on the ugly? Why do we stress out and become "that person" nobody wants to be around?

No way. Nope. Not me!

So to all who get caught in the "what if, why did it happen that way" game, remind yourself that energy flows where attention goes. Let's focus on the good and get that energy flowing down the river of positivity. It's up to you and a much better ride!

I bet the 6 members below choose to focus on the positive when hiccups occur.

If you have yet to write your own success story, I urge you to do so. Simply go to your profile page and click "edit" located next to My Profile (edit). Scroll down until you see the spot designated for your ActiveRain Success Story. Keep in mind this will not show on your AR profile but will be available to view on the ActiveRain Success Stories link located on our home page. Not only are all the cool kids doing it but you'll be awarded 500 points!!!

If you would like to view more stories please visit ActiveRain Success Stories

Kai Degner (Kline May Realty)
"I began as a real estate agent just this summer and already have two success stories! The first is having a blog post I wrote about hiking to a particular mountain be the catalyst for an out-of-state buyer to contact me after she googled cabins in the area. The second is a buyer referral I received from another ActiveRain agent, which will result in my first closing next week!"

Brian Burke (Kenna Real Estate)
"ActiveRain has brought amazing results for us in so many ways. We have received direct business from writing market reports and area information. One client along bought a million dollar house, sold another $700,000 home and bought yet another for $350,000. Now the client is doing fix and flips as well. So for the people who wonder if it does work. IT DOES! 4 transactions from one post alone. I can't even begin to quantify the value we receive just from reading informative posts and applying what we learn to better our google ranking, our website, SEO etc.... The list just goes on and on. Thank you ActiveRain!"

Cindy Jones (CJ Realty Group, Inc.)
"Active Rain has allowed me to grow not only my local business but my referral business as well. This year alone I've placed 13 outgoing referrals to agents across the country and the checks are rolling in. The Active Rain Community is one of the most generous groups of professionals anyone can find. It doesn't matter if it is your first day on the job or you have been selling real estate for 40 years the doors are open and everyone is welcome. Thanks Active Rain for helping take my business to the next level."

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty)
"ActiveRain is a wonderful resource for real estate. I have found agents in other areas to assist clients in their relocations and also gathered wonderful information from internet ideas to transaction details. Just recently, I was contacted by an agent in another state through ActiveRain to list a house for sale here in Fortuna. Sold it in 90 days!"

Derek Myers (Century 21)
"The Saturday before Easter, I received a call from a woman who said, "I found your number of some active water site (which I thought was funny) and I need an agent that will show me houses tomorrow." She said that she was a serious buyer and apologized it was a holiday but she was only in town for one more day. Long story short, it was an Easter miracle! We found the perfect house and closed last week. ActiveRain and me, we never take a day off."

Chris and Maria Jeantet (Coldwell Banker)
"Dear Active Rain, we just picked up a new buyer thanks to our amazing Blog here on Active Rain. This buyer has been reading our Blog for quiet some time, he lives out of town and wants to get away from the city and relocate his whole family to this area. He called us last week and we are now in the process of finding a country home on 5+ acres around $450,0000! Thank you...again!"

Let it Rain my friends...Let it Rain!!!

Price Reduction on 844 8th Street, Fortuna, California

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:55:22 -0700

Price reduction on 844 8th Street, Fortuna, California.

NOW OFFERED AT $220,000.

Great location for this Victorian style home with 4 bedrooms.

Unique features include parlor doors between front rooms, stairwell behind door in dining room, architectural details throughout and 4th bedroom with separate entrance.

Visit http://www.kimquintal.com for more

Golfing at Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:35:25 -0700

I have been golfing lately at Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club in Fortuna, Ca. Let me explain, I am NOT a golfer and by "golfing" I mean hitting on the driving range.

I was given golf clubs from a client (a veteran, I would like to add) and decided to give it a try. See photo below. I have no idea how these clubs rank in the golfing world, but they work just fine for me.

Praying not to look like a fool, I signed up for lessons from the golf pro. I pulled the clubs out of the back of my truck and after figuring out how to use the wheels, wheeled myself over to the driving range. The pro helped with the mechanics of my swing. I figured out the swing and off I went. Hitting ball, after ball, after ball... for an entire HOUR!

