Guide Me Home 2 Marin Luxury - Home

57 Percent of REALTORS® are women

2010-07-28T00:00:00Z

Few women worked as REALTORS® as recently as the late 70s and early 80s. According to the 2010 NAR Member Profile, 57 percent today are women. But let’s look at a little history of women in the industry.

In 1924, the California Real Estate Association formed a Women’s Division after members founded the idea on a train ride home from the National Association’s convention in Washington, D.C. At the convention, only men were allowed to vote on issues brought before the body. In those days, women were often compensated for a closing with a bottle of champagne instead of a commission check.

In 1938, Joseph Catherine, president of the National Association of Real Estate Boards (now NAR), encouraged the formation of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) after being impressed by the California group. The National Association was ready to recognize women and they voted to form the Women’s Council at their annual convention held in Milwaukee in November of that year. Thirty-seven women represented nine states at the meeting and the inception of WCR.

Today WCR has more than 290 chapters and is the 12th largest women’s professional organization providing in-depth management training, industry education and networking in addition to its own NAR sponsored designation of PMN (Performance Management Network) which I earned and now hold.

Women don’t consider themselves as a majority in the real estate industry, they consider themselves as professionals working alongside their fellow REALTORS®.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Top 10 New Home Features

2010-07-26T08:50:09Z

Americans are changing the way they live and reevaluating the old fashioned features of the home. Today’s home buyer wants a smaller house in this economic climate and builders are responding. According to Heather McCune from Bassenian Lagoni Architects in Park Ridge, Illinois, most home buyers want cost effective architecture, focus on space and not rooms, and some also want homes that are designed “green”.

A recent survey conducted by AVID Ratings Co. found the top 10 must haves in a new home:

Large kitchens with an islandUpgraded slab countertops, granite or compositeEnergy efficient appliances, insulation and windowsHome office/studyMain floor master suite (for the aging population)Outdoor living roomMaster bath soaking tubsStone and brick exteriors (wood is still popular in California)Community landscaped walking paths and playgroundsTwo car garages

The “California design” with the kitchen open to the main living area is becoming more common with the current casual living style coast to coast while we have seen that trend for a long time here in California. Here we are about family, entertaining, environment.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Get Ready for Fire Season

2010-07-23T15:46:50Z

It was a warm September day and I remember being in Stinson Beach the day of the Oakland Hills fire in the Bay Area. More black smoke kept drifting over Mt. Tam towards the beach and I knew something very large and bad was happening. It never occurred to me that it was clear across the bay and as wide spread as it was.

So do yourselves and your local firefighters a favor and be prepared. Whether you live in an urban environment like the Oakland Hills or southern California or in a more rural area like Mt. Vision in West Marin County or the Tahoe area, the preparation is the same to help protect your home.

- Cut your grass short, less than 3”. The county is actively cutting the grass by the side of the roads in West Marin now.

- Clean your gutters and roof. Make sure they are free of pine needles and tree branches.

- Remove brush piles. Cut down dead trees and haul away dead vegetation.

- Advertise your location with 3-4” high reflective house numbers that are easily seen day or night so your home can be found. Many towns require that now upon resale.

Get ready. Be prepared. And to learn more, go to www.readysetgomarin.org.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

How to Plan a Stress Free Move

2010-07-22T08:39:00Z

I have my house on the market and love the feel of an uncluttered, edited home. However, there will still be a lot to pack up when it is time to move and more editing (i.e. trips to Goodwill/Salvation Army) to do.

So here are my tips that I will personally follow to make my move more stress free:

Hire a good mover. Get three quotes and recommendations. Check the companies ‘reputation’ online through the Better Business Bureau and Yelp. The federal government regulates moving companies so use their site at www.protectyourmove.gov. Edit while you pack. Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it or worn it in the last year, give it away or throw it out. That way you don’t have to unpack it again on the other end.Save money on packing materials. Borrow boxes from someone who just moved. Or get your boxes and packing materials at Home Depot or your local U-Haul dealer. Consolidate. If you are moving long distance, see if there is someone who is going to the same destination so you can share space in a truck. Moving companies are often happy to add to someone else’s move if there is space available. Make a floor plan. Give the movers a plan of where you want large items placed.Mark your boxes. Make it easy to have the movers put your boxes in the appropriate room so you don’t have to move them around.Get insurance. Ask your homeowner’s insurance company to insure your move for replacement cost. The moving company will charge you a premium and the standard insurance you get through them is not enough if they break something really valuable.Know your destination. Do you need to pare down to small delivery trucks because of windy roads or steep driveways? Do you need to stake your claim on the street in front of your new apartment building? Discuss this with the company and be prepared.Be generous to the movers. Have cookies, plenty of fluids (I order pizza) for the hardworking movers. And tip them each $3 - $5 per hour for a job well done.

Remember to have snacks for yourself, a handy toolkit for installations, repairs, and hanging pictures, and most of all, a sense of humor as you take yourself out to dinner.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Sausalito Friday Night Jazz & Blues By the Bay…

2010-07-20T00:00:00Z

Every Friday evening from around Memorial Day through August, Sausalito puts on a free outdoor live music event in a setting that is truly hard to beat – Jazz and Blues by the Bay.

