California East Bay Real Estate

Do You Want to Keep Your Children Safe on the Net? Then Try This!

Sat, 10 May 2008 10:40:45 -0500

Are your children blogging and/or social networking on the net? If so, you really need to check out this website http://www.netsmartz.org/ if you want to keep your kids safe on the internet. This site is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for children ages 5 to 17 as well as the parents, guardians, educatiors and law enforcement. Children can learn how to stay safe on the internet, since the site uses age appropriate activities to teach them how.

As a parent you need to be aware of what your children are doing on the web. Monitor your children's accounts, who are they meeting online. Check their buddy lists and address books. Yes, block out inappropriate sites, there is a parental control feature for restricted sites. Set family internet policies for e-mail, IMs, blogs and social networking accounts. Educate your children by telling them never to divulge their name, phone number and address to a stranger. Lastly, keep your computers in a place in your home that you can stay involved with your child's activity on the net.

Emailing fun stuff to the young children (I do) is a fun way to stay in touch with them. It could be a cute joke or something appropriate that someone has emailed me. Then they email it to their friends. They ask me where do you get this stuff? And it also gives me an opportunity to leave them a wonderful message about them, how proud I am of them, how much I care and love them, etc. Great way to build closeness and at the same time keep them busy without having to go looking for someone to communicate with. This also helps use up some of the restricted minutes that they have on using the interenet.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 998-8844

Garage Sales - Have you checked the Safety Commission's Website?

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:45:35 -0500

Since we have run the Dana Hills Garage Sale for several years we thought it might be a good idea to check out information about recalls. We would like to share the following with you!

Spring is upon us and so are garage sales! Do you check the safety commission's website at http://www.cps.govbefore selling your items at your garage sale? You can also call 800-638-CPSC and I understand that they have items that have been recalled going back to 1973. This is a questions that http://wwww.yardsalequeen.comasks us in her blog. The recall items do not just apply to unsafe toys, and cribs, children's items but other items like cars, medical devices etc. so make sure you go to http://www.recalls.gov for the up to date information.

Good luck with your garage sale!

Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, SRES, ASP Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

Dog Therapy

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:25:01 -0500

If you want to be in a great business, I think you might want to do something with pets. This is a booming business. My business partner's friend started a new business, a pet boutique in Tahoe and they have done a wonderful job as well as enjoying what they are doing. Most recently, I cam across an article about Therapy for dos on the Web, so try the following sites to see if any of these can help you and your dog: http://www.DeltaSociety.org, http://www.TDI-dog.org, http://www.TherapyDogs.com or http://www.DenverPetPartners.org.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, SRES, ASP Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com

Auctions - Cleaning out your stuff

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:16:12 -0500

A great website i found is AucitonPal.com if you wan tot get rid of your clothing, your car, your furniture or whatever may in your garage. I cannot believe the items that I still saved like old 8 tracks etc. and yet I am always giving stuff away. I realized that most of my kids (I have 4) have left their stuff at my house and now they don't want it anymore and I am tired of keeping their stuff. Although I have not used this site yet, I understand that even if you are a beginner, you can be successful at selling your items. This site helps you if you don't know how to do it. Has anyone tried selling their stuff on this site? Sometimes though it is easier to bring them to Hospice or another charity, but I am curious.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ASP, SRES Designated with over 17 years in the business. Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 998-8844

Vintage Online

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:52:16 -0500

Beware of the vintage websites that you go to. In the timeout section you can go to the archives for the complete article. What I learned is that is if you don't want to end up with fakes, you must go the trusted on-line websites of vintage clothing. Some of them are: http://www.archivevintage.com, http://www.stores.ebay.com/decadestwo, http://www.femminastyle.com, http://www.swankvintage.com and http://www.stores.ebay.com/mama-stone-vintage. If you have an interest in these kind of items, I suggest you check them out.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ASP, SRES, Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com (we are in the process of revamping our website) lori@lorihagge.com

Gmail Question

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:15:45 -0500

I notice with gmail that when you send pictures you have to click on each one separately to attach them. Is there an easier way to get say 10 pictures attached when using gmail? I do use other programs but for the past year have been using gmail due to the fact that when I travel or am at another computer it is quite easy to pick up emails.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com

B2F Leads Group

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:28:09 -0500

I started a new leads group called B2F (Business to Friends). We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. We are really excited about this group and have about 15 members already. Some of our members include: a Realtor, a MonaVie Independent Distributor, a Chiropractor, a Title Insurer, a Financial Planner,, a Virtual Assistant, a Graphic & Web Designer, a Graphic Art Designer, Life & Health Insurer, a Cleaning Service and others We meet at my office at Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Bring your own lunch. No dues are required. This is a relaxed environment where we get to know one another through our networking helping business professionals to exchange referrals and grow each others business. It is similar to LeTip and BNI but more cost effective and relaxed rules.

