Clois's Blog

Hollyhocks at Christmastime! Trees Trees Trees

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:36:50 -0600

I'm back at Hollyhocks in Exeter, California! All decorated for Christmas and guess how many Christmas trees (?) I stopped counting at forty!

Just look at the pictures and you're sure to get in the holiday spirit.

This Christmas Tree is full of Country Christmas spirit! Hollyhocks is located in Exeter, CA and the owners Ted & Janice Kaufman welcome you into their store that's just loaded with charm as well as wonderful home decor!

It's finally winter-time in Exeter and Hollyhocks owner Ted & Janice say "Come on in and warm up".

"Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus" and he's brought your miniature Christmas tree!

Look at the pristine white and tiny white lighted Christmas trees!

Santa's left his sleigh and Rudolph's lighted nose so he's carrying presents and his lantern to light the way to your heart!

Santa and his Christmas tree!

Yet another Christmas tree with some visiting Christmas snowmen!

In the background of this photo you will find Sid Dickens Fall 2007 - Odyssey Collection, call Hollyhocks to order yours today 559-594-4490. You'll also see more Christmas trees, from the traditional green Christmas tree to the smaller white trees to the miniature trees in the foreground.

Shown here is the little white tree which was shown in the background of the aforementioned picture.

Delicate green, lit, miniature Christmas trees.

You'll find it all at Hollyhocks from miniature teeny tiny trees to mid size trees to the traditional Christmas tree!

A small sampling of little Christmas trees and an adorable sign "Joy Is In The Little Things".

Dashing white Christmas tree!

Sleigh Bells Ring!

Well, I've shown you a small sampling of some of the over 40+ trees I found at Hollyhocks in Exeter, CA! You must visit the shop yourself, introduce yourself to Ted & Janice and tell them you found them on the web on localism.com!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:46:58 -0600

It's almost that special time of year when our downtowns light up with Christmas lights and everywhere you look there's a Christmas tree! This weekend some of our downtown windows were painted and decorated for our upcoming Christmas season.

In Exeter, CA Christmas is a time celebrated and prepared for. Exeter was named one of America's Prettiest Painted Places and also honored as one of the top 50 Reasons to Visit California. A country about 45 minutes southeast of Fresno and a short 2.5 hours from the central coast as well as Los Angeles, CA, arriving in Exeter is like taking a step back in time.

Be sure to join us the four Thursdays after Thanksgiving as we look forward to Christmas (Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, 13th & 20th, 2007) from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. in downtown Exeter. Free Carriage Rides (see photo) are offered (courtesy of Tricia Kirksey Real Estate); Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are dressed in their finest and receiving all the good little children to hear their last minute Christmas wishes (see photo); the merchants open their doors wide each Thursday evening and the first night free hors d'evoures and refreshments abound. Carolers stroll the downtown streets wishing all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.