It was nice to be up at the Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club. Not only is it surrounded by lush grass and views, but a club house serving lunch and a pool with lifeguard.

Is this the beginning of a love affair with golf? I am not sure about that. One thing is for sure, I have a new appreciation for those who actually golf.

Fortuna Rodeo Run 2011

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:08:42 -0700

Fortuna Rodeo Run 2011 was a huge success! I want to send my appreciation to Ms. Lenore Bergenski who, since I was a teenager, has been running up and down the streets of Fortuna inspiring youth as she goes. Who better than Lenore to hold the Fortuna Rodeo Run?

I am always inspired by runners. Myself, being a jogger at best, can still appreciate what these folks must accomplish to run the rodeo run. Dedication to training, a mental will to keep going when things get tough and follow through to the finish line.

Congratulations to the runners of the Fortuna Rodeo Run! I hope to see you all next year again. Maybe I'll lace up my shoes too.

Wildwood Days 2011

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:05:54 -0700

Wildwood Days 2011 in Rio Dell is kicking off on Wednesday, August 3rd, with the Car Show at DJ's Burger Bar. Mark your calendar and check the schedule of events here.

My favorite activities include:

Wednesday: Car Show

Thursday: Kid Games

Friday: Firemans Muster

Saturday: Parade, Bocce Ball Tournament, Riding Lawn Mower Races

Other cool things: Eel River Valley Idol, Softball Tournament, and Mini Gold Championships.

Whatever your taste or flavor, you will find something fun at Wildwood Days 2011. Thank you Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this event year after year!

Victorian Home for Sale in Fortuna

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:17:27 -0700

Victorian Home for Sale in Fortuna

Kim Quintal | Cornerstone Realty | (707) 498-3700

844 8th Street, Fortuna, CA

Queen Anne Victorian nestled in the heart of Fortuna. One bedroom has separate entrance perfect for the home office.

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $230,000

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	2,350
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Short sale opportunity. Home has characteristics true to time period with details in every room. Parlor doors separate the parlor from the living room.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Family room	- Living room
- Office/Den	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Kim Quintal

Cornerstone Realty

01768428

(707) 498-3700

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 25, 2011, 8:42am PDT

Fortuna Home for Sale

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:20:39 -0700

Fortuna home for sale. Priced at $349,000 this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is a must see!

Kim Quintal | Cornerstone Realty | (707) 498-3700

3040 Roan Court, Fortuna, CA

Beautifully maintained home with spacious rooms, exceptional landscaping and great neighborhood.

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $349,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	1,982
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.3 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Tropical Oasis nestled in Fortuna. Spacious three bedroom, 2 bath home with vaulted ceilings, large closets in every room, and private backyard. Look no further, your dream home is here!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Attic	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard	- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- .3 acres at the end of flag lot

- Large bedrooms

- All rooms have large closets

- Exceptional landscaping including waterfall and pond

- Hot tub

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 1

Contact info:

Kim Quintal

Cornerstone Realty

01768428

(707) 498-3700

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 23, 2011, 1:53pm PDT

Fortuna Rodeo 2011

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:31:44 -0700

Fortuna Rodeo 2011 is upon us! Mark your calendars for the week of July 11th through July 17th.

The Fortuna Rodeo is full of fun activities for everyone! This may sound funny, but in all the years I've lived in Humboldt, I've yet to attend the actual rodeo! I know, shocking!!! However, rodeo week always has my family and I busy with activities.

My personal "can't miss list" consists of:

Monday July 11th: Chili cookoff

Tuesday July 12th: Children's games, costume contest and cast iron cook-off

Wednesday July 13th: Street games

Thursday July 14th: Fireman's games

Friday July 15th: Family fun night at the rodeo

Saturday July 16th: Fortuna Rodeo 5K run/walk

Of course, for the rodeo fan, there are plenty more activities to attend.

Click here for more, grab your cowboy hat and enjoy the Fortuna Rodeo 2011

4 Other Costs to Consider

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 11 May 2011 11:47:38 -0700

I work a lot with first time home buyers. When people first decide that buying a home is a much more reasonable use of their hard earned money they hit the pavement fast. My call to duty goes like this, "Kim, I've found a house I want to see!" Understandably, this is the funnest part of buying a home. Where will the kitchen table go? How close is the hospital? All wonderful questions. However, there are some things to do first.

