my closet the crayola crayon box...

remember getting that brand new box of crayola crayons? i'm sure that is where my love of color started...and truth be told...what i love about my closet...is that when i open it up...it reminds me of a box of crayons...with all the beautiful colors...

so...i want you to think of your closet as your box of crayons...when you look into your closet...notice what items are sitting right next to each other...

there might be a multi-colored striped shirt nudging a chocolate brown chiffon skirt...and they are both screaming..."wear me, wear me! wear us together!" ok...maybe not...but let's pretend...ok?

i cannot tell you how often i grab pieces from my client's closets and create an outfit they never knew they had...it was right under their nose the whole time...

so...let your creative juices flow...and pair together two or three pieces you would have never thought of...

and if this is something that you don't have time for...because there are just other things you would rather be doing...or you just don't understand the art of putting together pieces...consider hiring a wardrobe consultant...it may be...the best money you've spent in a while...

there is nothing more "freeing" then being able to go to your closet...and in 5 minutes...know what you are going to wear...each and every day...usually...the pieces are already in your closet...you just need a little help in putting them together...

i can help...give me a call...

elena daciuk
wardrobe consultant/stylist

fabulous.finds@yahoo.com
415.577.6133

My Utility Bills Are Too High!

Q: My utility bills are simply too high. Do you have any suggestions?

A: According to the U. S. Energy Information Administration, the average person spends 44% of his or her annual energy bill on heating and cooling, 25% on appliances, 14% on hot water, 10% on refrigeration and 7% on lighting.

Ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers make your air conditioner work harder. If you are not in the house during the day, adjust your thermostat to allow higher daytime temperatures. According to the Energy Star program, that may cut your electric bill by up to $20 a month. Another suggestion is to replace an older refrigerator with a more energy-efficient one. To learn how much energy your refrigerator is using, go to www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=refrig.calculator.

Watch for computers, DVD and DVR players, microwave ovens, video games, cell phone chargers and other appliances and devices that have transformers or a "standby" mode. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reports that 5–10% of your electricity may be wasted this way. Connect these appliances to power strips and turn them off. Don't charge your cell phones, electric shavers or other chargeable devices longer than necessary.

Save money by getting out of the house to catch a breeze while picnicking under a tree at your local park. Hang out at the air-conditioned ice cream parlor. Lower your bills while you enjoy your days.

Sick of Renting? Take this pill...

2011 is a great year to buy a home!

Home Buying Class

Saturday August 27, 2011

Burlingame, Ca

RSVP and More Details Here

Class Topics:

• Advantages of buying a home in 2011
• How the Stimulus Plan benefits first time homebuyers
• Tax Credits available for home ownership
• Owning vs renting comparison
• State of the San Mateo County real estate market
• Current mortgage interest rates and programs available
• Steps for a successful home or condo purchase
• Differences between owning a condo, townhome or single family home
• Steps to finance your home purchase
• Advantages of owning a home on the San Francisco Peninsula
• Survey of advice from other First Time Homebuyers
• How to select a good Realtor
• Real Estate Negotiations

Hosted by

Eileen Horan

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage California

Aimee Snodgrass Klarich

Realtor

Alain Pinel Realtors- Burlingame

www.AimeeKlarich.com

DRE 01765417

What to Look for When Hiring a Home Stager

It's always a little challenging deciding who to hire when you need professional help. Most often you ask your friends and relatives for a referral. But what if they can't help you? How can you be sure that the person you are hiring is the right person for the job?

When it comes to hiring a home stager there are several factors that should be considered. Although price is most people's primary consideration it can be misleading for the consumer when comparing bids. Here is a list of questions you should ask when interviewing a home stager and why their answers could impact your choice.