If interested, call Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated at 925 998-8844 (cell phone) or email at lori@lorihagge.com for a reservation and or further information.

Circle of Friends

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:10:32 -0500

On the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, the "Circle of Friends" meet at the Walnut Country Clubhouse at 4498 Lawson Court (off of South Larwin) in Concord from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00.m. We listen to a different speaker each month and then socialize. In addition, we have many sub-groups that have formed from this main group. Some of the things that we have organized are: Bowling, Bunko, Bingo, Golfing, Tennis, Wine-tasting, Bocce Ball, Theater, Book Club, Card Games to name a few. If interested in attending, call Lori Hagge at 925 998-8844 or email at lori@lorihagge.com. This is a great way to meet other women and make new friends. We are also listed at http://www.meetup.com/v/5355403/e3671f/0/ Go to this site for additional information.

Lori Hagge, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

www.lorihagge.com

925 682-4663 (office)

So have you tried the WII Yet?

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:32:42 -0500

My children purchased the WII for me and wow, it sure does produce some arm and footwork. What a great game to play with your children, family and friends. I was first exposed to this game on New Years Eve 2007. Our friends had a party and we played tennis, golf and bowling. When I got my toy just over a month ago for my birthday, I stayed up and played baseball and bowling. It became very addictive as I was trying to beat my 201 game for one hour. A few days later I was quite sore and could not figure out why until my husband said oh, you played the WII for one hour on Friday evening. Yup, that was great exercise. I read some where that the WII is being put into nursing homes for the people to have some kind of activity. You might want to give it a try but watch out if you have an addictive behavior or always like to win. Anyway, there are many more games that you can add to the WII.

Have a fun and relaxing evening, something a little different than playing cards.

Lori Hagge & Alice Ponti, Realtor, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty for 18 years each. GRI, CRS, ASP & SRES Designated.

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com

We Have Organizations That You Can Donate Your Items To!

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:13:38 -0500

Are you doing your spring cleaning, we can help you! We collect eyeglasses for the Rotary, suitcases for Foster children, shampoo & conditioners for the Bay Area Rescue Mission. We can provide you a number of an organization that picks up mattresses and furniture in good condition, this organization could be there the next day picking up your goods!

Call 925 980-2544 or 925 998-8844 and/or email to lori@lorihagge.com

Lori Hagge & Alice Ponti, Realtors, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated

http://www.lorihagge.com

The Crossings Neighborhood in Concord CA

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:08:51 -0500

Hi: We have a property in the Walnut Country Subdivision that includes the Northgate Schools and is close to the Walnut Creek Border. The kitchen has been updated with cherry wood cabinets, gas stove, engineered stone counter tops, new flooring includes new baseboards, dual pane windows with Anderson Sliders, new HVAC System, new 4 panel doors, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, deck and hot tub too! The community includes 3 pools, 8 tennis courts, basketball court, playground, greenbelt, pre-school, club house, dog park and so much more.

Call Lori Hagge or Alice Ponti, Realtors, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, ASP, SRES, GRI, CRS Designated

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com

Short Sales Miracle!

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:00:17 -0500

Well, we finally got our short sale funded today. One thing that we learned is that you really need to keep on calling the lender (this one was with Washington Mutual in Florida) and leave messages if they are not there. Sometimes we called 10 times a day. Promises were made and they never delivered. Not only our persistence, but our clients persistence helped get this property closed. If you ever need to know about the banks operation just google them and you might find horror stories. However, these horror stories educated us enough that we knew what we had to do to get this escrow closed.

Lori Hagge & Alice Ponti, Realtors, Century 21 Diablo Valley with over 18 years each of experience

GRI, CRS, ASP & SRES Designated

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com

Short Sales What A Nightmare!