First step (not in this blog) is to get prequalified with a lender.

Second step (also not in this blog) is looking at homes.

Third step is writing an offer. When writing an offer, there are other costs/terms other than purchase price. This is the purpose of this blog. 4 costs to consider when buying a home.

1. Closing Costs. This will change depending on the type of loan you are getting (that's why being prequalified is the first step). You can roughly estimate 3% of the purchase price. For example, on a $200,000 house, you can estimate roughly $6,000 in closing costs. This is just the price for getting the loan (borrowing money, costs money... always remember that!). Some loans have additional costs as well. As scary as this might sound, many buyers now are asking the sellers to "credit" some or all of these costs.

2. Down Payment. Do you have money to apply to the purchase? Some lenders will only loan you money if you put 20% down. FHA loans require 3.5% down. No money down? Lucky you, there is a loan for 103% (well yes, this means you can finance that 3% we talked about in item #1). There is much more to the pros and cons of these loans to discuss with your real estate agent and lender.

3. Earnest Money. This is the money you will put immediatly into escrow. It's a statement of how much you want the house. The more you put into escrow, the more serious you look. Don't worry, you get to keep this money unless you breach the contract (this is all outlined in the purchase contract). You can use this to better your offer too. For example, if you don't want to go up in price, you can increase your earnest money.

4. Inspections. Some sellers have inspections done and "cleared" already. However, most homes in the first time home buyer price range are not so lucky. You can negotiate the costs of inspections with sellers but if there are none on file, make sure someone gets inspections before you purchase. The cost of inspections is totally worth it. If you buy the house or not. It's always worth it.

Being prepared when writing an offer makes things much easier for everyone involved. Be sure to talk turkey with your real estate agent, be educated and good luck!

Car Wash for Local Family

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:46:45 -0700

This last Saturday, the folks at my office, Cornerstone Realty, washed cars for four hours.

So what's the big deal, you ask? I've done plenty of car washes the last few years. Fundraising for Breast Cancer, for S.O.S. (a grassroots organization to raise money for local schools), sports, etc.

But Saturday. Oh Saturday. In four short hours we raised $1,200 for a local family who's six year old son has had a relapse of cancer. People drove down and handed us checks for $100. I've never done so many car washes for $40.

I walked away with such pride that I live in an amazing community. One that takes care of the people within it.

To the people of Humboldt County. I applaud you.

3970 Lissa Court, Eureka California

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:25:28 -0700

DO YOU LOVE HUMBOLDT FOR THE REDWOODS TREES?

Then This is the House for YOU!!!

$329,900

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home located in Eureka, California
Neighborhood sits just outside Eureka city limits
Vaulted ceilings in both the living room and master bedroom
Knotty Pine ceilings in living room
Open Kitchen with breakfast bar
Sits at end of cul-de-sac
Family Friendly Neighborhood
Two car garage located in back of house (drive around house to get to)
.64 acres with redwood trees all around
New Solarban windows throughout plus new front door and slider to backyard
visit: www.kimquintal.com
DRE# 01768428

762 Perrott Avenue, Loleta CA 95551

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:01:32 -0700

DON'T LET THIS ONE PASS YOU UP!

$239,900

Exceptionally Maintained Home in Loleta, California.
3 Bedrooms and one bath
Loleta is conveniently located between Fortuna and Eureka. It is also a close distance to College of the Redwoods and the beach.
Water Filtration system in place
New exterior and interior paint
Remodeled Kitchen and Bathroom
Landscaped yard with sprinklers in the front yard
Visit: www.kimquintal.com
DRE# 01768428

Living in Rio Dell

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:28:57 -0700

Being a Realtor and also a resident of Rio Dell, I am often asked what Rio Dell is like. I am here to shed some light on this beautiful town I call home.

Affordable Housing: The Rio Dell housing market is more affordable then many other areas. In the last year, 27 single family residential homes have sold in Rio Dell. The average sale price for these homes was $189,000. This price range may be just perfect for the first time homebuyer. Rio Dell may offer exactly what you are looking for.

