Diane's Blog

Renovating or remodeling? Start with the foundation!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:40:26 -0600

Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant):

As a former Realtor, a property investor/flipper, and now a home inspector, I've seen the best and worst of renovation and remodeling.

My own definition of the two is that remodeling is small scale and involves only selected rooms, while renovation gets much more extensive -- foundation repairs, new roof, etc.

I'm sure we've all remodeled a kitchen or bathroom. But how many of us have remodeled every room in the house, replaced every appliance, replaced the roof, repaired the foundation, redone the exterior walls, renovated the fireplace and chimney, installed new doors and windows, etc.? That's renovation.

Whether you're remodeling a room or renovating the structure, I have just one suggestion:

Start with the foundation

If you follow that suggestion, you'll find that 99% of the time your remodeling and renovation will hold up. If you remodel a room but don't address any foundation problems, you'll likely get cracks in the walls, ceilings, and the beautiful tile floor that you just installed.

I can't tell you how many times I've been in renovated homes over in our older neighborhoods (Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, and Kensington) where the beautiful remodeling and renovation was done "just last year" but is already full of cracks again. When I crawl under the house, well, sometimes I wonder what is holding the house up.

Following are some interesting foundation work in homes that I've inspected. All of them were in homes that had been renovated or the owners consulted me about how to upgrade their foundations so that they wouldn't have problems with their renovation and remodeling.

The following picture shows foundation renovation. I have not been able to find the design specifications for bent nails, perhaps because there are none.

In the following picture, you can see the brand new concrete piers that have been installed, but all the soil around the footings is gone!

Unfortunately, the tile floor, installed just a few months ago, had cracks everywhere. The owners were considering suing the floor installation people and had called me in to document the bad work. The lawsuit did not happen.

It took a while to determine where all the soil went, but ultimately we did. Turns out that a few years previous, the city had poured a new street drainage culvert to the side of this house. Unfortunately, common in San Diego's dry climate, no one went out during our short rainy season to determine if the culvert was functioning properly. It wasn't. Every time it rained, the water was running through this foundation, right to left, and carrying all the soil away. It took a couple of years to re-work the foundation and replace the tile floors, mainly because of the expense involved.

In the following renovation, a large eucalyptus tree had been removed from near the house foundation. Hey, why not use that large tree trunk to help support the foundation? This is another instance where I could not find any structural engineering specifications for the tree trunk, although I will admit that I didn't try, either.

In the following picture, just a small corner of the house was sagging, so some good river rock was supposed to solve the problem, but as you can see, that front one isn't supporting anything anyway. This type of interesting fix could prevent the corner from sagging further, but it doesn't address the sagging that had already occurred.

And finally, I find the following type of damage way too often. Usually it is caused by plumbers, but in this one, the HVAC company that was hired to remove the old floor heater and put in nice central heating and cooling found that the darn ol' foundation wall was in the way, so they just blasted through it. No problem!

So even if you recognize the fact that the foundation needs to be addressed before doing any other remodeling or renovation, once the foundation repairs have been done, have a home inspector check on those repairs. The good eyes of a third party can help protect your investment before the company's warranty on their work expires.

There's more to being a home inspector than just doing home inspections for buyers and pre-listing inspections for sellers.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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The ActiveRain Nature Station: Do you have an elephant in your back yard?

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The ActiveRain Nature Station: Hope you have a sunny day

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The ActiveRain Nature Station: If it doesn't happen at your place....

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San Diego home inspections with Russel Ray: When your insurance company says no

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WE ARE ACTIVERAIN! - Featured

The ActiveRain Nature Station: Would you want this running around your child's classroom?

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Tuesday's Thoughts - Life Isn't Always A Walk In The Park

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:54:48 -0600

Via Jenny Kotulak Oakville Real Estate (Broker RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Oakville, Ontario):

But why isn't it? There are lots of reasons, none of which I am going to delve into in this post. This post is just about making the time for that walk in the park. Or a stroll by the lake, or a hike in a forest, or even just a quick jaunt around the block. Get outside into the fresh air. It clears your head and it's great for your heart.