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:09:26 -0500

We have had a condo in escrow for quite some time now. We are dealing with two lenders, the last one being Washington Mutual. Never have we seen such incompetence as we have with this bank. They lost 92 pages at least 3 times. Then the person who is handling this in the loss mitigation department goes on vacation without letting us know. Their voice mails are always full and they don't answer their emails. If we get ths one closed it will certainly be a miracle. When I went on the internet to do a search for possibly a manager or President of that department so that I could get in touch with them to discuss our situation, I noticed that there were plenty of articles about the same subject with the same bank, lots of frusttration. Has anyone every had a succesful close of escrow in a short sale situation with Washington Mutual? Might any one out there have a number of someone who has some clout in Washington Mutual in Jacksonville FL. And by the way we are in California and of course the time difference does not help.

Lori Hagge & Alice Ponti, Realtors Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 998-8844 or 925 980-2544.

And yes we did short sales in the 90's but this is absurd.

Did You Ever Wonder What May Decrease Your Home Value?

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:18:44 -0500

According to our CRS Newslettter in the article Room for Improvement the following information was provided:

Jacuzzi Tub or Rain Showerhead?

Would it be better to put in a jacuzzi tub with multiple jets or a rain showerhead in your shower. Some people like to soak in a tub, but not everyone loves a tub. A rain showerhead adds luxury to a bathroom.

Home Addition?

Many home additons can look boxy or unnatural with the rest of the house. If you do go for an addition,make sure it is well designed.

Trendy Finishes?

Many people fall for the latest sytle or trend when it comes to renovating. As son as it is out of style, it wil most likely look bad. Stick to timeless, classic renovations.

Fix or Replace?

According to Consumer Reports timeline to dertermine when to say "adios" to old appliances that are not operating properly the following information may be helpful to you:

Six years: dishwashers, over the-range microwaes and top-freezer refrigerators

Seven years: clothes dryers and top loader washers

Eight years: bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators, electric or gas ranges, electric wall ovens and front loader washers.

This magazine took into account the age, typical repair and replacement costs and improvements made in the newer models.

Lori Hagge, Realtor - CRS, GRI, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, Concord CA

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 998-8844 cell

Renovating & Staging Your Home Tip

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:10:08 -0500

Are you thinking of renovating, well you might not want to go for the latest style or trend. Why? Because as soon as it is out of style, it will stick out and look bad. One trend that will probably last for a while is custom paneling in maple or mahogany for home appliances. Or stick to timeless, classic renovations. With our ASP (Accredited Staging Professional) designation, we offer free staging when you list your home with the dynamic duo team, Lori Hagge and Alice Ponti. We help you either by using your own furniture and items, we can add to them by using our inventory too! Just another service that we offer when enlisting our real estate services.

Call Lori Hagge or Alice Ponti, Realtor GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

http://www.lorihagge.com or lori@lorihagge.com 925 980-2544 or 925 998-8844 cell phones.

Did You Know?

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:44:00 -0500

And if you did not know, here is the rest of the story. Did you ever wonder why your dishwasher left spotting and filming and improper drying on your dishes, glasses, pots that you put into the dishwasher? If the dishwasher is 130 degrees F or higher, your dishwasher is probably working fine, if it is lower than that is the reason it is more difficult to remove the grease and food on everything including that silverware in the dishwasher.

Call Lori Hagge or ALice Ponti, Realtor - GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated for all of your real estate questions and or real estate needs. Over 36 combined real estate knowledge and experience for a smooth ride from beginning to end. 925 998-8844 or 925 980-2544 cell phones. http://www.lorihagge.com lori @lorihagge.com

Go Green with Cork

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:29:42 -0500

In our newsletter from CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) there was an article about cork. We did not know that cork was not just for wine bottles anymore. Apparently this green material is, well, popping up all over the place, from wall coverings that are durable and soundproof to stylish flooring that is easy on your feet. Then after reading this article we listed a home in the Crossings Subdivision in Concord CA for $645,000 that has a remodeled kitchen and wouldn't you know cork flooring. I can tell you that I have tile on my kitchen floor that is on a slab and although I love it, when I stand for a long time cooking (yes I do cook too) my back and knees hurt. After doing an open house and standing for about 3 hours at the house with the cork flooring, I felt no aches or pains when I left. This article also talked about how cork is naturally antimicrobial and insect-repellent, and it does not absorb dust. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak, the material is eco-friendly and renewable. So. you can save a tree and look to cork the next time you are considering what to do with that outdated parquet kitchen floor. If you want one of our newsletters that CRS provides us and allows us to share this information with you, please don't hesitate to email or call us.