Schools: I must show my prejudice where they lie, and one is with the Rio Dell School District where my son attends. I am married to a teacher at the school who is also the cross country and track coach. Check out their API scores yourself at www.api.cde.ca/gov. The school offers a gamut of sports for your athletes and also has maintained their music program with Mr. Cox. I absolutely loved the Christmas program this year with the mix of music and instruments! The after school program has a wonderful, caring staff and is also FREE! Lastly, but most important, the teachers are wonderful. You will be pleasantly surprised with the expertise that the teachers bring everyday to our childrn.

Necessities: You may be fearful that living in Rio Dell would mean you have to run “into town” (aka Fortuna) for the smallest of tasks. You would be mistaken. Rio Dell offers nearly anything you might need; The post office (which, by the way, is the best post office I’ve ever been to), grocery shopping at CC Market, Figureridos, restaurants including the yummy DJ’s Burger Bar and the Pizza Factory, barber shops, dentists, chiropractors and clinics. Just a quick trip over the bridge into Scotia and your options grow even more.

Things To Do: Oh, and the things to do in town! A quick drive down Wildwood gives you an idea. We have miniature golf, bocce ball, the park with playground equipment, baseball fields and the library. One of my favorite things about Rio Dell is the access to the Eel River. Personally, I like to ride my bike on the river bar and trails. Others ATV and fish. During the summer months Rio Dell hosts the Wildwood Days weekend and a Farmers Market.

So there is a view of Rio Dell from my own eyes. Yes, I would and do live in Rio Dell. If you would like some more information on Rio Dell or on purchasing a home please send me an email at kimmieq4u@yahoo.com or call my cell at (707)498-3700.

First Time Home Buyers

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:37:35 -0700

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS:

PICK A REALTOR
1. Finding an agent is like finding a good pair of shoes. You want to pick an agent who will work with you, fits your needs and is loyal to you.
2. An agent is more than a warm body to write an offer. You want an agent who has your best interests in the forefront of their mind.
3. Find someone you trust.
4. Your agent will lead you step-by-step through the purchase process and answer any question you have.
5. All “Realtors” who belong to our local Realtor Association can get you into any home on the market. Do not feel that you must go with the listing agent. Naturally, if you like the listing agent, then you found a good pair of shoes. Keep them!
6. When you find your Realtor, stick with them.

GET PRE-APPROVED/ PRE-QUALIFIED FOR A LOAN
1. Your Realtor can help you find a lender to work with your needs.
2. It is a good idea to stay with a local lender. They will see you in the grocery store long after the loan goes through so they want to make sure the service you receive is great- and that you will refer others to them.
3. Your Realtor can help you compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges when you are looking at loan products.

LOOK AT HOUSE IN YOUR PRICE RANGE
1. “Location, Location, Location”. You can change many things around a house but you cannot change it’s location.
2. Drive-by your top choices morning, noon and night and also on Saturday.
3. Think of the top three things you are looking for in a home. Tell your agent what these things are.

WRITE AN OFFER
1. There are many components to writing a good offer. The “cleaner” an offer looks, the more likely the seller will accept your terms.
2. Think about how much money you would like to use as your “earnest money”. This is the money you are willing to put on the line because you like the house so much. It shows how serious you are.

NEGOTIATE, COME TO TERMS AND INSPECT
1. After acceptance you will have an inspection period. Use this time to inspect the home and make sure it’s the house for you.
2. You can still negotiate some terms to the agreement even after the acceptance. The seller does not have to say “yes” but you still have the right to ask.

CLOSE
1. When all the terms have been met and the money is with the escrow company, the escrow company will record your name as the new owner. This is when you are officially a new HOME OWNER!!!!

Benefits and Tips to Living in a Park

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:39:58 -0700

There are some great benefits to buying a home in a mobile park. Consider all of the following when looking to buy a home in a park. Many times it is a fantastic step to becoming a home owner.

WHY A PARK?

Cheap. Buying a home in a park is easier on the wallet than something outside the park. Be sure to pay attention to the cost of space rent and find out what is included in that rent.

Safe. Parks are generally safer for a number of reasons. Number one, all the neighbors look out for each other. Secondly, usually the only people walking, driving or walking the park are people who live there.