1. Are you full time home stager and how long have you been in business? Full time stagers offer more flexible schedules, resources, furnishings and experience. They are not "hobbyists" who dabble in the business. It is important to select someone who has been in the business at least 2 years and can show a track record with references.
2. Do you own your own inventory of furniture and accessories? Stagers who own their own furnishings can bid the jobs more competitively because they don't have hard rental costs to add onto the bid. Although they will charge you a rental fee, it will be less than the rental from a commercial furniture vendor. Also these stagers have a larger inventory of accessories and art than the smaller staging companies that do not own furniture and can more readily meet your style needs.
3. If they do own their own furnishings, do they rent from an outside vendor as well? This is important because you want the stager to place the furnishings that are most appropriate for your home rather than what is in their current inventory. Inventory fluctuates with market demand and it is very possible that your needs would be better served if the stager designs around the needs of your home rather than the current furnishings in her inventory.
4. Who will be delivering the furnishings and working in my home? It is important that anyone working within your home is properly insured and the stager carries workers compensation insurance on them, to limit your liability exposure. You do not need someone getting injured and a claim being filed against you or your homeowners insurance. Ask about the delivery personnel and whether they carry liability insurance.
5. Does the home stager have a website and a portfolio to show you? If the stager you are about to hire does not have a website I would advise you to keep looking. A website reflects the quality and professionalism of a home stager. If it looks skimpy or "homemade" than it can be assumed that their inventory is like-wise. A professional, polished website which shows an extensive portfolio will best reflect their work and professionalism. You can also view the quality and style of their furnishing inventory in their vacant home portfolio.
6. Is the home stager installing the design herself ? Having the owner of the business on the job site is always a good idea. Owners take more care and customer satisfaction is essential to their business. It is also easier to bring up any concerns or questions to the owner directly.
7. Compare apples to apples when looking at bids. This is where it gets tricky and requires some detective work. Pricing alone is not a good comparison. A lower bid may reflect a thinner amount of furnishings and accessories.  By obtaining a list of furnishings per room from the stager it will be easier to compare the quality and fullness of a staging. Then you can view their portfolio to see a sample of the quality and style of their inventory. Often you get what you pay for.
8. What time period does the initial price cover? Home stagers can offer various time periods for the initial fee. Usually these time periods can not be pro-rated  should your home sell quickly. For example: if the $2500.00 initial fee covers 60 days and your home sells in 25  days you can not recap any of the initial fee. If, however, you had selected an initial time period of 30 days for a price of $1800.00 then you would have saved the difference. All stagers charge an initial fee and than a subsequent monthly fee. This subsequent monthly fee should be able to be pro-rated.
9. Does the home stager offer a deferred payment plan or payment through escrow? Not all stagers offer either. If this is a consideration ask around and find reputable stager that offers such services. Be prepared to pay a little extra for this service. The stagers is assuming some risk and a small mark-up is customary. Ask this question before the bid is made.
10. Can I select the furnishings or make final design choices? Talk with the home stager about their policies. It is important that everyone have realistic expectations about their experience. Most stagers I know have these policies written in their contract. View a contract before placing a deposit down.

Add Up Your Liablity Risks

A visitor trips on the stairs at your home and hurts himself...
A neighbor's son is injured on your backyard swing...
You're involved in a car crash that injures the other driver...

If any of these accidents result in a high medical costs and injury to the other party, you could be sued.
You could even by sued for non-injury reasons, such as humiliation, libel, slander, defamation of character or invasion of privacy.  What would happen if you were found legally liable?

Your auto or homeowners insurance may give you some liability coverage, but it's usually capped at certain levels.    

Try this worksheet:

• Start with the value of your home and add the value of all other assets, such as jewelry, cars, recreational vehicles, vacation or rental property and savings accounts.
• Does their value exceed the limits of your liability coverage on your insurance policies?
• If you're held liable for a high damage award, it's possible you could lose all those assets, including your home, savings or even future income.

For about $20 a month, many people can get $1 million in additional liability coverage with an umbrella policy.  Umbrella coverage kicks in after your auto or homeowners insurance reaches its policy liability limit.  For example, if your homeowners liability limit is $300,000 and a jury awards $900,000 in damages, your umbrella policy generally would cover the additional $600,000 as well as your legal exxpenses.

