All About Newport Beach

The rest of this week can still be productive. Stay in contact with you prospects, and expired prospects. There are many people who wanted to "wait it out" through the holidays before listing their home - or considering purchasing a home. 

There is support from the news - I have heard several times in the past couple of days that it truly is a buyers market. Of course, we already knew that - but it is good for the real estate buying public to receive that reinforcement. 

I know many sellers may already be in contract, however, there are more "prospects" out there. I am working on mailing today and tomorrow as most of the holiday rush has slowed down.

While your competition is taking the time off - now is a great time to stay as productive as you can.

Also, think about starting your 2008 marketing plan. I have been working on it throughout this past month, and have a plan to stay in contact with my sphere and prospects.

Have a great and productive day!

www.sharonintheOC.com

Newport Beach Real Estate

The gifts been unwrapped, and the kitchen has been cleaned up from our holiday meal - we may be starting to  think about our New Year's Resolutions.

This is a good time to be reflective of what it is we are going to resolve, and we can start making changes today.
Establish short and long term goals of what you are planning to change in 2008.

• Decide what it is you are planning on changing, and set short and long term goals.
• Make sure the goals are realistic and in fact achievable goals so that you stick to what you have decided to resolve.
• Create a plan to achieve your goals.
• Make sure that you use small simple steps to achieve your goals.
• Monitor your progress and reward yourself for sticking with your resolutions.

These changes can be started today!!!

Enjoy your holiday week.

www.SharonintheOC.com

Newport Beach Real Estate

This is a time of year for reflection and appreciation. As I sit here on this Christmas Eve, I am appreciative of many things in my life. I know there are many not as fortunate as many others. Overall, there are many things to be grateful for:

• My family who means the world to me.
• My daughters who really are fabulous!
• My friends who are always in my life.
• My  clients who have become my friends.
• My dog - who always makes me laugh.

i can think of a myriad of other things ( and I appreciate them all)  - however I encourage you to think of the things in your own life that you appreciate.

 I want to wish you all a fantastic holiday tomorrow - (for some it is already here). I look forward to a great holiday - and a great 2008.

Best Wishes - Sharon

www.Sharonintheoc.com

Newport Beach Real Estate

Now is a good time to start making your own New Years Eve Reservations to celebrate the beginning of 2008. There are many restaurants that are already booked, however I am sure if you are diligent, there will be availability. 

Also, this is another opportunity for us to stay in contact with our sphere.

• Send an email and remind them to make reservations
• List some suggestions with contact info and their web address
• Provide some note of reflection
• Remind them to be "safe"
• And post information on restaurants on your blog and your website

I know many people are not thinking about this holiday yet - I was not until someone asked me last night. And then, I did some research and posted it.

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday!

Sharon

www.SharonintheOC.com

Newport Beach Real Estate

My daughter and I have been looking at birds - that may need a new home. We had looked at several places, and we went back tonight to look at one that she was very interested in because it was so friendly.  My daughter was interested in getting a bird because her bird recently passed away after 10 years.

When we arrived, the cage was empty and when we asked the sales associate what had happened - she told us that someone had stolen the bird yesterday. Apparently this bird had lived in this particular place for about one year  . . . People truly amaze me.

I can only hope and pray that the person who "took" the bird knows how to care for it and provide it with a proper home. Of course I am wondering if that person was going to sell the bird as well.

I also am wondering - how did they get the bird out of the store? Did they put it in their pocket? What are they thinking?

Twilight open houses are another creative approach to inviting more prospects to see the home. If you decide to hold a twilight open house, the following is a list of suggestions.

•  Confirm with the owners a good day of the week, and pick a time between either 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm or 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Not longer.
• Have another Realtor assist you so that you are not alone in the home in the evening.
• Create invitations and walk the immediate neighborhood to let them know the home will be held open. This will help you to get to know more neighbors in the area as well.
• Email your prospects about the twilight open house as it sets you apart as providing a "unique" approach to selling real estate.
• Provide sparkling water or 7-up mixed with cranberry or pomegranate juice. Add a berry for garnish - whatever is in season. Serve the drinks in champagne style glasses.
• Do not serve alcohol.
• Provide a variety of appetizers, perhaps a meat and cheese platter, cookies, etc.
• Have an attractive flyer made for the open house.

This is a good way to meet additional prospects, neighbors and set you apart as a Realtor.

Have a great day . . .

www.SharonintheOC.com

Newport Beach Real Estate

December 12-16, 2007 - Christmas Boat Parade

Tonight marks the first night of the boat parade for Newport Beach, California. If you are local and want to see the parade, you can visit my site for recommendations on restaurants to view the parade - or you can see it harbor side. This year is the 99th annual boat parade and it is amazing. I will post pictures this weekend!

Happy Holidays!

Sharon

www.Sharonintheoc.com

Guidelines for Home Improvements

A common question that homeowners may inquire about which home improvements are needed may help the salability of their home.

Any improvements that increase your home's attractiveness and overall size to the general buying public will increase its value. The following is a list which includes some general guidelines to consider when preparing your home to sell:

•·                    Neutral color, and fresh paint on the inside and out

•·                    Have trim painted for a fresh look

•·                    Make sure that carpet is cleaned

•·                    Use neutral color carpet or flooring if replacing

•·                    Consider light window treatments

•·                    Use mirrored wardrobe doors on closets to enhance space

•·                    Organize cupboards and closets, and maintain the organization

•·                    Place healthy house plants in strategic locations to create a warm feel

•·                    Add colorful plants to exterior of home, and spruce up exterior landscaping

•·                    Trim trees if needed (check with Arborist to be sure it is the correct time of year to trim trees or bushes)

•·                    Keep windows clean inside and out

•·                    Replace screens if needed - and be sure to keep screens clean as well for optimum view

•·                    Keep all mirrors clean throughout home

•·                    Add decorator mirrors in strategic locations to enhance openness of home

•·                    Keep fireplace clean or any ashes if wood burning, and add unburned wood

•·                    De-clutter every room to ensure home looks more spacious

•·                    Put away personal photos so prospects don't get distracted

•·                    Keep your home neat and orderly at all times

Hope this helps!!!

www.sharonintheoc.com

I've Been Meme'd

I've been Meme's for the first time by Jeff Belonger.

Here are five things you may not know about me.

• I have two daughters ages 11 and 17 years of age who are awesome!
• I am engaged to be married - probaby next summer. I'll keep you posted.
• I have my FAA pilots license and am rated for multi-engine, instrument and commercial.
• I am an open water diver (Scuba) and have dove in some of the most beautiful places including The Cathedrals in Lanai - Hawaii.
• I love to play tennis - and am playing in a tournament coming up (amateur however - but lots of fun).

OK - now I am picking three people to be meme'd.

Galel Fajardo, CMPS^TM

Collete Lee

Garrett Goldman

 Have a great and productive day!!!

http://www.sharonintheoc.com/

OK - this post is for those who want to go and see the huge waves at the beach. The waves in Huntington Beach are pretty big. The surfers and body boarders usually love it, however I have seen on the news that it is too large for even some of them. It is always great site to see the waves, however the ocean can be unpredictable. So therefore, I have some tips to ensure Ocean Safety.

 The first and most basic one - stay back. View from a far and bring your camera with a zoom lens for the best photos.

Second - don't ever turn your back on the ocean. Even for a picture. A wave can come and wash you out before your have a chance.

Third - keep in mind that while there is some lifeguard activity - it is not patrolled like it is during the summer. There are typically the permanent lifeguards who drive in their SUV's on the beach, however, even their resources are limited.

But if you get the chance, it is a great site to see . . . just stay back!!!

www.sharonintheoc.com