Park Amenities. Often parks have amenities that only the people of the park or their guests can use, i.e, pools, community centers, kitchens, tournaments, etc.

The People. You must qualify to rent a space in the park. People who do not qualify cannot live in the park. Also, renting out a mobile home is prohibited making the owner the actual neighbor.

TIPS

Talk to residents and go to a meeting

Drive through at various times and see what’s going on. I always tell my clients to drive by a prospective home on Saturday. What are the neighbors doing? Are kids out and about? Do you want to see kids out and about?

Read the park rules and regulations. Be sure to check on the frequency of rent increases and if there are any controls over that.

Find out what is included in the space rent.

Look at the schedule of events at the community center, if there is one.

See what amenities are available.

Pay attention to how you feel when you are at the park. Do the neighbors seem to care about their homes? Do you like the park manager?

Please feel free to call/email me with any questions about homeownership

Kim Quintal 498-3700

or visit www.kimquintal.com

How putting my House on the Market makes me a better Realtor

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:35:54 -0800

If nothing else, putting my house on the market will make me a much better Realtor. Why:

1. I can sympathize with the irritation of cleaning all day for a 5 minute showing.

2. With the current market, it can take a while to get things moving. It could mean going a few weeks without a showing. That can be very frustrating. Now I can say, "believe me, I know".

3. I feel the major disappointment when falling out of escrow (just happened to us). No matter how hard I try to "wait till I get the keys", it is still upsetting. And also a blow to your ego... someone doesn't like MY house!?! What?????!!!!!

4. The Contract. Every little detail in the contract is SO well know by me. Our house is on the market because we have an accpeted offer on another house. So, I am balancing both escrows (well, at one point it was two escrows). You really have to know the rules inside and out to play the game. Especially in an ever changing market. My money is protected. You can believe I'll protect my client in the same manner.

5. Having my home on the market shows that I truely believe what all Realtors keep saying, NOW is a great time to buy! I don't want to wait until it turns up again and be frustrated that I didn't move. Hindsight is 20/20. Everything is on sale, and my friends know, I'm a sale shopper!

Good luck to all you sellers. May you be blessed.

Affordable Family home with Four Bedrooms in Humboldt County, Ca

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:12:43 -0700

$125,000
Space Rent, water and garbage= $350
4 Bedrooms (great for the whole family)
Split Floorplan (Master on one side, other bedrooms on other side of home)
Backs to Green Space
Access to River
Close to schools
Shed
Located in Rio Dell, Ca.
Beautiful and affordable!

To see more, visit my website at: www.kimquintal.com

AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:13:02 -0700

I did it! I raised all the money I needed for the Avon Walk. Plus some! I must give a large "Thank You" to all of you who have supported me. I would never have been able to do this amazing experience without all your help. The sacrifice of money, the giving of time, the muscle aches and pains of car washing did not go unappreciated. THANK YOU!

When I registered for the Walk on Friday night I was $2 short. Can you believe that?? Naturally, they didn't take cash so I had to put it on my credit card. The next day I had another donation and I am STILL collecting money from my coffee sales!

To the walk: It was amazing. Saturday morning our taxi picked us up at 5:45am and down to the park we went. The Opening Ceremony was moving and brought everyone to tears. We reached our arms up and grabbed onto the hands around us. The symbolism of that "team"/ togetherness was deafening. And off we went, twenty-six miles on day one and 13 miles on day two.

There were over three thousand people in attendance. It took a good 3-4 miles to finally thin out a bit and walk at a decent pace. We got so far behind (note to self: next year stand near the walk path so to not be stuck in the back), that we spent the whole day chasing the pace walker so the crew wouldn't sweep us up (vans with brooms that would move you to the next stop if you were too slow).

The stories I heard and shared, the people I met and the physical pains and triumphs along the way were all amazing. As soon as the walk started people lined the streets cheering for us. Cars honked horns. Walking past restaurants resulted in food and drinks (and stares). The crew supplied the major entertainment for the weekend. The San Jose Police rode on bikes and some played music. Many people had names of people who they walked for/in memory of on the back of their shirts. Some teams had pictures and others had simply "miss you mom", "love you mom", and my favorite "for your mom, your sister, your friends... because I can". The pace walker, Julianne, is probably the most amazing person I have spent three hours with. Juliannes' story begins with her mother being diagnosed with breast cancer and leads to her present situation where she works at the Avon Foundation AND operates a non-profit that she began five years ago. Levi Strauss was a sponsor this year during the fashion portion of Juliannes' annual benefit.

