Random Bits of Information

Walnut Creek, CA - Learn home staging from Industry Leader and Trendsetter... Christine Rae!

January 25-27, 2012, sponsored by Cort Furniture

Register today - 1-888-782-4464

Receive a FREE information package at www.StagingTraining.com

"A power packed course - Every minute full of valuable information!"
- S Hollinger

Earn the Certified Staging Professionals (CSP) designation with completion of the following:

• Successful completion of 2 day in-classroom instruction,
• 1 day hands-on field experience,
• 75% or higher grade on exams (including practical assessment).

• 4 weeks of home study business start up - By downloading the workbooks found in the password protected CSP Business Resource Center and completing the assigned tasks in Modules 1 and 2, home stagers are encouraged to complete the step-by-step tasks to have their business up and running in 4 weeks. (Note: some stagers may take longer to complete this portion of the program; working at their own pace, within the confinements of their own schedule).
• 6 weeks (12 - one hour sessions) of Marketing Advantage Camp - Students receive marketing and business guidance from a LIVE Marketing Coach through this six consecutive week marketing camp. Students register for a live webinar (coaching is online, student only needs a computer with speakers to attend!) as they are taught marketing strategies to help them attract clients.

"Christine is an amazing educator, mentor, leader and friend. Her ability to foresee the changing state of the housing market, identify changing trends, along with her drive for excellence makes her educational programs the finest in the western hemisphere. She is a true leader and innovator in her industry and her students leave her with the ability and skills to succeed." - L Dickson

I have personally watched Christine teach, and she is absolutely inspirational. Her course not only helps you learn home staging, it helps you learn how to run a small business successfully. You will not be sorry if you attend one of her courses.

"I learned everything from A-Z! I am very satisfied. The hands-on approach is something that you can't teach - it absolutely helped to physically stage a home that is on the market." - J Trottier

173 Cragmont Drive in Walnut Creek, CA, offered at $600,000

Walnut Creek, Lakewood, and Tahoe feel all in one. Redwood construction 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on .26 acre wooded lot with Lakewood Drive access to the backyard. Near city amenities, BART, freeways and yet serenity right at home. Upon opening the front door a wall of windows, redwood decking and nature fill your senses. Wood beam ceilings, dining area and eat-in kitchen, vintage bathrooms, large master and secondary bedrooms complete the 1,651 sq. ft. home (per assessor). There is a basement (bonus room), outdoor access to the yard, gardens and sitting areas, giving multi-use options for entertainment.

Schools:
Indian Valley Elementary
Walnut Creek Intermediate
Las Lomas High

For more information, contact Terrylynn Fisher of Dudum Real Estate, 925.876.0966, info@BuyStageSell.com

I don't know if you'll be able to tell from this picture, except that the ground is very wet, but it is raining quite hard in Alameda, California today. Also, I think someone has recently spilled soap of some kind, because there are bubbles all over the ground. This rain is very strange for the END of June! I took this picture from inside the office, where it is cold. Did I mention this is the end of June?! 

Offered at $199,000

• Garin Ranch area opportunity
• Desirable Brentwood location
• Newer one-level corner lot
• Close to shops, restaurants and schools
• Large patio
• 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths

Large great room floor plan with insets for your media. Fireplace, inside laundry room, kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter tops for the cook and open to the living area. Master has private bath and slider to patio. Backyard is fully fenced with lawn and large patio. A perfect starter home.

For more information, please contact Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor

Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor
925.876.0966 cell
925.887.6614 fax

info@buystagesell.com
www.BuyStageSell.com
DRE #00615420


Terrylynn on the Web

• www.BuyStageSell.com
• Search the MLS
• Facebook
• Twitter
• On CBS5 News!

3614 Mahogany Court in Walnut Creek

Offered at $699,000

Location, privacy, space, great schools and so much more to offer. Now you know why this is the first time in 35 years that this home has been on the market for sale. Our grandkids are calling us to Southern California or we wouldn't leave this fantastic neighborhood. We love our home, our neighbors, the amenities and opportunities Walnut Creek and the Woodlands have given to our family as we raised our two boys here. Our home is ready for the next story to be told.

For more information, contact Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor, 925.876.0966, www.buystagesell.com.