Everyone is encouraged to "Shop Exeter"! Unique and one of a kind items are available at our wonderful shops; Rosemary & Thyme, a quaint two story shop full of great clothes and wonderful collectibles and other special gifts is behind The Wildflower Cafe and across the courtyard from the back door of Hollyhock Gifts where you step into an enchanting world of classy collectibles and one-of-a-kind home decor including Sid Dickens (E & Pine). Monet's is across the street and a wonderful spot for an Italian soda, an imported beer or a glass of wine, Monet's also features special vege or meat plates as well as tiramisu and much more! Walk on down E Street and you'll find Pine Street Relics which features space after space of antiques, collectibles and charming bric a brac, continue north on E and you'll find Norma's Jewel Box and Hole in the Wall Pizza (yummy) and a little further down is one of our newest shops Weddings by Enjoy, a full service floral design company. Walking a bit further, you'll come to Main Street Exeter where you'll know you've arrived at a very special shop full of wonderful fibers, textures, scents, & classic designs in clothing and accessories. Linda McEwen has a knack for the classical and the useful. Turn around and head back down E street (north). Cross the street (west) to Exeter Flower Company (see photo) where you're transported back to a simpler time with old fashioned candies, beautiful crafted fresh floral arrangements and fun gifts. Right next door is the Book Garden, an absolutely wonderful bookstore like none other featuring not only traditional books but also many books on the San Joaquin Valley as well as other local offerings. At this writing, there are two new shops coming in just down the street. You'll next come to Mandarin House where you'll cross the bricked alleyway and find Hometown Emporium. Greet the bear and step inside to a world of long ago. Meet generations of the family of the owner Kristy and Steve Alves (you'll see photos dating back to the 1800's on the walls as well as family belongings from generations past on a loft above the shop). Hometown Emporium is a bakery, deli, restaurant and gift shop that features fresh baked breads including White, Wheat with Walnut, Seven Grain, Sour Dough, French, Low Carb and Rye. They even bake their own Turkey, Ham and Roast Beef, mash their potatoes, and mix and bake cookies and bread from scratch daily! And they even use real ice cream for their shakes and sundaes! But, you won't be able to purchase regular meals Thursday nights as they only serve FREE appetizers in the evening. Kristy also has her own catering company "Cakes & Catering by Kristy" and she features wedding cakes too as you can see in the full size color photos high on the walls. Step out and you'll walk past Vallarta's Restaurant (yummy!) and come to Duby's Tanning & Salon, which is right next to Wish List Boutique where Summer Silva welcomes you into her shop filled to the brim with stylish clothing and accessories. Just down the street is Tangles Hair Salon, The Stag Saloon and El Nuevo Mexicali (YUM). Cross the street and walk past B of A, and you'll find The Pampered Pet with the cutest little pink pet stroller with heart shaped blinkers and tons of doggy and kitty supplies. Don't forget Gerarmac Imports and More! Oh my, you MUST walk all the way into this wonderful shop and see all of their imports from Mexico; time to decorate! Cross E Street again and head east towards Stash Builders, a charming quilt shop and there's Hollyhock Gifts again (the front door). Pass Next Step, Inc. and you'll find Rosalee's Beauty Salon which also includes Massage by Terri (for over 13 years) and Elly Bryant Photography, you've just got to peek inside at the lovely display. Now for a treat, cross the alleyway and you'll find Exeter Mercantile, a longstanding business in Exeter. Step inside and take your time looking around at the fabulous upscale displays, from wonderful home decor to gourmet kitchen items, you'll find it all here.

Now, hop in your car and drive down Pine to Rocky Hill Drive. On Rocky Hill Dr. and B Street, you'll find By The Water Tower Antiques. You simply must step in to this charming house with an attachment brimming to the top with antiques. Just south of By The Water Tower Antiques is Annie's Gifts. Annie is a very gifted seamstress and makes cute giftables. Once you leave head north on B Street past the Courthouse Gallery and turn left (west) on Pine St. Turn into Sweet Alyssa's Boutique where you'll meet Rachel Gonzales and see all her fabulous accessories, clothes and jewelry! Rachel has a wonderful selection of stylish clothing and she also features Plus Sizes.

Back in the car you go and head west down Pine Street until you reach the Frosty King (or Monarch Ford) and park. You'll pass Video Plus, Creekside Bookkeeping & Tax Service, & Tricia Kirksey Real Estate. Head into Exeter True Value and you'll find all kinds of home decor items as well as any kind of home improvement help you could imagine.

You've now made a complete circle of the downtown area and I'm sure eaten your way through the shops. Now, it's time for that carriage ride (see photo) and how 'bout Santa Claus? :) Enjoy!

www.exeterchamber.com

559-592-2919 for more info.

Hollyhock Gifts

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:30:21 -0500

Come to Hollyhock Gifts and step into an enchanting world of classy collectibles and one-of-a-kind home decor. Janice & Ted Kaufman are the owners of Hollyhock Gifts and invite you to come and say 'hi' and experience for yourself the friendly, down home customer service still alive today at Hollyhock Gifts. You can visit Hollyhock Gifts at 228 E. Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221 and you can always call them at (559)594-4030.

Below are Janice and her grand-daughter Miss Emily in front of the store.

Wondering were you can find Sid Dickens? Look no further! Janice has very creative ideas on how to display these wonderful collectibles. Just ask!

Below is the new FALL 2007 SID DICKENS COLLECTION which will arrive at Hollyhock Gifts in September, 2007

Do you collect 'Mark Roberts'? Hollyhock Gifts is your kind of store! Just look below at some of the Mark Robert's collectibles. Hollyhock Gifts in Exeter has Christmas Fairies, Santa's and more and is a Premiere Gallery Store with Spring fairies as well as a Christmas Collection Authorized Retailer for Mark Roberts.