For more information on an umbrella policy or any insurance questions please contact:

Virginia Trowbridge at virginia.ctrowbridge@farmersagency.com

*image from istockphotos.com

San Mateo County Quarterly Real Estate Market Report

Market Statistics - San Mateo County

PROVIDED BY AIMEE KLARICH- Alain Pinel Realtors, Burlingame
Second Quarter 2010 vs. Second Quarter 2011

Single Family Residences (excludes Condominiums)

San Mateo County	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales*	1,265	1,289	2%
Average Price ($000)*	$950	$1,024	8%
Average DOM*	54	64	19%
Months of Inventory*	3.2	2.8	-13%

---

Atherton	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	20	19	-5%
Average Price ($000)	$3,671	$4,092	11%
Average DOM	65	53	-18%
Months of Inventory	5.6	3.8	-32%

---

Belmont	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	73	47	-36%
Average Price ($000)	$914	$943	3%
Average DOM	46	36	-22%
Months of Inventory	2.0	2.8	40%

---

Burlingame	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	56	72	29%
Average Price ($000)	$1,291	$1,308	1%
Average DOM	57	30	-47%
Months of Inventory	4.2	1.4	-67%

---

El Granada	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	17	11	-35%
Average Price ($000)	$727	$694	-5%
Average DOM	76	40	-47%
Months of Inventory	3.4	6.5	91%

---

Foster City	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	31	30	-3%
Average Price ($000)	$1,040	$980	-6%
Average DOM	33	39	18%
Months of Inventory	1.5	2.5	67%

---

Half Moon Bay	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	33	33	0%
Average Price ($000)	740	$770	4%
Average DOM	57.0	156	174%
Months of Inventory	4.7	7.4	57%

---

Hillsborough	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	29	46	59%
Average Price ($000)	$2,942	$2,730	-7%
Average DOM	49	66	35%
Months of Inventory	11.5	4.1	-64%

---

Menlo Park	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	106	128	21%
Average Price ($000)	$1,352	$1,363	1%
Average DOM	46	65	41%
Months of Inventory	2.1	1.2	-43%

---

Millbrae	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	34	44	29%
Average Price ($000)	$895	$918	3%
Average DOM	62	40	-35%
Months of Inventory	3.3	1.6	-52%

---

Montara, Moss Beach	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	6	17	183%
Average Price ($000)	$777	$733	-6%
Average DOM	110	169	54%
Months of Inventory	13.7	5.0	-64%

---

Pacifica	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	58	59	2%
Average Price ($000)	$649	$524	-19%
Average DOM	47	51	9%
Months of Inventory	4.8	4.6	-4%

---

Portola Valley	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	19	27	42%
Average Price ($000)	$2,014	$2,622	30%
Average DOM	48	120	150%
Months of Inventory	3.9	3.5	-10%

---

Redwood City	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	165	153	-7%
Average Price ($000)	$798	$793	-1%
Average DOM	50	70	40%
Months of Inventory	2.7	2.7	0%

---

Redwood Shores	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	23	16	-30%
Average Price ($000)	$1,065	$948	-11%
Average DOM	23	29	26%
Months of Inventory	2.6	1.0	-62%

---

San Bruno	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	58	50	-14%
Average Price ($000)	$563	$556	-1%
Average DOM	84	63	-25%
Months of Inventory	3.7	3.3	-11%

---

San Carlos	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	77	87	13%
Average Price ($000)	$995	$958	-4%
Average DOM	52	40	-23%
Months of Inventory	1.9	1.7	-11%

---

San Mateo	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	168	153	-9%
Average Price ($000)	$903	$856	-5%
Average DOM	54	47	-13%
Months of Inventory	2.5	2.4	-4%

---

South San Francisco	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	83	84	1%
Average Price ($000)	$542	$508	-6%
Average DOM	51	80	57%
Months of Inventory	2.6	2.9	12%

---

Woodside	Q2 2010	Q2 2011	% Change
Number of Sales	19	31	63%
Average Price ($000)	$1,752	$2,960	69%
Average DOM	77	114	48%
Months of Inventory	10.3	6.8	-34%

* Number of Sales is for the stated quarter and Average Price is an average for the stated quarter.
** Average DOM and Months of Inventory based on statistics for the last month of the stated quarter.