Over the weekend, my daughter and I visited with Suzi Hibbard of FurRescue.org. She is a great friend to bunnies and runs a very busy rescue. While Suzi and I were talking about her website, my daughter helped with the adoption (mostly picking up bunnies for littler kids to pet them - fun!) Suzi then let us visit with these tiny baby bunnies that she is bottle feeding. They are about 2 weeks old.

I don't think I've ever seen such small rabbits before, they are so cute!

Rabbits make great pets, but you need to be aware they are a real commitment; they live 10-12 years and need to live safely inside the house. You do have to clip their nails, or take them to a vet or groomer to have them clipped. Depending on your rabbit and household, rabbits can run loose in the house just like your cats (they can be litter box trained). They also can get along very well with cats (this is my daughter's cat and one of our rabbits below).

Anyway, just thought I'd share these adorable little bunnies!

Chris

3609 Dormer Avenue in Concord, California

Offered at $247,000

Starter home, Concord neighborhood, delivers location, BART and freeway access, and move-in ready opportunity.

Upgrades include:

• New Certainteed EnergyStar 30-year roof
• New gutters and downspouts
• Fresh paint inside and out
• New dual-pane Low-E sliding glass door and windows throughout
• Complete termite service performed July 2010 with a full 2-year warranty (Planet Orange)
• New exterior steel doors (front and side garage, front with leaded glass insert)
• New roll-up garage door
• Insulation blown in to all house exterior walls
• New Swanstone tub surround (front tub shower added)
• All new top quality Price-Pfister kitchen and bath fixtures
• New tile floors in kitchen and both bathrooms
• Freshly sanded and stained hardwood floors
• All new light fixtures throughout
• Ceiling fans in all bedrooms
• New solotube skylight in kitchen
• New vanities in both baths, granite-top vanity in front bath
• New water-saving high efficiency toilets in both bathrooms
• Brand new stainless steel electric range, dishwasher and microwave range hood
• New disposal
• New KraftMaid cabinets and soft close drawers
• LG Hi-Macs countertops with integrated sink
• All new interior doors and door hardware
• New Carrier high efficiency central heat with programmable thermostat
• Newly sodded and landscaped yard with automatic sprinkler system in front yard
• New baseboards throughout
• Laundry hook-ups in garage (220 for electric dryer)

For more information, please contact Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor
925.876.0966 cell, 925.887.6614 fax
info@BuyStageSell.com

Hidden Lakes is a Planned Unit Development with 47 units, a pool and amenities. Low homeowner's dues of $165 per month covers common area maintenance, pool, hazard insurance on the dwelling and reserves. This home is nestled in the crossroads of Pleasant Hill and Martinez.

2104 Lost Lake Place in Martinez, California

$235,000

This duet home is in a Planned Unit Development and is the perfect little hideaway, across from Hidden Lakes Park. Hidden Lakes is a well-kept secret and units don't come on the market very often.

• 2 bedrooms, each in a separate area of the house for privacy
• 2 full bathrooms
• Upstairs is the king sized master bedroom with walk-in closet and an updated private bathroom
• The downstairs bedroom has a slider to the patio/yard area, a walk-in closet, and access to the second full bath
• There is a plant lined entry leading to the patio/backyard area
• Living room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and a slider to a balcony deck for entertaining or watching the sunset
• The cook's delight kitchen was redone and features all new cabinets, some with glass fronts for your prized items, vaulted ceilings and solid surface counter tops, refrigerator and a large eating area
• Double car garage with storage space
• Extra storage space off balcony deck
• Easy commute to Highways 4 and 680 and just over the hill to Lafayette and Highway 24

In short, everything you need is packed into this beautiful space.

For more information, contact Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor
925.876.0966 cell, 925.887.6614 fax
info@BuyStageSell.com

Admission: $10
Ages 21+ only

Bay Area bands the Goldenhearts (acoustic), Felsen, and Rockinghorse will perform to raise funds and awareness for local rabbit rescue group Friends United for Rabbit Rescue (FURRescue) at Bands for Bunnies on March 27, 2011 from 3pm-6pm at Armando's in Martinez. The event will also feature a silent auction, including items such as autographed music memorabilia, and products and services donated by local businesses.

We adopted one of our pet bunnies from Suzi, co-founder of FURRescue.org. He's the sweetest boy! He hangs out with our cat, touches noses with the dog, and loves attention. This event is a great way to help support these people who work SO hard taking care of rabbits and placing them in loving homes. I'm amazed at Suzi's dedication and commitment, she's truly amazing. Plus, you get to listen to some Bay Area bands!  Perfect!