WHAT IS A WEBKINZ YOU ASK? Only the cutest little animals you've ever seen! Webkinz pets are lovable plush pets that each come with a unique Secret Code. With it, you enter Webkinz World where you care for your virtual pet, answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play the best kids games on the net! Just look at the very adoptable little racoons that 'just arrived' at Hollyhock Gifts in Exeter, CA

There is one special Webkinz just waiting just for you.

What's Up With Webkinz You Ask?

Webkinz pets are lovable plush pets that each come with a unique Secret Code that lets you enter Webkinz World and play with a virtual version of your pet.

What Kinds of things can you do with a webkinz? First, you adopt your pet and name it. Then you can custom design a room for it. You can play games in the Arcade, or compete against other players in tournaments. You can answer quizzes in Quizzy's Question Corner and enter contests, too. All of these things earn you KinzCash, which you can use to go shopping for your pet in the W Shop, where you can buy toys, furniture and clothes. There are stories to read and fun daily activities. The best part is that things are added to Webkinz World frequently, so it's always getting bigger and better.
How do you join Webkinz World? You must first buy a Webkinz pet, which gives you one year of access to the special site.
What's with the "W" on the foot of my pet? The pets without a 'W' on them are part of the first generation of Webkinz pets! We now put the letter 'W' on every Webkinz pet's paw, so if you see a pet without a W, you know it is a first generation Webkinz pet! (My little racoon has a "W" on his back right paw!)
Webkinz World (online) is a place where your stuffed animal can come to life so that you can care for it like a real pet. To make the pet more real, it can be happy or sad, healthy or sick, hungry or full. Taking care of your pet matters!
Of course this is fun and there are added games and trivia and lots of fun items that Webkinz owners enjoy working for to 'purchase' for their pet!
Every pet comes with their own code that gives you access to all of the games, activities and
fun in Webkinz World.
Collect them all!

Chickens, chickens and more chickens for everyone and a chicken in every pot!

Hollyhock Gifts has beautiful crosses and timeless angels; a must-see if you are a collector.

Are these the most adorable measuring spoons and cups you've ever seen? Wonderful phrases and sayings molded into the metal for your approval. You just have to see these! Janice & Ted carry the most fragrant candles that last just about forever! Come on in and find your favorite flavor.

I hope you've enjoyed your tour of Hollyhock Gifts in Exeter, CA. It's a treasure-trove of fun for the person that enjoys decorating their home and filling their home with love. Hope to see you there!

Fortune Cookie Restaurant - Exeter, CA

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 01:18:28 -0500

A MUST TRY when you visit or move to Exeter is 'Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant',

located in Citrus Plaza off of Belmont and Visalia Rd. Read on to find out why you simply can't miss this stop!

Owner, Fantasy Kong prepares bright, fresh tasting Chinese food that takes me back to the freshly prepared Chinese food I ate as a young adult.

Little Karsyn loves her childs' plate BUT she loves Mommy's soup too!

Just look at what I ordered the night I took these pictures....

Combination "C" Plate (Only $6.10)

My personal favorite, sweet and sour pork with fried rice, the BEST

chicken wings I've EVER had along with THE BEST TASTING

Egg Fu Yung and of course pork chow mein! The seasoning

in the Egg Fu Yung and the batter fried chicken wings I have not

been able to figure out, but suffice it to say it's the best I've ever had!

Dish above is Kung Pao Beef (only $7.25!!) It came with a serving of white rice.

The above picture doesn't even do this dish justice! The colors were so bright

and fresh-looking you could practically taste the flavors with your eyes! My

brother-in-law said it was really good.

I arrived around 5:00 p.m. and the restaurant began filling up with customers. The owner Fantasy is very sweet and once she meets you, she remembers your name and even what you regularly order!

Begin your meal with an appetizer! From Paper Wrapped Chicken, Fried Shrimp or Prawns, Scrumptious Egg Rolls, Pot Stickers, Spicy Beef Skewers, Won Tons, Chicken Wings Drumsticks (my personal favorite) to Chinese Chicken Salad or a Combination of Appetizers, you can't go wrong; and the prices are so reasonable!

There are six (6) Combination plates to choose from and the prices from as reasonable as $8.50 to as low as $5.75.

Do you have a hungry group of two or more?

Go for the FAMILY DINNER for only $12.50 per person....

Here's what your meal will include....