Take the time to really look and listen.  You never know what you may encounter.



Jenny Kotulak Broker - RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage, Oakville, Ontario 905-842-7000

             www.oakvilleontariorealestate.ca

Reduce your office expenses...

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:43:08 -0600

From yesterday's Did you know...

On Average, US office employees generate 1 1/2 pounds of paper each work day.

Paper is one of the largest expenses per employee and office has. To streamline your paper costs here are some tips:

Reducing images to be printed by using routing lists, e-mail, electronic faxing, online viewing and reduding print overruns.

Increasing the amount of two-sided copying and printing.

Reducing page sizes and printing 4 pages on one sheet.

Reusing paper by making scratch pads from paper used only on one side.

Conducting employee awareness campaigns but paper waste, hold a office contest for largest reduction.

Collect paper for recycling.

Shredded paper can be used as great packing material...

I hope these tips help you save $$$ as well as help our environment.

"Good Morning Activerain Members"

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:13:35 -0600

Via ROBERT A.SWETZ - Commercial Real Estate (Commercial Real Estate - www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com):

"Good Morning Activerain Members"

I would like to wish everyone a good morning to you and as we get closer to the end on November 2009, and where did the year go?

When ever we get towards the end of the year we think back to the begining as a whole on our ups & downs, and what we can do to change coming into the new year.

Let's think positive and try to create a good start in the next year to come!

And "Good Morning" from Las Vegas Nevada.

Post & Pic by Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob)

www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com

RE Class to Start Soon

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:25 -0600

Howdy folks of Northern NH. If you know anyone who is interested in acquiring the 40 hours of pre-Licensing class for Real Estate salesperson of 40 of the 60 hours needed for becoming a broker in NH; an new class will be starting in Northumberland in December 5th. Please have interested persons e-mail me at diane@caronsgre.com or call me at 636-2626 I will be ordering class materials on November 27th. Thanks be spreading the word...

Enthusiasm Carries The Day

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:47:07 -0600

Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):

If you are enthusiastic about your business and the opportunities you have to interact with the public, if you are passioante about your business and the way you deliver your product or service to the marketplace, and you are a delight to talk with because of your attitude, then you will do well.

Today has been a great day. i have been fortunate to have had several conversations with such individuals. They are a real joy to be around, and the success of their businesses are evidence of that.

Not that product knowledge isn't important, but give me enthusiasm and passion first. That will carry the day, even in the absence of other skills.

───

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Motivational Monday - "Freedom"

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:46:49 -0600

Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):

We cherish freedom, but freedom only works with respect for our boundaries. Just as these horses are free to run and roam and graze, there is a distant fence that sets the limit of their freedom. Freedom without limits is not healthy.

───

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in anyway.

Tips to improve your credit score

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:44:12 -0600

Top Tips to Improve your Credit

1. Review your current credit report for accuracy. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus-Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Get a copy of your credit report and look at it for accuracy. First, make sure that the information in your file is about you and only you, not someone who has a similar name or a similar Social Security number. It is very common for your credit reports to have mistakes or incorrect information. At a minimum, make sure that the information you are being evaluated on is current and correct.

2. Repair credit report mistakes. If you find something on your credit report that is incorrect or missing, you should dispute the mistake by contacting the credit bureaus directly. All credit bureaus have their dispute procedures on their website. They are also required by law to investigate any disputed items and these investigations will usually be done within 30 days of your request.

3. Pay your bills on time. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your credit score. Paying bills on time is the most important thing to do. If you're struggling to catch up, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule.

4. Increase the length of your credit history. This accounts for about 15% of your score. Don't cancel your old card or get a lot of new ones in a short time span because this can hurt your score.

5. Keep credit card balances low. It's a good idea to keep the balances below 25% of your available credit. Even if you pay off your credit cards every month, a high average balance will impact your score. This accounts for about 30% of your credit score.

6. Keep new credit requests to a minimum. This accounts for 10% of your score. Every time a lender runs your credit, an inquiry is recorded. If you are trying to get a loan, don't apply for new credit cards first.

7. Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report. It will stay on your report for seven years.

8. Pay off debt rather than moving it around. The most effective way to improve your credit score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your score.

9. Beware credit-repair scams. By all means, don't pay someone to wipe away the negative items in your file. If they don't follow through, the damaging items will reappear in two or three months.

Work When You're Working

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:44:22 -0600

Via Marte Cliff (Marte Cliff Copywriting):

A couple of days ago I reblogged Clint Miller’s excellent post on things you must do if you plan to be a successful real estate sales person.

One of the points he made was that it is vital to stick to a set working schedule – not allow yourself to decide that you don’t feel like working today. I agree with him. I also think it’s important to “Work when you’re working.”

I can’t count how many times I’ve watched real estate agents sitting at their desks gossiping, or shopping on line, or playing video games. Now there are even more ways to fritter away time – such as playing around on Facebook.

Why do they do this?

For one thing, it’s awfully easy to get pulled in when someone else wants to waste their time talking about last night’s episode of some TV show, or gossiping about one of the closers at the Title Company, or telling their tales of woe about spouses, kids, or in-laws.

Sometimes those folks just come right on over and pull up a chair and start talking.

While it isn’t a great policy to be rude to co-workers, you do have to find a way to take back your time. You need to learn to say “Gee Helen, I’d love to hear about that, but I promised to have this done by 2:00. I need to get back to work.”

When the person trying to steal your time is a guest who just walked in to visit knowing that “You aren’t doing anything” because you’re at a desk, you can use the same tactic. Or… if you know the person is too rude to take that hint, you can look at your watch and say “Oh gosh! I didn’t realize it was so late. I have to be somewhere in 15 minutes!” (It's not a lie, you have to be anywhere except sitting there wasting time!)

Then excuse yourself and actually leave the office. If you think your guest will hang around talking to everyone else, use the time to check on your signs or refill your brochure boxes. (Of course you do have extra copies in your car at all times, don’t you?) You could also pick a neighborhood and drive through looking for FSBO’s – if you find one, stop and offer your free report. Maybe there’s a home nearby that you’d like to preview – use your cell phone to call the agent and see if you can go there right then.

Now for the toughest one… what if it’s YOU who is stealing your time?

This happens for a lot of reasons. Sometimes you’re just plain tired or discouraged. You might need to schedule an evening out just having fun. You might even need to schedule a day or two away from the office, doing something totally unrelated to real estate. Everyone can get bogged down when they think about the same thing day after day, and if you’ve just had a disappointment after working hard on a transaction, depression can also set it.

That’s when you need to do something pro-active to pick yourself up - wasting time is apt to make you feel even worse.

But often, not working when you’re working is because you haven’t set up a system to reach your goals. You haven’t told yourself what you need to accomplish each day, so when you find a free hour you don’t know what to do with it.

This can especially be a problem if you really have just an hour or a half hour before your next commitment. Everything you think about doing seems like it will take too long – so there’s no sense getting started and having to stop.

What’s the cure?

Make a list and keep it handy. When you have a free half hour, take out the list and choose a task to fill that time. Start with things that will only take a few minutes.

Follow up calls to current prospects

Staying in touch calls to past and present clients

For both of these, put names and #’s on the list so you don’t have to hunt for them. Then when you call, note the date next to each name… so you’ll know where to begin next time you have those extra few minutes.

Checking your briefcase to make sure you do have those extra flyer box brochures in case you see a box that’s empty.

Transferring notes on phone calls, etc. to the permanent file on a current transaction.

Uploading photos from your camera.

Checking the MLS for Expired listings.

Working on a post for Active Rain!

Now, for those times when you have a whole day with nothing scheduled, add some items that can take an hour or a few hours:

Following up on all your leads

Writing an ad for your new listing, or updating an ad for an old listing.

Working on marketing copy for print publications.

Writing a letter for your autoresponder series.

Writing a prospecting letter for mailing

Updating a property brochure for a flyer box

Working on your own personal brochure

Creating a postcard to go to your farming area

Working on your newsletter

Working on your “special reports” for buyers and sellers

Writing another Active Rain post

Taking new photos to use in a Localism post

I know you can add to both of these lists – they’re just examples of what you might include - the important part is to make them so that you do have something positive to accomplish when you find yourself with a little free time.

