Mary's Blog

Danville Hot August Nights Auto Show

Mary Robbins (Empire Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:55:27 -0500

Last night was the first of two Hot August Night events in the Town of Danville. It was so fun walking through the streets viewing old cars and other vehicles that were made pre 1968...classic 1957 Corvettes, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Airs...

Valuable Home Improvements - The Kitchen

Mary Robbins (Empire Realty) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:16:41 -0500

The kitchen is the heart of the house. It's where the family gathers to cook meals, bake cookies and talk about the days events. It's also one of the best places to improve the value of your home.

This kitchen is big, with lots of work surfaces. It has a great 2nd prep sink and a bar for entertaining family and guests. This also acts as a peninsula so the family room and dining area seem seperate, retaining a sense of space for each area.

In the kitchen, buyers often expect stone countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and finished cabinetry. This homeowner could upgrade this kitchen by replacing the stove top, refrigerator and oven with stainless-steel appliances.

While this kitchen is big, it's not quite big enough to install a prep island in the middle. But this smaller portable island does the job and helps solve the space issue.

Because it is on the top floor, this part of the house gets really warm in the summer. Installing a whole house fan in the attic can help keep summer electric bills down.

Disclaimer: While I believe this information to be correct, I make no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of this information. I am not a licensed contractor or appraiser. People using this information should conduct their own independent investigations and rely solely on those results.

Best Wishes,

Mary Robbins

Partner, Empire Realty Associates

Danville, CA

MIMiC Group, Blog Camp

Orinda, California

Mary Robbins (Empire Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:00:07 -0500

Here's a few of the local attractions in Orinda, California. Stay tuned for more in depth, local information about this bedroom community near San Francisco, California.

Neighborhoods: Orinda Country Club, Castle Gate and Glorietta

Schools: Schools, API scores

Public Transportation: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Business Parks: Shadelands (Walnut Creek), Bishop Ranch (San Ramon)

Farmers Market: Orinda Farmer's Market

Food and Entertainment: Orinda Theatre, Casa Orinda, Serika, Siam Orchid

Shopping: Orinda Square, Safeway, Beverages and More

Recreation: Lafayette Reservoir, Briones Reservoir

Nearby Golf: Orinda Country Club, Tilden Park (public), Moraga Country Club

Events: 4th of July Parade, Orinda Film Festival

Cool hotels: Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa

Mary Robbins, Partner

Empire Realty Associates

www.MaryRobbins.com

Serving the real estate needs of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties

Briones Reservoir, Orinda

Mary Robbins (Empire Realty) — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:01:01 -0500

Briones Reservoir is one of my favorite hiking finds in the East Bay....not too far from the communities of Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga. Its picturesque beauty, wonderful hiking trails with an occasional wildlife siting help me to feel one with nature. Lamorinda, as these three communities are often referred to, is a most desirable location because of its beautiful neighborhoods and exceptional public schools. There is something for everyone: single family homes that range in price from $750K to $1M and above and townhomes and condominiums which start in the low $400K and apartments to rent.

My husband and I have found another exceptional recreational area in Lamorinda..the Lafayette Reservoir which is owned and maintained by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. It offers numerous hiking trails, boating, fishing, picnic areas and a playground that is designed for both tots and older kids.

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While hiking the trails in the East Bay, you will most likely come across Poison Oak. BEWARE! Right now this plant is very green and very poisonous. Many people are allergic to this plant and an itchy rash can result. Later in the summer the coloration turns an orangy red. If you come into contact with poison oak, be sure to wash the suspected area with soapy water. Happy Hiking!