Won Ton Soup, Egg Roll, Fried Chicken Wings, Fried Shrimp, Fried Won Ton, Broccoli Beef, Spicy Beef Skewers, Sweet & Sour Pork, Pork Chow Mein, Pork Fried Rice, or Steamed Rice

For 3 Persons: Add Kung Pao Chicken

For 4 Persons: Add Beef with Curry Sauce

For 5 Persons: Add Chicken with Snow Peas

For 6 Persons: Add Mu Su Pork

EACH DISH IS PREPARED AS YOU ORDER IT, EVERYTHING IS FRESH!

What? You're vegetarian? Hold on there!

Just for you Fantasy Kong has prepared the following:

* Mushrooms with Broccoli or Snow Peas

* Sauteed Mixed Vegetables

* Vegetable Chop Suey & More!

I know you won't be disappointed at Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant! I'll see you there.

Business Hours:

TUES - FRI..............................11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SAT........................................12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SUN........................................12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

1110 Visalia Rd., Ste 110, Exeter, CA 93221

Take Out Tel.: 559-592-2200

VISA MASTER CARD ACCEPTED

Marketing For FREE

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:47:43 -0500

I am about to share one of my favorite FREE marketing partners. The name of the company is www.vistaprint.com

I am not kidding when I tell you they have saved me hundreds of marketing dollars! They are great when it comes to keeping in contact with you and alerting you to their specials (which are weekly).

For instance, allow me to share with you my last couple of sales receipt...(I bolded and underlined the price)

Call for a Free Consultation
Preview 100 FREE Glossy Finish INCLUDED Black & White Back Side INCLUDED FREE
Item Status: Shipped 5/7/2007 POSTCARDS
Carrier: United States Postal Service

Construction
Preview 50 FREE Glossy Finish INCLUDED Black & White Back Side INCLUDED FREE
Item Status: Shipped 4/24/2007 LARGE POSTCARDS FULL COLOR FRONT
Carrier: DHL

Small Rubber Stamps
Preview 1 FREE Black Ink INCLUDED Small Housing - Black INCLUDED FREE
Item Status: Shipped 4/24/2007 SMALL RUBBER STAMP
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Success Lending
Preview 25 FREE
Item Status: Shipped 4/18/2007   BIZ CARD SIZE MAGNETS
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Success Lending
Preview 10 FREE      LARGE CALENDAR MAGNETS
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Small Rubber Stamps
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Carrier: DHL

Success Lending
Preview 1500 $11.74* Blank Back Side INCLUDED Glossy Finish $8.23 $19.97                                                               Total :$19.97 (NOT FREE (JUST A GOOD DEAL!)
Item Status: Shipped 4/18/2007
Carrier: DHL               1500 GLOSSY FULL COLOR/FULL BLEED BIZ CARDS!!

Simply go to the web address www.vistaprint.com and see for yourself. When you sign in and register, you will start receiving FREE offers. Notice on the left hand side of the website FREE PRODUCT. Go there and you can see what the current free product is. Enjoy! I love having these freebies around so I can give them to clients or shar with friends. It just keeps your name out there circulating. Oh, I'm in California, they always show shipping as taking 21 days on the least expensive shipping, but for me, it has never taken more than 6 days. Not once have I had to use rush shipping.

Does anyone else have a "deal" company like this one they'd care to share?

Happy Marketing!

Kelly Rider

Success Lending

559-471-6774

Porterville, CA Pix

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:14:54 -0500

Oh my! If you've ever been to Lindsay, CA or Porterville, CA or Pismo Beach, CA you probably have eaten at Coleman's. In fact, my own parents met at Coleman's in Lindsay 51 years ago this June 2007. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! I would like to recommend the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich (just called the Steak Sandwich). I get a little ranch and mustard on the side! The above photo was taken in Porterville, CA location 939 W Henderson Av (Ph 559-784-1639) (Unfortunately,both the Lindsay and Pismo location have closed)

Since we're talking good food, I have to mention one more......A tiny little building located on Main Street in Porterville, CA holds one of the BEST burgers around! Go on in, grab a seat! You won't be disappointed. (748 N Main St., Porterville Ph 559-784-5738)

(Above) A typical Friday afternoon in downtown Porterville, CA. Downtown streets are wide and tree-lined.

