Short Sale Short Side - 2 ¢ Worth of Advice - 05/31/07 05:41 PM
The changes in interest rates have brought forth a proliferation of short sales into the marketplace. There have been many interesting articles on how to "do" a short sale. This is not one of them. This is an article on how to work with a short sale. If I had to pick the most ticklish topic to discuss on short sales, I'd have to pick (no it's not the lenders)...the sellers themselves.
It's not easy to put ourselves in the shoes of the person going through this real estate and credit trauma. There are no support groups that can help you … (5 comments)
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Feeling Pressured When Buying A House in Orange County, California? - 05/31/07 04:45 PM
Buying a home can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. After searching, you may find a home that other people have just "found" as well. It's possible your agent will tell you that there are other offers on the home and it's necessary to make an offer right away. You may want to think about it, but you'll have a concern that if you take time to think about it you may miss out on your dream home. What should you do?
Listen to your agent's advice. If you really love the home, doesn't it stand to reason that someone … (2 comments)
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The Laguna Playhouse - Get Your Tickets Now for Menopause The Musical - 05/31/07 03:20 PM
Menopause The Musical will be performed at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach from July 10th - September 2nd. .If you are a women over forty or know a woman over forty, do yourself and her a great big favor and buy tickets for a performance of this hilarious play. It's the story of four over forty gals who are strangers and meet in Bloomingdale's during an afternoon of shopping. Even if you don't like musicals, you'll be rolling in the aisles with some of the parodies they come up with for some very familiar pop chart hits. Here's how to … (4 comments)
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Updated Writing Tool - 05/31/07 02:12 PM
As a kid, the dictionary was one of my favorite books. Truth be told, it probably still is. But today, with spell check, we probably don't have as much need for the 2 pound version. Still, even with the great tools available in our computer programs, I still like to check things out in the dictionary --- online. Yep, Merriam-Webster has an online dictionary. It's pretty cool. You can even hear how the word should be pronounced. So next time you wonder if it should be pronounced "tow may tow" or "tow mah tow" Just click on m-w.com type in the … (7 comments)
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Thank You For Your Service - 05/28/07 04:10 PM
Simple words, but nonetheless heartfelt. I just returned from the Eighteenth Annual Memorial Day Observance at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. This lovely old, county-owned cemetery is home to oak trees that are over 100 years old. It was a beautiful setting today with the temperature a mild 70o. I sat among possibly 300 others who had gathered to honor those who have given so much to preserve our freedom and to purchase the freedom of so many others.
The National Anthem, America the Beautiful. and Battle Hymn of the Republic were sung by the Saddleback Master Chorale. All … (9 comments)
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Attention Orange County Home Sellers - Top 10 Reasons Why Your Home Didn't Sell - 05/26/07 02:00 PM
Selling a home is something most people seldom do. Since it typically takes some effort and a little inconvenience to accomplish, most people who decide to sell their homes have a reason to do so that outweighs the reasons not to sell. So, if after making the effort the house didn't sell, this can be very frustrating. Here's a list of the top 10 reasons a home doesn't sell in Orange County with number 10 being the most important.
Hard to show - the hours the home is available to show are limited or there is no lockbox.Out-dated; Flooring, colors, appliances, bathrooms … (15 comments)
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Laguna Woods Village Says Farewell To A Landmark - 05/24/07 06:49 PM
Last week marks the demise of a South Orange County landmark. When the development called Leisure World was first built back in the 1960's, the Rossmoor Corp. erected a beautiful globe to market the homes. It's original location was just about where Laguna Hills City Hall stands today on El Toro Road, just south of Avenida de la Carlotta and the 5 freeway.