I don’t know the “why” of it, but sometimes even when you know there’s plenty to do, you just can’t think what it is! And yet, you know that when the hour or so is up your brain will kick in and you’ll say “Darn, I could have used that time to… “

So make the list - don’t let free time turn into expensive time because it was wasted time.

Since you DO have plenty of things to do each day, you might also enjoy reading these two posts about the "Highest and best use" of your time.

Delgate the Busy Work and Should you be Writing?

More Tall Tales from the Classroom! (Humor)

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:14:45 -0600

Via Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ):

A friend of mine watches her grandson after school because both parents work. Sean is in second grade and never ceases to amaze her.

It seems Sean came home from school last week and announced that they had learned how to make ‘babies' in school that day.

My friend was a little shocked; after all we never learned that in second grade. But she took a deep breath and trying to remain calm said, "That's interesting Sean, how do you make babies?"

Munching his after school cookies, Sean said, "It's really easy, you change the ‘y' to ‘i' and add ‘es'."

Thank you Men and Women of Our Military

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:54:05 -0600

Via Kevin Cavanaugh Associate Broker, ABR (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Rand Realty):

This was taken this year in August to honor the 812 Military Police returning from Iraq. The parade was held in Tappan, NY in Rockland County. It was quite a nice time and also very moving during the ceremony. It makes you really appreciate what these men and women are asked to do. Have a great day everyone.

FOR ALL YOUR ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY REAL ESTATE NEEDS, CONTACT ME AT KEVINCAVANAUGHONLINE.COM

The DC Memorials To Veterans

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:47:32 -0600

Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):

Living in suburban Maryland, I'm only a short trip to Washington DC and the many memorials to our Veterans of all wars. I'm not able to go down there today but I've been there many times in the past. Here are a few photos from the past years visits.

The military remembers it's own at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetary. Dedicated to those soldiers who's remains couldn't be identified. Known only to God.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7/365 by one of their own. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb is meticulous in its execution, and compelling in its meaning.

With a precision only the military can achieve, the gravesites can be seen in any direction. Together forever.

It took far too long for the country to honor those veterans from WWII with their own Memorial. Many of the veterans never got the chance to see how the country chose to honor their huge accomplishment to humanity. Every day you can see the last of the generation sitting on stone benchs with their memories.

Too bad the "War To End All Wars," didn't.

The Memorial consists of two large, identical, pavillions. One dedicated to the war in the Atlantic, and the mirror image to the war in the Pacific. Smaller memorials dedicated to each State and Territory who sent their own to fight for freedom.

The wall of stars in front of a small reflecting pool. I was told by a park employee that each star represents 100 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are 4,000 stars on the wall. Far too many.

Korea, the forgotten war. Statues of soldiers on patrol, thousands of miles from home. Its seems like that's always the case.

Large numbers that many of us have forgotten.

No truer words were ever written, especially on Veterans Day.

Reflecting wall with the ghostly images of veterans of the Korean War.

There is no more compelling Memorial than the Vietnam Memorial. The start black granite, with the names of soldiers who never returned can't adequately be described. When you experience it, you will never be the same.

The reflections of the crowd on this day was a very surreal effect. The mixing of the reflections of the living with the names of the dead.

Nothing needs to be said here.

The contribution of the nurses who served in Vietnam can never be diminished.

These pictures belong to the nation and you're free to use them with the respect that they deserve.

Wordless Wednesday ......nothing else needs said....or does it?

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:43:01 -0600

Via Zane Coffin (Geneva Ohio Real Estate Agent) (Century-21 Homestar):

Do I really have to say anything more?...Yes one thing...THANK YOU

We Salute the Veterans!!!! Thank YOU!!!!!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:20:32 -0600

Via Scott Larson SRES (Towne Square Realty):

On Wednesday we remember our brave serviceman, "Veterans Day"

I would like to extend a personal Thank You to all the men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your service, dedication, and sacrifice are greatly appreciated, for we know that freedom isn't free. Also I extend a special note of sympathy to the families of Fort Hood. May God uphold you and comfort you in your time of grief.