Alice Ponti & Lori Hagge, Realtor - GRI, CRS, ASP, & SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 980-2544 or 925 998-8844 cell phones.

Providing Something of Value to Your Clients - Try This Website!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:17:50 -0500

Last year we added another designation to our accomplishments, the SRES designation, (Senior Residential Real Estate Specialist). We learned so much from the class. We were able to pick up a free copy of New Lifestyles magazine the Source for Seniors which is a guide for Senior Housing and Care. The one that covers the San Francisco Bay covers Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. This magazine is free and you can call 1 800-869-9549 or go to their website: http://www.NewLifeStyles.com. I was looking into something like this for my mom but unfortunately she died in November 2007. However, I know this magazine is something of value that I might be able to give to my clients who may also have parents that need to have a place to reside. Providing our clients with information that makes their lives easier is a great way to keep in touch with your clients.

Alice Ponti & Lori Hagge, Realtor - GRI, CRS, ASP, SRES Designated, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 980-2544 or 925 998-8844 cell phones

Historic Homes Online

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:04:51 -0500

In last years issue of our Certified Residential Specialist magazine, I saved the following websites and thought it would be nice to share these with you. These sites are just a few of the best places to get information about historic homes online.

National Park Service guidelines and standards: http://www.hps.gov/history/standards.htm

National Register Owner Information: http://nps.gov/nr/owners.htm

National Register of Historic Places http://nps.gov/nr/

Federal Tax Easement Regulations: http://nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax/easement.htm

State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit: http://ntcicfunds.com/basics_state.html

Lori Hagge & Alice Ponti, Realtor, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty

CRS, GRI, ASP, SRES Designated with over 36 years combined experience.

http://www.lorihagge.com lori@lorihagge.com 925 980-2544 and 925 998-8844 cell phones

Homes Open Today Website

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:35:39 -0500

Hi: All of our listings that are being held open will go on the CCAR (Contra Costa Board of Realtors) new website http://www.homesopenttoday.com/ or Hot for short. This site currently covers the Greater East Bay and is totally dedicated to providing the public with free access to information on real estate open houses. This new website is also good for our buyers, giving them lots of details about each property, like price range, number of baths and bedrooms, garages, fireplaces, sq. footage, if there a Home Owners Association etc. This is a 24/7 site for all of the open houses and you can find out if there is an open house even if it is 4 weeks or so down the road. This site is designed to be, no clutter, no advertising and no fluff. It is updated and always fresh and accurate information.

Check out our open houses in the upcoming weeks and if you are thinking about selling or listing give us a call and let us present our marketing information to you.

We offer many benefits to you, one of them being that we are hands on and we do not charge you to stage your home. Staging is so important these days especially in this market. Call us for a no obligation free appointment to discuss your needs.

Alice Ponti & Lori Hagge, Realtors, ASP, GRI, CRS, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, 4691 A Clayton Road, Concord

P.S. We work the East Bay Area and have been Realtors for the past 17 years each.

An Invitation For You

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:19:52 -0500

LeTip Diablo Valley Chapter invites you to attend our ongoing meetings on Thursdays from 11:31 a.m. until 1:01 p.m. The meeting place has changed and currently takes place at Tahoe Joe's in Pleasant Hill on Contra Costa Blvd. across from Sears Department Store. If you are looking to learn new networking skills and garner more business in a fun and exciting environment please call Lori Hagge, Membership chair to save you a space and order your lunch. Membership is limited to-one business per profession and visitors are welcome.

Lori Hagge, LeTip Membership Chair for the Diablo Valley Chapter of Concord.