In the early 1970s: the globe was moved to a lot near Ridge Route and Moulton Parkway. In 1982: the globe was donated to the County of Orange. In the late 1990's the globe moved to a lot on Avenida de la Carlota … (4 comments)
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Do You Remember Your First Kiss? - 05/24/07 05:43 PM
Do You Remember Your first kiss? Was it sweet? Sure hope so. But, what you're thinking may not be what I'm asking. Maybe I should clarify that with... Do you remember your first Hershey's Kiss? I sure do. What a thrill to carefully pull that little paper flag and try to unwrap the foil all in one perfect sheet, then roll that lovely soft chocolate between your thumb and forefinger and plop it on your tongue. Pure delight!
Well, this year, candles are in order. The Hershey's Kiss celebrates its 100th birthday. Just thought you might like to know. It may not be … (7 comments)
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Will I Lose Points If I Eat The Cheez-its? - 05/24/07 12:27 AM
I received an email from one of the great all time clients. It had one simple sentence, "Will I lose points if I eat the Cheez-its?" I staged their home on Friday to get ready for the photo shoot. One of the things I placed in the kitchen was some tall jars filled with some visually interesting things. One jar is layered with colored beans, another with some pasta and the third jar you guessed it---is filled with Cheez-its. I started to email her back, then decided to call instead. I explained she was welcome to eat the Cheez-its and she … (42 comments)
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Great Resource For Seniors and People With Disabilities - 05/21/07 10:48 PM
On May 11th the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member with a ribbon cutting. This is a business that everyone needs to know about. At Home Living Solutions is a company dedicated to helping people maintain their independence despite aging and/or disabilities. With our population graying so rapidly (someone turns 60 every second), there is a tremendous need for this type of business.
At Home Living Solutions is a construction company that aids in consulting, design and construction and installation of access ramps, stair lifts, elevators, pool lifts, upright bathing units and a number of other access related items. They … (13 comments)
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Laguna Niguel, California - Condo Just A Few Miles From The Beach At An Affordable Price - 05/21/07 06:10 PM
#6F6F65;"> … (2 comments)
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Temporary Masterpieces - 05/21/07 03:53 PM
For the ninth year, the Fun with Chalk Art Festival, sponsored by The Children's Creative Festival, a non-profit organization was held in Mission Viejo, California. The proceeds from the event provide funding for fine arts programs for children in Orange County, California. The annual event is an Italian-style street painting festival. It was honored by the United States Congress on July 8, 2003. The festival was held at Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way at La Paz Rd., Mission Viejo, California. For information about next year's event call:
For info call 877-WeChalk(1-877-932-4255) Toll free in Californiaor 949-367-1222 Please rate this … (7 comments)
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Seniors and Disabled Advocacy - 05/21/07 12:26 AM
There is a very special organization in Orange County that offers advocacy for people with disabilities and for seniors. It's called the Dayle McIntosh Center. They originally opened in Garden Grove and now have an office is Laguna Hills. Their mission statement reads:
"To advance the empowerment, equality, integration, and full participation of people with disabilities in the community."
Here's a thumbnail sketch of the services this not-for-profit organization makes available to the community:
Advocacy - Assist people with disabilities with concerns that affect their ability to live independently.
Aging with Vision Loss - Assists individuals who are at least fifty-five years old and who … (4 comments)
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Rancho Santa Margarita - Ground Floor - End Unit - Dream Kitchen - 05/20/07 03:08 AM
… (5 comments)
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Selling Broker Commission $1 - 05/18/07 03:05 AM
What do you do when you see the commission offered is $1?
Let's say you've been sending listings to a prospective buyer for months. They've finally gotten pre-approved and want to start going to look at houses. They give you a list of the homes they want to see. By chance, while checking availability, you notice that the commission offered to the Selling Office is $1.
This presents quite a dilemma. How can anyone honestly work for $1? That won't even buy more than a few miles worth of gasoline. So, how do you handle it?
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange … (15 comments)
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Hawk Stadium Nears Completion - 05/14/07 06:26 PM
Laguna Hills High School Stadium is Scheduled to Open This Fall
The Hawks' first home game is scheduled for September 21st against the El Toro Chargers. Judging from this photo from www.ocvarsity.com posted by Dan Albano on April 2nd, it looks like the Hawks are on target to be ready to host their first home game in their own stadium.