I fully intended to walk the entire 39 miles. That is what was set in my mind. My body had a different plan. Side note: since I have turned 30 it seems that my body has a mind of its own. On day one the plan was to walk 26 miles. At mile 22 I just couldn't walk anymore. My knee had been bugging me from early on in the day. At mile 22 I could hardly move my leg up in order to walk. I was stressing over small changes in the road, wondering how I would get my leg over the obstacle. So, with hundreds of others, I got on the bus and got a ride to camp. I sat in line for physical therapy, iced my knee, and took Advil hoping for a speedy recovery. No such luck. Sunday morning was still a very slow moving day. I had to call it quits for walking.

It was very difficult for me to stop. Though many people only walk one mile or two, I WAS going to walk the entire thing. Not being able to do so was devastating to my morale. However, I knew that the whole reason for the event was for the many people who are unable to do things because of their bodies. People who deal with cancer are constantly being told "no" by their bodies. I was humbled by the thought of my small complaint in comparison to those dealing with much larger physical and mental obstacles.

Fortuna Rodeo Schedule 2008

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:06:34 -0700

Check out what's happening down in Fortuna. For more in-depth information go to : http://www.fortunarodeo.com

MONDAY: Chili Cook-Off.

TUESDAY: Carnival, Kid's Games from 6-8pm at the Redwood Shopping Center.

WEDNESDAY: Main Street Kids Games from 6-9pm, Carnival.

THURSDAY: Junior Rodeo, Fireman's Downtown Games, Carnival.

FRIDAY: Junior Rodeo, Kidnapped Tourist, Rodeo, Carnival, Rodeo Contests.

SATURDAY: Pancake Breakfast, Slack Team Roping, Homeshoe Pitch Tournament, Carnival, Parade, Rodeo, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Cowboy Mixer/ BBQ/ Dance.

SUNDAY: Slack Team Roping, Deep Pit BBQ, Carnival, Rodeo.

Hope to see you there!

Blog for a Cause: Kims Cancer Walk in San Francisco

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:41:19 -0700

I've recently been challenged to particpate in the Avon Walk for Cancer. Check out my previous blog: Kims' Walk for Cancer. It was actually a featured blog for a while. But no comments.

I've come up with some great fundraising ideas. I welcome more. I have a friend who donated a verizon cell phone and blue tooth with 2 year contract. I have another friend who donated a home made quilt. Both items I will sell raffel tickets for at $5 per ticket. I am going to speak at chamber meetings, Kiwanis meetings, churches, women groups, etc. Here is my personal cancer walk page: Kims' personal page

Its an excellent cause. Its a life changing challenge.

I appreciate the group of people who use their time to make a difference to someone.

BLOG FOR A CAUSE!!

Know What You Are Paying For

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:39:19 -0800

As new homebuyers, people often go down the checklist of things to do before the close of escrow. One of these items is finding hazard insurance. I remember when buying my house, the most important thing we considered was price. How much will it cost to have hazard insurance and the insurance carrier who had the lowest premium was the winner.

Now that I am in the business of buying and selling homes, I have discovered how important it is to look further than price. Let me use an example: A fellow agent of mine was recently injured while showing property. I'm not just talking about getting a bruise or a scratch. She has endured surgery, physical therapy, time off work for herself and her husband and is looking at weeks of being unable to use her right arm, and may have further repercussions for the rest of her life. Her medical costs are astronomical already. Imagine when the big bills start arriving.

Where's the connection? She toiled with the idea of putting a claim on the owners hazard insurance. After all, isn't that what we pay for? So that if a thief were to break into our home and get injured, they couldn't turn around and sue us?

Now she is in the tangles web of the insurance claims nightmare. This agent, with one arm in a sling and Velcro-ed to her body, received a letter stating that the insurance on the home didn't cover the incident. When she further questioned, which many people would have stopped there, it appears as if not everyone is seeing things the same. Some people within the same insurance carrier are seeing that she is covered and others are saying no. This is where it is at this point... under investigation.