There won't be any rabbits at this event, but you can find out where the FURRescue.org adoptions are taking place by checking their events page. Have fun!

I have received two calls this month asking for kittens, thanks to some blogs I wrote in 2008. The kittens that I had then are no longer kittens, and they have all been adopted. Since I am a fan of people adopting their pets, and since people are asking me about kittens, I decided I should highlight some adoptable pets at our County shelters. I chose the first kitty, Missy, because she looks like the feral mama cat (now spayed and friendly) of my 2008 kittens.

  MISSY - ID#A640863

My name is Missy and I am described as a female, tortie Domestic Shorthair mix. You will find me in Kennel # GETAQ2.

The shelter thinks I am about 3 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Feb 10, 2011.

For more information about this animal, call:
Contra Costa County Animal Services - Martinez at (925) 335-8300
Ask for information about animal ID number A640863

Adoption fees are low at our County shelters, and your pet will be spayed or neutered before you bring it home. I chose Tikka, below, because she looks like my sister's dog Bravo, who is a gigantic love bug.

TIKKA - ID#A640950

My name is Tikka and I am described as a female, gray and white Pit Bull Terrier mix. You will find me in Kennel # PIN A02.

The shelter thinks I am about 2 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Feb 12, 2011.

For more information about this animal, call:
Contra Costa County Animal Services - Pinole at (510) 374-3966
Ask for information about animal ID number A640950

I chose Suzi, below, because the woman who rescues rabbits in our area, and who I adopted my rabbit from, is named Suzi. Rabbits make great pets and have a lot of personality.

SUZI - ID#A637576

My name is Suzi and I am described as a spayed female, tan Shorthaired Rabbit. You will find me in Kennel # C PETSMART.

My age is unknown.

I have been at the shelter since Jan 18, 2011.

For more information about this animal, call:
Contra Costa County Animal Services - Martinez at (925) 335-8300
Ask for information about animal ID number A637576

There are many, many animals at the shelters waiting for homes. When you are ready for a new pet, please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue. Thank you!

The meeting is at Monte Gardens tonight, Tuesday, February 22, 2011. Monte Gardens is located at 3841 Larkspur Drive in Concord.

The meeting is at 7:30 and will be broadcast on MDUSD.net, and on the radio on 90.5FM KVHS (our local high school radio station, run by students at Clayton Valley High School).

Some of the schools on the chopping block are Silverwood, Westwood and Willow Creek.

This is very sad, and I feel so bad for all the kids that are going to have to leave their friends to go to different schools next year. They have already decided to close Holbrook Elementary and Glenbrook Middle school. All of those kids have to be rerouted to other schools, and I don't believe there will be school buses provided. : (

All of the sites listed below will send you a daily email with a "deal" for a local business. The areas vary, so check them out to see if they include your home town!  Recently I've purchased entry to Jump Sky High ($5, normally $10), as well as half price (or less) deals for local restaurants.  There was even a deal for amazon.com (pay $10, get $20 worth of merchandise). Not bad!

Mamapedia even donates 5% of each purchase to the school of your choice!

I'm sure there are plenty more, which sites do you use to save some money?  I'd love to know!

I received this comment on one of my blogs about animal rescue.  It seems like a sincere request for help. If anyone is able to help this family, please do.  Thank you in advance. (If this turns out to be spam, please let me know and I'll remove it.)

"Greetings,  I hope all is well and everyone was able to enjoy their valentines day.  My name is Nicole Im writing a message here today because my family and I became homeless on the 2nd of Feb.  I have a 6 1/2 yr old dog that Im looking for help to put her in temporary placement because we are homeless.  Im putting my friends and family in jepordy because they cannot have pets at their homes.  If there is someone who can help with some type of foster care, myself, my husband, my 4yr old son bjorne and 5 month old daughter vivian would be very greatfull.  We are not looking to surrender her for she has been a part of my life since she was 8 weeks old.  If you are interested and need more info my numbers are 608-317-9387 (my mom peggy) or my number 608-797-7185.  I am investigating with my insurance company and a attorney regarding our homelessness so reembursement is very likely.  Godbless and we hope to hear from someone soon.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

with sincere

Nicole"

Since I am still getting phone calls from a blog I wrote about some kittens my daughter and I rescued back in 2008 (they have all been placed now), I figured I should blog about kittens that ARE still available and need loving homes.