Gas Mileage Websites

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:14:32 -0500

We don't know if any of you are aware of the different websites that might be of value to you when checking for gasoline for your car. The U.S. Department of Energy's website is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/states/index.shtml. How about entering your zip code or street names for the lowest gas prices, well then go to www.gaspricewatch.com for a specific area that you might be in. So you think you want a state-by-state average gasoline price go to www.fuelgaugereport.com. I have not tried this one but go to www.automotive.com/gasprices/index.html. And lastly try www.gasbuddy.com and search for the lowest gas price in a specific area, just enter the zip code or street name.

What with traveling this summer for your vacation, these sites should help you save some money adn the U.S. Department of Energy has an interactive U.S. map.

Have a great and safe time this summer.

Alice Ponti & Lori Hagge, CRS, GRI, ASP, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, http://www.lorihagge.com

Living With Two Loved Ones That Have Cancer Can Be Exhausting

Sat, 26 May 2007 10:38:49 -0500

Some of you have asked. Well my husband will be getting his 6th cycle of chemo next week. It has been a long haul for him. He began treatment about 6 years ago for his CLL (Leukemia) and has done quit well. He goes for a week a month for 6 months. This time it has been a little more aggressive, but what a trooper he is. The doctors said not to worry about the Thyroid cancer that they think he might have now, this one is easy to take care of. The CLL is usually easy too, but he has had so much chemo and this time he is in a clinical trial study. I know that everyone you talk to knows someone who has been affected by Cancer.

My mom lives with us and she has lung cancer and we have Hospice coming by 5 days a week. What a wonderful organization. She is 85 and has elected not to get treatments because every time she goes in for an operation, something happens. For instance she went in for a simple cataract surgery and lost her vision in that one eye. She went in to have her carotids cleaned and she had a stroke. A lot more has happened to her but I am lucky to have a strong mom as she continues to amaze me as to her strength and desire to live.

My husband also shows so much strength as he continues his treatment. He was so looking forward to retirement and when he did, he began his treatments again. Even though he has not been able to golf he keeps a good attitude. In fact I am now taking golf lessons and last year he actually went out on the course in Tahoe and we played 9 holes together.

These two loved ones have exhibited such a positive attitude and it certainly helps. It is not always rosy here, we have had our ups and downs with these terrible diseases of cancer, but we are getting through it and we are taking one day at a time.

On the other hand, the Caretaker must have strength, but it sure is hard to be up all the time. Sometimes, I feel like a bouncing ball and am not sure where I am going. Once again Hospice has come not only to my mom's aid but to my aid. They have steered me in the right direction, they have given me ideas, they have given me support, they have provided me with everything that they can think of to make not only my family's life easier, but my life too!

If you do not know what Hospice can do for you and your loved ones, you need to have someone from that organization come and talk to you. My mom also has emphysema and this is one of the diseases that you can get Palliative Care from Hospice. There are many other things that are under Palliative Care. If you are a caretaker and need some help, I urge you to call Hospice as soon as possible.

Hope this helps anyone who is struggling with that a family member who has cancer, someone themselves who has cancer or someone they know who needs some help.

Have a Blessed Day, I always try to.

Lori Hagge, Realtor Associate, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Staging Professional

Luxury Home Listings

Sat, 26 May 2007 10:13:55 -0500

Hi: We are looking for specific websites that cater to the luxury homes. We know of the normal ones, but was wondering what other sites that you have placed your Fine Homes on.

Also, how about other types of advertising such as magazines, etc. What have you done to get these higher priced homes to sell?

Thanks, Alice Ponti and Lori Hagge, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Staging Professionals, lori@lorihagge.com

How To Build Your Business

Sat, 26 May 2007 10:06:44 -0500

Well, Tony Roma's in Concord lost their lease and the day before our networking meeting we got a call that we could not meet there anymore. We are in the process of finding a new place that is close to freeway access. As of this writing we have 13 members and once we get 15 members we will charter our chapter, The Diablo Valley LeTip Group. These 15 members will be considered the founding members of this chapter. Our hopes is to have 50 Professionals in our networking group by the end of this year and then 100 by the next year.

If anyone is looking to join a group of fun business people, we still meet on Thursdays at lunch time from 11:31 a.m. to 1:01 p.m. It is a great way to build your business. So why not come and check us out. Call or email us for additional information about this great networking group.

Lori Hagge, Realtor Associate, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Staging Professionals, Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty, lori@lorihagge.com. www.lorihagge.com 925 998-8844 cell phone