Moral of the story: When buying hazard insurance or anything else of major importance, be sure to research what you are paying for. Make sure that the agency supplying the service/product will actually follow through with what they promise. It will make everyone's life easier.

My Top 6 Places to Eat in Fortuna

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:17:38 -0800

MY TOP 6 PLACES TO EAT IN FORTUNA

LAS CAZUELAS

435 North Fortuna Blvd. Near Figueiredo’s Video 725-2431

Well priced Mexican food. Great for lunch, dinner and parties.

HOT BREW

904 South Fortuna Blvd. Across from McDonalds. 725-2361

Yummy bistro-style eatery. My favorite: Chinese chicken salad.

HUNAN VILLAGE RESTURANT

1468 Main Street. Next to Veterans’ Building. 725-3459

Lunch buffet and menu selections for both lunch and dinner.

ORIENTAL BUFFET

755 South Fortuna Blvd. In Redwood Shopping Center. 725-9988

Offers buffet for both lunch and dinner with sushi bar!

SHOTZ COFFEE AND DRIVE-THRU

1665 Main Street. Across from Rohner Park. 725-8000

Great coffee, bakery items and lunch in comfortable environment.

TACO LOCO

955 Main Street. Near Lows Furniture. 725-5546

Affordable Mexican food. My favorite: Veggie burrito.

How do you add such great signatures?

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:47 -0800

For all of you who sign your posts with these incredible cursive (or creative) signatures.... where did you get that from! I love it!

Is Surfing your Goal too?

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:14:50 -0800

Welcome to 2008! I hope you have some new and exciting things planned for yourself. Every year on January 1, my friend and I get together and write down goals for the coming year. To say "resolutions" just sounds too cliché. So I looked up resolution in the Webster's and found: resolution: a resolve or determination. Maybe it is resolutions we write down. Nonetheless, we set out to achieve certain goals for work and personal life as well as to plan one new thing to try. The year 2007 saw my first half marathon, raw sushi and belly dancing. I also closed more real estate transactions than I had set for myself!

For 2008 I plan to be more reachable/ accessible via the internet for perspective buyers and sellers. This started out with a new website: kimquintal.com. Though it is a work in progress, I am online and can now give people a website when they ask! I also want to increase my blogging on activerain.com. This real estate network is phenomenal. Not only do I get great advice, tips and comradeship with the other members, but I have had a number of people contact me via activerain.

For "something new" for 2008 my friends, husband and I are going to take a surfing class in our own waters here in Humboldt. In June we are going on a week long cruise to the Caribbean and I plan to check off "learn to surf" and "surf the Caribbean" off my goals for 2008. Our local Humboldt State University offers surfing classes through Center Activities and we plan to enroll. Look for pictures in the future.

I encourage all of you to try something new this year. It could be something with work or something on a more personal level (I tend to like "pay-off credit cards"). Write it down and look at it frequently. If you want to share, I'd love to hear about it. Set out a plan to make it happen and check it off at the end of the year.

Happy New Year! May you be blessed in 2008.

Holiday Events in Fortuna, Ca

Kim Quintal (Cornerstone Realty) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:08:58 -0800

DECEMBER 1,8,15 @10am
KID'S HOLIDAY MOVIES
Tickets to Fortuna Theatre free for kids on these saturdays. Tickets available at several businesses around town. Call if you'd like some!

DECEMBER 6
REDWOOD VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE
Redwood Village Shopping Center starting at 5:30pm. The Roadmasters will be playing, carollers, live nativity scene, refreshments and more.

DECEMBER 7
ELECTRIC LIGHTED PARADE
Fortuna Blvd. and Main Street starting at 6:30pm.

DECEMBER 7
DOWNTOWN OPEN HOUSE
Starting at 5pm with music from the Scotia Sax Quartet and Toddy Thomas Ensemble, refreshments and more.

DECEMBER 9
FORTUNA CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Free music at the River Lodge from 12:30-6:30.

DECEMBER 12
CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR
$7 gets you tickets to tour four fabulously decorated homes. For more information call Fortuna Chamber at 725-3959.