Meet Goofie!

GOOFIE - ID#A635827

My name is Goofie and I am described as a neutered male, gray and white Domestic Longhair mix. You will find me in Kennel # RODIES.

The shelter thinks I am about 5 months old.

I have been at the shelter since Feb 10, 2011.

For more information about this animal, call:
Contra Costa County Animal Services - Martinez at (925) 335-8300
Ask for information about animal ID number A635827

Meet Ember!

EMBER - ID#A638801

My name is Ember and I am described as a spayed female, black Domestic Shorthair mix. You will find me in Kennel # P PETSMART.

The shelter thinks I am about 3 months old.

I have been at the shelter since Jan 27, 2011.

 For more information about this animal, call:
Contra Costa County Animal Services - Pinole at (510) 374-3966
Ask for information about animal ID number A638801

There are always plenty of cats and kittens available at our Martinez and Pinole shelters. When you are ready for your next pet, please consider adopting a rescued animal or sheltered animal, it makes such a difference! Thank you!

28 Warhol Way in Pleasant Hill
Offered at $385,000

Welcome to Gallery Walk

Gallery Walk is a charming bedroom community located just north of Walnut Creek and east of Lafayette in the shadow of Mt. Diablo.

For more information, Please contact:

Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor

DRE#00615420
925.876.0966 cell
925.887.6614 fax
info@BuyStageSell.com

www.5513Kirkwood.com

Concord's best kept secret on the Clayton Border near Oakhurst Country Club, walking trails, shopping and schools.

• Single level 3 bedroom, 2 bath home
• Updated kitchen with granite counter tops, new cabinets and newer stainless steel appliances
• Bay window and fireplace in living room
• Formal dining area, breakfast bar and eating area off kitchen
• Master has walk-in closet and separate bath
• Inside laundry room
• Double attached garage
• Fenced yard with fruit trees
  

For more information, contact:

Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor
925.876.0966 cell
925.887.6614 fax
info@BuyStageSell.com

4350 Machado drive in Concord, California

Concord, nice area near Treat Blvd and Clayton Road - PETS OK...Waiting for the perfect place to live with your small pet? Want you car parked in a double garage? Like a patio/small yard for entertaining? THIS IS IT!! Walk to shopping, bus service and more.

Tile flooring, 2 bedrooms, each with a separate bathroom, attached 2 car garage, fenced yard, fireplace, washer and dryer, refrigerator included, garden window in kitchen.

Available now for $1,550/month with $1,750/deposit includes pet deposit on approval.

PMA (Property Management Alternatives) www.PMARental.com
925.360.9477 or info@buystagesell.com for a showing.

The lovely ladies of Team in Training will be posing to help you enjoy 2011 and to keep you motivated all year long! We are raising money to find a cure for cancer and 100% of the proceeds from these calendars will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Q: What items are NOT allowed in the garbage or recycle bins?

A: Please contact Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste for instructions on how to get rid of items listed below as well as other toxic or poisonous materials. You may reach them at 800-606-6606 or
www.Household-HazWaste.com.

Below is a list of items which you MAY NOT place in any of your garbage or recycle bins as they are toxic and/or hazardous and require special attention.

Acids
Additives
Antifreeze
Ant traps
Automotive fluids
Automotive parts
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D 9 volt)
Batteries (rechargeable, ni-cd, lithium, automotive)
Bleach
Caulk
Caustics
Cement
Construction & demolition debris
Computers
Computer monitors
Concrete
Couches
Dirt
Electronic waste
Epoxy
Fertilizers
Fluorescent bulbs
Fuel
Furniture
Gasoline
Gopher bait
Mattresses
Mercury containing items
Microwaves
Mortar
Motor oil
Needles
Paint
Paint thinner
Pesticides
Photo chemicals
Pool chemicals
Printers
Propane
Propane tanks
Putty
Rat poison
Refrigerators
Rocks
Sharps
Shellac
Solvents
Stucco
Televisions
Tires
VCRs
Waxes

 Let's be safe and green! If you want to see a complete list of what you can place in each bin, visit http://www.alamedacountyindustries.com/alameda/customer_center/residential_containers.html.