La Vintage Rue located at 129 E Main Street (Ph559-781-6370) in Porterville is absolutely charming and loaded with wonderful painted furniture finds from over-sized French design clocks to antique daybeds, hutches, shelves, buffets and a quaint blue painted glider couch and much, much, more! Ooo la la!

The above mural was painted by artist and muralist Stephen Ball (Ph 559-539-0612) of Springville, CA It is depicting the pioneer days of Porterville, ca. The shot is only a portion of the building length mural. Notice the detail of the tree, branches and the light streaming through the leaves. This mural is east of Main Street directly across from the deposit window of the Bank of the Sierra.

My personal favorite floral shop in Porterville. The Yellow Rose carries upscale fresh and silk arrangements that take your breath away! I got my Christmas tree from them for 2006. It came completely decorated with lights, ornaments, you name it! It is stunning. (yep it's artificial; my first one..I LOVE it!) Located at 222 W Henderson Av, Porterville (559-781-5683)

The River Island Country Club just outside Porterville includes a championship golf course and tennis courts. River Island Country Club is a six-time host of the San Joaquin Valley Amateur. The golf course boasts the highest course and slope rating in Kings and Tulare Counties. (Ph 559-781-2917, Main Office)

Not the best shot since I remained in the car (there was some traffic), I just felt that Pioneer Man was a fitting photo to include in this montage as it perfectly fits Porterville for me; a town of western, pioneer history looking to the future with hope, and working hard to get there.

I hope you've enjoyed these photos of Porterville, CA, home of Success Lending, 507 E Scranton Av, Porterville, CA 93257 http://kellyrider.successlending.net 559-471-6774

Living In Porterville, CA

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Sat, 19 May 2007 00:05:04 -0500

Why live in Porterville you ask? Porterville is one of the friendliest towns in the south central San Joaquin Valley (pronounced San Waukeen). It's only minutes from Lake Success where you can water ski and enjoy house boating, camping and fishing. A short drive further takes you into Springville and the cooler air of the mountains as you head into Camp Nelson and Sequoia Crest. The local newspaper is the Porterville Recorder (http://www.portervillerecorder.com/).

Porterville, CA has a very active Chamber (http://www.chamber.porterville.com) and they are instrumental in bringing many quality of life events to the city. The Children's Easter Egg Hunt is held every year just prior to Easter in Veteran's Park. The Iris Festival is held the last Saturday each April and thousands come to see the beautiful flowers as well as the many vendors. This event takes place in downtown Porterville and a short distance from downtown at Sutton's Iris Gardens.

The 46th Annual Jackass Mail Run took place April 21, 2007. (It is always the week before the Springville Rodeo) The Chamber website describes the mail run as follows: "Since 1962, there has been an annual delivery of specially stamped mail delivered from Porterville to Springville by mule-drawn wagon. This annual event was appropriately named the Jackass Mail Run. Although the route sometimes changes, it always ends up at the Springville Post Office around 4:00 p.m. on the weekend before the Rodeo. And each year, a new Wagonmaster is chosen to lead the mail wagon on its annual journey."

The Porterville Fair (founded in 1947) is going on as this is being written and runs from May 16-20, 2007.

The Flag Day Ceremony is in June at SaveMart on Olive and there's a Community Festival in October.

The Veteran's Day Parade comes down Main Street in November and there's a Children's Christmas Parade in December.

There are four large parks in Porterville and each park offers arbors for large parties, playgrounds and public restrooms. Murray Park is home to a beautiful serene pond and old growth trees as well as the city pool. It is located at Putnam Ave & Park Dr. Zalud Park is well known for its rose garden, walking path and tennis courts. It is located n El Granito and Grand Avenue. Veteran's Park is home to a Vietnam era helicopter and was dedicated to honor our veteran's. The park is located at Newcomb St. and Henderson Avenue. Bartlett Park is on several tree-filled acres. The Tule River runs through the park which is located 8 miles east of Porterville on North Drive near Success Lake Dam.

Porterville has a rich pioneer history and that is evidenced by all of the historical landmarks in the area.

CALIFORNIA STATE HISTORICAL LANDMARKS IN THE AREA

#388 Tule River Indian Reservation: It reads....A reservation was originally established in 1857. Indians from a widespread area were brought here. The natives of this vicinity were the Koyeti tribe toward the west and the Yaudanchi tribe toward the east. Both were branches of the Yokut Indians that occupied the San Joaquin Valley. This location not proving satisfactory, the Tule River Indian Reservation was moved to its present location, ten miles south-east in 1873.