For details about your specific neighborhood...
Contact:
Aimee Klarich
Alain Pinel Realtors- Burlingame
DRE 01765417
aklarich@apr.com
650.483.3795

when it's time to weed...

...your closet...that is...

photo source

there you stand...in front of your jam packed closet...you've tried to get rid of those items (you know the ones)...really you have...you've torn your closet apart...hardening that heart of yours as you toss everything that doesn't fit...doesn't flatter...or isn't in style anymore to the side...maybe...you've even gone as far as having bundled all your rejects and looked up the goodwill phone number...

the problem?

those little voices...crying out to you from the garbage bag..."you can't throw me out! you paid $250 for me and you wore me only once" or "how could you get rid of me? your mother gave me to you for christmas!"

believe me...i've been there...getting rid of clothes...even those you're sure you'll never wear again...can be a difficult task...why is it so hard to part with what are...pieces of clothing just taking up space in our closet?

it truly is a struggle to weed out your own closet...mostly...because there is so much emotion attached to our clothes...you basically remember what you paid for each item...where you wore it...who gave it to you...

the flip side...getting rid of things that we are not...and won't be utilizing...can be very liberating...but you need someone to tell you how to do it...or you need someone to help you...who will be objective and not emotionally tied to the garments...

for those that truly want to leave the task to a professional...to weed out and reorganize the closet...but have that little bit of fear...maybe from watching too many episodes of "what not to wear"...where they feel they will have nothing left to wear...i will share with you how i...as a wardrobe consultant work...

so...what do i do? you may be wondering...

photo source

and why would you hire me? whatever your reasons are for not being able to tackle that closet...what stops you from doing so...this could be too overwhelming a task for one to handle...whether it be because you are tied emotionally to your clothes...or maybe because you just aren't quite sure on what to keep and what to get rid of...or perhaps...you just have better things to do...

i've spoken to many who became clients...but it was only after they became clients...they told me that they hesistated in calling me...simply for the fact that they weren't quite sure what it was...i would do...

i joke alot about the whole "what not to wear" idea...where a stylist comes in and gets rid of every shred of clothing...and basically starts anew with a whole new wardrobe...not only is this really far from reality...it is also a big bite on ones wallet...

so i thought i would share a little of how i personally work...

before the closet doors are even opened...i like to first sit down and talk with my client...this is the time where i find out what your life activities are...what you like & don't like...what you need...where you want to go with your style...and in this...we work on a style recipe specifically for you...it then gives us a point to work towards...to get a handle on your ideal theoretical wardrobe before tackling your actual one...

next we tackle the closet...the right way...is to go through each item...one by one...making decisions of what's in...what's out...what might be possible...

are there pieces that aren't being worn? can we make some outfits out of them...

if needed...we work on ways of creating space in the closet that is needed...or finding creative ways to store your precious items...

a list is made of needed items...and the hunt begins for those...

and therein begins the start of a beautiful relationship...

so for those in the san francisco bay area...if you are ready to begin...let me know...i look forward to working with you...or if you have questions...feel free to contact me...

elena daciuk
fabulous finds
wardrobe consultant/stylist
415.577.6133

Home Buying Class Saturday August 27, 2011

2011 is a great year to buy a home!

Home Buying Class

Saturday August 27, 2011

Burlingame, Ca

RSVP and More Details Here

Class Topics:

• Advantages of buying a home in 2011
• How the Stimulus Plan benefits first time homebuyers
• Tax Credits available for home ownership
• Owning vs renting comparison
• State of the San Mateo County real estate market
• Current mortgage interest rates and programs available
• Steps for a successful home or condo purchase
• Differences between owning a condo, townhome or single family home
• Steps to finance your home purchase
• Advantages of owning a home on the San Francisco Peninsula
• Survey of advice from other First Time Homebuyers
• How to select a good Realtor
• Real Estate Negotiations

Hosted by

Eileen Horan

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage California

Aimee Snodgrass Klarich

Realtor

Alain Pinel Realtors- Burlingame

www.AimeeKlarich.com

DRE 01765417