From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin

“Your Realtor of the Region”

E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com

On the web at greencountyhomeguide.com

I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,

so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime

608-2124-9844 Direct

Moose Monday... A little closer this time....

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:52:22 -0600

Via Debra Leisek (Broker Bay Realty Homer Alaska):

It is snowing again... our winter has arrived and there is no turning back... it is snowing right now... but Winter in Alaska is beautiful ... and with the snow comes the snow machines and the cross country skiing and the dark winter nights with stars and northern lights... it is peaceful in the winter... there are plenty of things to do in the winter... and with the snow we get more and more guests thru the yard.... Peacefully grazing all the way......I don't need a zoom lens today!

When You Need results Bay Realty Works

Remembering a true hero.... RIP

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:39:41 -0600

Freeman

You're a 19 year old kid.

You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley.

November 11, 1965.

LZ X-ray , Vietnam ...

Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away,

that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns and you know you're not getting out.

Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again.

As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then - over the machine gun noise - you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter.

You look up to see an unarmed Huey. But ... it doesn't seem real because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you.

He's not Medi-Vac so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire anyway.

Even after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses.

And, he kept coming back!! 13 more times!!

He took about 30 of you and your buddies out who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Bo ise , Idaho .

May God Rest His Soul.

I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we've sure seen a whole bunch

about Michael Jackson. . ..

Silent Saturday - I Love This Sign!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:02:16 -0600

Too Funny must share....

Via Souza Realty - California (Lots & Land, Custom Construction):

Silent Saturday - I Love This Sign!

I took this photo at El Sol Winery in Livermore Wine Country, CA:

*****************************************

"We Dream. We Design. We Build."

Bob Souza & Leilani Souza, CRS, e-PRO, TRC

Copyright © 2009 Souza Realty | All Rights Reserved | CA DRE Lic. #01262541

Keeping Healthy

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:22:37 -0600

This is a time of year when people are preparing for the cold and FLu season, getting their shots of the maybe strain that might occur or this year the swine flu. I have been doing something to prevent colds and increase my immunity and overall health for the past 3 months and I have never felt better. I use a system of natural herbs and supplements that have increased my energy levels, decreased my stress levels and have regulated my system as well as detox my system. I feel great. I just had my yearly physical and my doctor asked what I was doing different because all of my labs came back much better than usual and I showed her what I'm doing, her response was keep doing it. I use Qivana Stabilze, Vitalize and Optimize... And soon Defense. I feel great. If you want to learn more about these products , ( less costly than the vitamins I used to take) check out this website and get more information at www.myqivana.com/daley I'm not worried about the flu this year... I feel great!

Todays Topic: Be Careful of what you wish...we have it but you may not want it.

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:41:12 -0600

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

I want property with no neighbors and a great view...I don't mind if it rural I just want some privacy!!

                        O.K. how's this spot?

At the pointer of the three arrows above you can barely make out this home in Campton New Hampshire.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

We are looking for 100+ acres, Water-frontage, and views of the mountains and ski slopes...and would prefer if it abutted conservation land as well.

This 114 acre property is beautiful has spectacular views and will require a bridge to be built to gain access - a small bridge for a single home will do but if developed a bridge large enough for a firetruck will be required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

We are looking for a rustic camp...post and beam possibly, it doesn't have to be on a lot of land but it has to be close to town services, closing to recreation and have a fantastic view.

1966 post and beam...built into a hill side no yard 0.60 acre site walk to town, 3 miles from ski resort...needs work...dirt roads and rustic: asking price 1/2 million dollars....But this is the view from the living room.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

My Mother Used to say…if you could have it all where would you put it? Please share your be careful for what you wish for listings.

                                                                                                                                 Steve Loynd-Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

Active Rain PhotoBlogger - Sharpen Your Photos for Your Blog

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:41:12 -0600

Via Debi Boucher - Memories DVDs Slideshows "Real Estate Showcase"/ Photographer (Memories DVDs "Bring your Photos to Life!"):

Sharpening Photos Makes a Difference!