The above marker is located: Alta Vista School, 2293 East Crabtree Ave, Porterville

#413 Tailholt: It reads...Tailholt began as a gold mining camp about 1856 during the Kern River gold rush. Gold was obtained from placer and shaft operations. Mining has been carried on intermittently since the time of discovery. During periods of inactivity there has been a considerable settlement here. The name was changed to White River in about 1870.

The above marker is located: SW corner of County Roads M109 and M12, 8 miles South of Fountain Springs.

#471 Butterfield Overland Mail Route: It reads: This route, following an earlier emigrant trail, was laid out in the 1850's as part of the Stockton-Los Angeles Road. It was used by the Butterfield Overland Mail Stages between St. Louis and San Francisco from 1858 to 1861. This was the first overland mail operated on a regular schedule.

The above marker is located: SW corner of Hermosa St and Hwy 65, 1 mile west of Lindsay

#473 Tule River Stage: It reads: Here Peter Goodhue operated an emigrant trail stopping place on the bank of the Tule River from 1854 until the river changed its course in 1862. This became a Butterfield Overland Mail stage station, 1858-61. It was kept in 1860 by Royal Porter Putnam who in 1864 founded Porterville, named after him.

The above marker is located: SW corner of Main Street and Henderson Ave

#648 Fountain Springs: It reads: One and one-half miles northwest of this point the settlement of Fountain Springs was established before 1855. It was at the junction of the Stockton-Los Angeles Road and the one to the Kern River gold mines. From 1858 to 1861 Fountain Springs was a station on the Butterfield Overland Mail route.

The above marker is located: SW corner of County Roads J22 and M109, Fountain Springs.

Porterville, CA is also the home of Success Lending, a premiere California Mortgage Company. If you want information on a purchase loan or refinance, call 1-888-886-6369.

A peaceful scene while shopping in downtown Porterville, Ca. (above)

Peering through the car window at Pioneer Man. (below)

10 Free and Fun Things To Do In Exeter, CA

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Thu, 17 May 2007 20:48:35 -0500

1. Explore the Murals. Pick up a FREE mural Guide at the local Chamber of Commerce (101 W Pine St) Mon-Fri between 9am-5pm or at the Mural Gallery (corner of Pine St 7 E St.) Mon-Sun 11am - 4pm. Follow the guide and explore the 23 murals which are a life-size outdoor art gallery on the sides of old brick buildings that tell a history of the town and the surrounding area.

2. Courthouse Gallery of the Arts (corner of B St. & Rocky Hill Drive (the only stop light in town, just off of Hwy 65). The Courthouse Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays and displays local artists work and it's FREE.

3. Play tennis! Just off Hwy 65 and Rocky Hill Drive (the only stop light in town) is the High School. There is a tennis court on the south side of Rocky Hill Drive and it's FREE to play into the evening!

4. Run the track! The local High School has a new all-weather track that is great for running or walking. It's open into the evening and it's FREE!

5. Kaweah Oaks Preserve – a remnant example of the valley oak woodland that once grew on the floor of the central valley. This preserve shelters a portion of the central valley’s unique and endangered valley oak ecosystem. Visitors can walk along nature trails in a forest of century old oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, ash trees & other flora which provide habitats for animals and more than 125 species of birds native to the area. Located 3 miles northeast of Exeter on Road 182 north of Highway 198. It's FREE!

6. Hogwallow Preserve , also known as mima mounds, Hogwallows used to cover 1000’s of acres in the area but now just 10 acres remain here. Vernal pools form during the wet season producing a great variety of vegetation as the water recedes. The Hogwallows in this preserve are about 1,500,000 years old, soil scientists visit the site regularly to evaluate and understand the phenomenon. Located on Ave. 314 west of Rd. 220. (you can find this location inside your Mural Guide)

7. Parks. You can find eleven parks in Exeter for relaxing, playing or picnicking.

8. Window Shop! Meander around the town and visit the wonderfully unique shops in the downtown area. From quilting, to deli, hardware, fine china, handmade gifts, great food,

9. Museum Coming Soon! (right next to the Courthouse Gallery of the Arts)

10. Library Check out a good book and sit in the City Park. Relax, enjoy.

11. Enjoy Beautiful Traditional Homes. Walk the neighborhood around the City Park and enjoy the beautiful Arts & Crafts Style Home.