The school has been using the stadium at Mission Viejo High School for all their home games in the past. This has been a long-awaited addition to Laguna Hills High School. It's a school with a lot of heart---now they'll have a stadium, … (3 comments)
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Tip for Updating Your Professional Photo - 05/13/07 07:36 PM
As real estate professionals, we have our photos everywhere. On our business cards, signs, blogs, websites, emails and other places I probably haven't even included here. When you think about all the websites alone that have your photo on file it boggles the mind. Trying to keep a current photo uploaded everywhere your photo appears can get pretty laborious just trying to remember every place we need to update. In an effort to make this task simpler every other year when I update my photo I decided I needed a system...it needed to be Gerberized. Being a former accountant, what else? … (9 comments)
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Cell Phone Phenomenon - 05/12/07 01:58 PM
In Steve Martin's 1991 movie, L.A. Story, there is a scene where he and his girlfriend (Marilu Henner) are riding down Rodeo Drive. The top of their Mercedes is down and they're both on cell phones. The frame widens to show other cars with everyone in the cars on their cell phones. The movie audience howled with laughter. Fast forward to the 2000's...This is no longer an uncommon scene. There are some great articles here on the rain about cell phone etiquette, but nowhere have I seen this discussed.
Today, it's not uncommon to see a group of teens or generation xers … (7 comments)
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Allstate Will No Longer Write Homeowner's Policies in California - 05/11/07 09:36 PM
Today, during a conversation with a South Orange County Allstate agent he told me that Allstate has opted to write no more homeowner's insurance policies in California. I asked what would happen to the existing policyholders. He said they'd be okay. He said it actually will be good for him because as an Allstate agent, he would actually be able to choose from several insurance carriers that Allstate has approved for the agents to use.
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner's responded to Allstate's announcement with some very strong language:
"Allstate's actions in California mirror its recent retreat in other markets such as Florida and New York, … (10 comments)
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Relocation Company Affiliation - Blessing or Curse? - 05/11/07 01:30 AM
Like most agents, I'm always working to broaden my referral base. I've wondered if working with relocation companies is really worth the effort. I've read some interesting posts here in the rain on the subject. Gerhard Ade's post in August 2006 was pretty clearly con on relo companies. It was appropriately titled "Are Relocation Companies Relocating a Chunk of Your Commission?" Dave Rosenmarkles November 2006 article was not positive either---The title read, " Reclocation Companies-Necessary Evil". Jim Lee's March 2007 article gave a positive spin "How to Win the Relocation Game".
The Active Rain community represents literally thousands of years of … (6 comments)
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You've Just Gotta See This! - 05/10/07 07:14 PM
Today the old Mission at San Juan Capistrano was alive with color. Even the water lillies were blooming. The walls of the old mission in the background are a reminder of the huge mission that once stood here. It was the hub of the City of San Juan Capistrano. Th mission was established in 1776, in what is now one of California's oldest cities.
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced South Orange … (2 comments)
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Cash Giveaway At Ralph's Laguna Hills - 05/07/07 02:30 AM
On Friday afternoon, I watched Ralph's Store Manager, Jim Mirsch, distribute $2,500 checks like they were "cents off coupons". Ralph's was celebrating their Grand Re-Opening by giving back to the community that has helped them become so successful.
Mayor Melody Carruth kicked off the event with thanks to Ralph's for being such good neighbors. She thanked them especially for allowing card tables to be set up for Girl Scout cookie sales and voter registration.
The first check went to Valencia Elementary. Principal Sharon Vestermark accepted the check and said the money would be used to re-outfit the school's computer lab.
Lomarena Elementary … (0 comments)
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A Million Thanks-May is National Military Appreciation Month - 05/05/07 12:08 PM
The month of May is National Military Appreciation Month. A gal named Shauna Fleming started an organization called "A Million Thanks". One of the things they do is collect thank you notes for our troops. What an encouragement this is to our American men and women who serve in the military.