Digital cameras, whether it is a point and shoot, or a DSLR produce inherently 'soft' photos. Sharpening your photos can make a big difference.

When we use a resizing program to make our photos smaller for our blogs, the problem of 'softness' increases.

Here are a couple examples - notice how much more detail is visible:

Unsharpened Photoshop High Pass Filter at 2.0

Unsharpened

The photo below was sharpened using FocusFixer V2 at 1.7, threshold at 60%. Look at the difference in this wolf's eyes.

Just about any photo editing program will offer a sharpening tool. And there are many ways to do it - ask 10 people what method they use, and you might expect to get 10 different answers! How much sharpening to use, and which sharpening tool to use, are all a matter of taste. I really like FocusFixer.

If you have a favorite sharpening method or software, would you share it with us?

For a tutorial on using the high pass filter in Photoshop- click here

Then, make an action for it so it can be done in seconds anytime you need it!

'Soft', dreamy shots can be fun too. Just depends on the effect you want :)

DBoucher Photography

Nature and Wildlife Photography Notecards

Real Estate Showcase Slideshows

Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow as a listing tool. Post it on your own website - Realtor Showcase Members can upload it to Realtor.com - Post it on your blog to showcase your listings.

"Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow and Web Presentations, more captivating than a virtual tour!

Photos taken by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.

Motivational Monday - "Journey"

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:39:28 -0600

Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):

The journey to the top of the mountain begins from where we are. Sometimes the path is well-marked at the beginning. Sometimes it is less clear and we have to forge our own way.

───

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.

© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Photography displayed is original composition and artistic expression of Steve Hoffacker, and as such is copyrighted. Photos are in their original digital image state and have not been cropped, edited, or enhanced in anyway.

Wordless Wednesday - Cultus Lake, B.C. - Autumn Rays

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:53:26 -0500

Via Liz Moras ~ Realtor, Landmark Realty Chilliwack (Hope, Abbotsford, Langley & the Fraser Valley):

Interested in Properties for Sale in Cultus Lake?

Also see: Beautiful Cultus Lake - A Perfect Family Getaway - Chilliwack, B.C.





If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras ( except the one's I'm in!). All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..

For The Dog Lover In All Of Us

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:50:16 -0500

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

New Dog Breeds

The following breeds are now recognized by the AKC:

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up easy for transporting

Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up alot

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, not a popular dog with CIA agents

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by... oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Photos of Mossy boulders and Water Falls / the White Mountains NH...

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:48:44 -0500

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

Please enjoy the photos Taken today on my hike in the Woods...Caution It's time to wear hunter orange if you're out in the Woods. Today's photos focus of Moss and waterfalls. Woodstock New Hampshire.

This section of Glover Brook Stays in the shade throughout the year, and the moss is everywhere...one of my favorite hikes when a have an hour to run off in to the woods...all shots with in a mile of my home.

    I hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them...More to come.

                                                                                                                      Steve Loynd, White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Caron's Gateway Real Estate — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:35:41 -0500

Via Marilyn Harrell (Century21 Smith-Miller, Inc.):

HERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAPPY AT HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR.

HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS TRICK-OR-TREATING

Carving Pumpkins can be great fun, it can also be dangerous. Make sure children are supervised, and make sure they have no sharp objects. They make SAFE pumpkin carving kits.

TEN TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN:

1. Nobody goes alone, always make sure children are supervised.

2. Make sure to check all candy prior to letting children eat it.

3. Make sure that children's costumes fit correctly so that they can see.

4. Children get very excited for Halloween, so make sure you lay out a plan beforehand.

5. Make sure that children stay out of the middle of the street, and look always for traffic.

6. Make sure each child is actively seen: glowsticks, light colors, reflectors can all be used.

7. Make sure to watch the weather report before hand.

8. Be aware of pets: strange costumes can trigger a reaction.

9. Only go to homes that have lights on.

10. And most importantly follow your instincts.