For more information on what to do in and around Exeter, go to www.exeterchamber.com

Marketing With Emails

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:45:40 -0500

Of course we want to be sure to ask our clients if they would like to keep updated on the housing market or special loan programs, etc. (whatever is applicable to your business) and keep in touch with them. With the cost of postage going up, why not try an email marketing company. I have found a great program and it's FREE for up to 300 emails (great for someone just starting out with email contacts).

Check out www.zebratracks.com

They feature...

Event Invitation RSVP, Survey Builder, Templates, Mail Merge, Easy to use HTML editor

Why would we want to use email marketing...here are just a few reasons:

* Keep your business in front of your client

* Immediacy of action - the moment you think of something, get a new program you want to share, or notice a change in the housing market you can simply type an email, forward it to your email marketer and the message is delivered to your client. It really can't be any simpler.

*Being able to track opening of your emails to determine delivery rate, etc.

Of course I've heard of Constant Contact too (www.constantcontact.com) and Jango Mail (www.jangomail.com) which does not put a logo of their own on your emails; www.instantservice.com, and Zookoda (http://www.zookoda.com/)

Does anyone else use a email program? What is the pricing? Any ideas? What are you using? Do you like them, why or why not?

Kelly Rider

Success Lending

Construction Fallout - Owner/Builder

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:48:35 -0500

I'm back again with more on California construction loans. This time I'm talking about Owner/Builder and I'm really excited to share a wonderful loan product that allows you up to 85% Loan To Cost (LTC) for purchasing your lot and tying your construction loan all into one loan. With your good credit of 680 FICO or more, you may qualify for a rate as low as 4.99% (Owner/Builder) FIXED (APR 5.590)!

With this loan product, we do go as low as 540 on a FICO so there really is a loan for just about everyone (rate is only 8.99 FIXED for this FICO score (APR 9.590). These are interest only and the term is for 6 mos with a 3 mos extension available. Loan amounts on these products goes up to $600,000.

This program is great for construction fallouts and requires No Income or Asset Verification, No Debt Ratios, No Kidding!

Next BLOG I'll get specific with SPEC HOME Construction loans. Until then, do you just want to see if your loan situation makes sense? Call and I'll be glad to see if I can help you out.

Kelly Rider

Licensed Loan Specialist

CA DRE 01080978

SUCCESS LENDING

Direct Line 559-471-6774

OR TOLL FREE 1-888-886-6369

www.bestconstructionrates.com

Exeter, California

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Tue, 15 May 2007 23:24:30 -0500

Why would you want to move to the quaint, small town of Exeter, you might ask? Well, other than being recently named One of the Top 100 Places to Live, by Relocate America; Exeter was also named One of America's Prettiest Painted Places as well as One of California's 50 Best Places To Visit.

Exeter is a town of just over 10,000 situated in the south central San Joaquin (pronounced San Waukeen) Valley at the base of the foothills with a wonderful view of the Sierra Nevada snowcapped mountains.

As a local native (born and raised), I thought I would share a little about Exeter and it's special points of interest. Exeter is home to 23 life-size works of art painted on the sides of wonderful old brick buildings filled with quaint shops, restaurants and businesses. Follow this link to the Chamber of Commerce and follow the links to "things to do", "Tours", then "Mural Tours". www.exeterchamber.com These wonderful murals tell a history of Exeter and the surrounding area.

<<Education: Recent Academic Performance Index (API) scores illustrate Exeter's continual improvement in meeting state academic standards as every school met its growth target for 2006. The public school system consists of: Exeter Union High School (9-12), Wilson Middle School (6-8), Rocky Hill Elementary (3-5), Lincoln Elementary (K-2) and Kaweah High School (a continuation high school). The 1999-2000 enrollment was: grades K-8, 1,936 and grades 9-12, 1101 students.