For the whole month of May they've placed collection boxes in Buick, GMC, and Pontiac dealerships across the country to collect our thank you cards. Pretty cool huh? The organization is also a great resource to learn how we can encourage our service men and women in many other ways. There … (11 comments)
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"MOONANDBACK" - 05/03/07 02:22 PM
The AP headline reads: Astronaut Walter Schirra dies at 84
Can you remember when we stood breathlessly in front of TV screens to watch each launch and recovery? I was a teenager in the sixties and my mom worked as an electronics assembler at Autonetics in Anaheim, CA. She would tell stories over the dinner table of things she was working on, but as a kid I never paid as much attention as I should. She worked on wiring many of the manned spacecraft and even some of the first computer chips.
Today, there are launches and landings that barely make it … (2 comments)
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13 Things PMS Stands For - 05/03/07 12:43 AM
A friend sent this to me today and I just had to share it with you!
13 Things PMS Stands For
1. Pass My Shotgun
2. Psychotic Mood Shift
3. Perpetual Munching Spree
4. Puffy Mid-Section
5. People Make me Sick
6. Provide Me with Sweets
7. Pardon My Sobbing
8. Pimples May Surface
9. Pass My Sweat pants
10. Pissy Mood Syndrome
11. Plainly; Men Suck
12. Pack My Stuff
and my favorite one.
13. Potential Murder Suspect
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - … (6 comments)
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UCI Arboretum-Spring Perennial Sale - 05/02/07 05:51 PM
UCI Arboretum-Spring Perennial Sale presents its popular annual SPRING PERENNIAL SALE
Saturday, May 19th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Sunday, May 20th 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They have some very unique spring perennials for sale
Expert advice on selection and care
Visit the gardens in peak bloom!
Admission only $2.00 Ample Free Parking
For more information please call (949) 824-5833
Location: UC Irvine Arboretum-North Campus
UC Irvine-Irvine California
Corner of Jamboree Rd & Campus Drive
Photo below is part of the surrounding gardens of indigenous drought-resistant plants.
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President … (2 comments)
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IRS ~ DIRTY TRICK - 05/02/07 11:59 AM
Late Friday afternoon, I found out that the IRS had placed a levy on my earnings. I frantically called my CPA. No answer. So, I thought, "What the heck, I'll call the 800# for IRS and see if by some slim chance there's somebody I can talk with". I was surprised that once I had waited on cue for about 5 minutes, a live person answered my call. We were able to resolve the matter quickly and agree that the IRS actually owes me money, not the other way around.
Well, that's the good news. I was able to reach someone and … (20 comments)
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Taking Time To Play - 05/02/07 01:54 AM
In a world filled with so much to do, taking time to play often gets shoved aside. Sometimes I feel like I am overtaken by "the tyranny of the urgent". Something that I learned from coach, Joe Stumpf of By Referral Only is the concept of blended time. You don't need to take a whole day off to feel like you've take a day off. Something my buddy, Lynda Eisenmann and I like to do is toss our bikes into our trucks and drive down to the beach midweek. We ride from Newport Beach to Sunset Beach. We take along our cell … (0 comments)
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Are You Living Like A Billionaire? - 05/02/07 01:30 AM
In each year there are:
365 days
8,760 hours
525,600 minutes
31,536,000 seconds
In an average lifespan of 85 years we each have:
31,025 days
744,600 hours
44,676,000 minutes
2,680,560,000 seconds (That's over 2 ½ billion seconds!)
We have an incredible wealth of time! Measured in minutes we're time millionaires. In relationship to seconds, our time bank accounts potentially hold billions! And if you're a believer this life on earth is only a temp job---God has an incredible gift of eternity waiting for us!
QUESTION: Does this idea of being a time millionaire or billionaire evoke a positive or negative feeling for you?
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Marlene Bridges, … (1 comments)
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