Economy: Exeter is located in the heart of the country's most fertile agricultural valley and has been dubbed the “Citrus Capital of the World.” Unlike many agricultural cities, Exeter also has a thriving downtown of small, independently owned shops and restaurants, with a few fast food and coffee franchises for convenience. The local economy is also bolstered by tourism dollars generated by its 23 historic murals and proximity to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These parks are known for the General Sherman Tree, the worlds largest living thing, Mt. Whitney, at 14,494 feet, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the continental U.S.>> according to Reggie Ellis, editor of the local newspaper, The Foothill Sun Gazette. http://thesungazette.com/

Exeter has beautiful parks, a Boys and Girls Club, local library, wading pool, public pool, great annual events such as the FREE 4th of July put on each year by the Exeter Lion's Club, Movies in the Park - a great old fashioned evening with old movies, popcorn, pizza and drinks (put on by the Exeter Cultural Arts Council), annual Car Show, Exeter's favorite homecoming event - The Fall Festival (2nd Saturday of Oct), the annual Sequoia Cycling Classic, the annual Garden Party - where E Street is closed down between Pine & Maple and set with round dinner tables, linens, china & crystal and a live and silent auction is held that raises the funds to cover the expenses for the murals (both upkeep & new additions). Let's not forget the Starlight Ball, an annual event that raises money for the Exeter Boys and Girls Club.

Exeter is close enough to larger towns for a variety of employment opportunities, although there are some larger companies in and around Exeter that do employ many residents.

Exeter is also home to the Exeter Friendship Connection that welcomes newcomers to Exeter. Women meet monthly at a different local restaurant to get to know each other and learn more about their new home town. Friendships are forged, relationships developed, and members are then encouraged and feel comfortable to participate in other community outreach organizations as they develop various interests locally.

Come and experience Exeter, CA, just 30 minutes from the entrance to Sequoia National Park! With a median home sale price of only $200,000, the homes are very affordable compared to other areas of California. If you would like more information on Exeter or would like to talk about financing options for purchasing a home in California, just give me a call.

Kelly Rider

Success Lending

1-888-886-6369

Foreclosures in California

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Wed, 09 May 2007 22:45:03 -0500

Recently, I have been reviewing foreclosure records for several California counties. I am appalled at the vast numbers of borrowers that are losing their homes. In all my years in the business, I have never seen this many foreclosures although it came close in the early 90's in some of the high and low desert areas of the state. Because of the homes not being saved through good lending practices, this effects the market value in general. I'm sure the professionals realize this and I am certainly not telling them anything new.

For the borrower in this situation, it must be frightening. I realize they are hearing this on television, but what it must be like to be living it! As a licensed lending specialist, I work with many wholesale lenders. I was pleased to speak with a lending partner today that shared what they are doing to help get some of the people back on their financial footing, and I am pleased to be able to offer this service to these borrowers.

I have always counseled borrowers with less than perfect credit on how to boost their credit report. I've even gone so far as to type the letters to the credit bureau when there is a dispute. Sometimes the borrower chooses to follow through, sometimes they don't. Today I learned of a special service offered that literally takes the borrower by the hand and completes the credit repair process with them. This is all done by contract and is a part of the completed loan process when pulling someone out of (NOD) foreclosure! Bills are paid off, mortgage payments brought current and paid a few months ahead, and credit counseling takes place which assists the borrower in raising their FICO score within 6-8 months so they can get out of the loan and into some decent financing with an affordable rate. At the very least, the homeowner is able to hold onto their home and improve their credit until they are able to sell.

Of course, to accomplish this, there has to be equity in the home. I am just simply saying that there is hope. If you have any questions regarding this program, I can be reached at 559-471-6774 or simply check out my website http://kellyrider.successlending.net. Kelly Rider, Success Lending

Construction Loans Featured

Clois Burrough (Success Lending) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:04:24 -0500

Let's talk California construction loans. I'm really excited to share a wonderful loan product that allows you up to 90% Loan To Cost (LTC) for purchasing your lot and tying your construction loan all into one loan. With your good credit of 680 FICO or more, you may qualify for a rate as low as 3.99% (Custom home) FIXED (APR 4.298)!

With this loan product, we do go as low as 540 on a FICO so there really is a loan for just about everyone (rate is only 7.99 FIXED for this FICO score (APR 8.590). These are interest only and the term is for 6 mos with a 3 mos extension available for a 1/2 point to the fee. Loan amounts on these products up to $600,000. No Income Verification, No Debt Ratios, No Kidding!

Next BLOG I'll get specific with OWNER/BUILDER Construction loans. Until then, do you just want to see if your loan situation makes sense? Call and I'll be glad to see if I can help you out.

Kelly Rider

Licensed Loan Specialist

CA DRE 01080978

SUCCESS LENDING

Direct Line 559-471-6774

OR TOLL FREE 1-888-886-6369