Located on the lush green lawn that is Gabrielson Park, and abutting the Bay, the event is ideally located in the calmest weather location Sausalito has to offer. You’ll want to arrive early to stake out a spot if you’re hoping to get a patch of grass. On warm days those coveted spots can fill up by 5:30; the music starts at 6:30 and generally goes until 8:00.

Family and dog-friendly, kids like to catch hermit crabs between rocks near the shore, while the adults often bring picnics and enjoy the company of friends. It’s a perfect way to start the weekend. If you don’t bring an assortment of snacks and drinks, you can find plenty of great food at the nearby Farmer’s Market which starts earlier and is located in the Bank of America parking lot. BBQ and drinks are also available at kiosks at the event.

You have a number of options for arriving at the event. There is easy parking, the ferry landing is just steps away, or you can join the ever-growing contingency of boaters that anchor just off shore and enjoy the music from there.

The music is pleasantly varied from week to week and on warm, fog-free evenings the crowd often hangs around well past sunset. Some days are warmer than others, but with a little planning you can be sure to enjoy the event no matter the weather. Afterwards you have a variety of great restaurants, bars, and cafés to choose from that are all within easy walking distance.

Bring your sunglasses and we hope to see you there!

Posted by: Mark Rushford

Picnics on the Half Shell

2010-07-15T00:00:00Z

A great way to spend an afternoon in West Marin is to head over to Tomales Bay and have an oyster picnic. Bring your favorite crisp white wine, some cheese and crackers and lots of napkins and you are set.

Tomales Bay Oyster Company in Marshall is just up Highway 1 from Point Reyes Station. There you can use the BBQs and picnic tables just a few yards from the bay. Check it out and make a reservation at 415-663-1242.

Further up the road is Hog Island Oyster Company. They will show you their operation to educate you on the production of oysters. They are famous for Kumamotos and Sweetwaters. An oyster bar by the grills and tables is to open soon. Make a reservation at 415-663-9218.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Friday Nights on Main

2010-07-09T00:00:00Z

Another fun reason to live in Southern Marin is “Friday Nights on Main” in Tiburon. It is the Ultimate Community Street Party and it is every Friday night from June 11 to August 20. The party starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. Main Street in Tiburon is closed to traffic so all of the residents and guests and friends can gather for good food, good wine and good music. There is always a dance or jazz band playing in front of Servino’s Italian Restaurant. At the end of the event, the band moves to the inside of Servinos for more dancing and partying. At the other end of Main, there is usually a mellow trio or quartet playing. All of the restaurants have outdoor service as all of the people are sitting at tables set up on Main Street. Guaymas has Margaritas being served right on the street, WayPoint serves pizza, Servinos has a full menu available on the street. Make sure to check out the new spot, Bistro 35, which just opened up a couple of weeks ago. Also, most of the clothing store and retailers are open late to participate in the activities. My wife love Koze’ for Women’s clothing, very hip and cool, yet comfortable.

Friday Nights on Main is a great way to get together with family and friends. Give a shout out to your family/friends from out of the area and have come into Tiburon and join you for a night of great fun! The street is filled with mostly locals and some tourists, families with all of the kids in tow, hip young people checking out the scene and mature couples getting together. Participants arrive by foot, bike and ferry. Parking is limited so hardly anybody drives. My wife and I live in Mill Valley, so we drive to Blackie’s Pasture and walk the Tiburon path into town.

See you all there tonight!

Next week I blog about Friday Night Jazz in Sausalito…….

Posted by: Andy Gellepis

A World Away Yet Close to San Francisco – Nick’s Cove

2010-07-08T15:09:36Z

Situated in Marshall just over an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, Nick’s Cove hugs the Tomales Bay on Route One. This seaside haven features 12 luxury suites on or overlooking the water along with its award winning seafood restaurant featuring a daily menu of the freshest, local ingredients. This is the brainchild of restauranteur Pat Kuleto and chef Mark Franz.

Nick’s Cove not only offers the best clam chowder in Marin, but you absolutely sink into the down beds and awaken to heated bathroom floors and a “continental” breakfast that will feed you all day.

To book a cottage (starting at $275/night) or make a dining reservation, call 415 663-1033.

I loved my stay and you will too.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

La Mission The Movie at The Rafael Film Center

2010-06-29T12:51:00Z

Last week I was fortunate to attend the screening of the independent film, La Mission at The Rafael Film Center. The event was a fundraiser for Wicahpi Koyaka Tiospaye, dedicated to the preservation of Native American culture.

Written and directed by Peter Bratt and starring his brother, Benjamin Bratt, La Mission is a powerfully acted and profound film. It was great to see San Francisco’s Mission District so vividly represented. During the Q & A after the film, it was interesting to find out that most of the actors were actually Mission neighborhood kids. Independent films like this one need to be seen on a broader basis. Word of mouth is their best form of advertising. GO SEE THIS MOVIE! You will be moved. La Mission is currently playing at Landmark’s Opera Plaza in San Francisco.

Mary Edwards, a veteran agent with Frank Howard Allen Realtors, coordinated this event which was well attended and raised thousands of dollars for the Wicahpi Koyaka Tiospaye Tribe. Mary’s husband, Bob Edwards, did a terrific job with the sound for the film. To learn more, visit the website: http://lamissionthemovie.com

See you at the movies…

Posted by: Andy Gellepis

Short Sales are Part of Reality in Today’s Market

2010-06-22T13:28:00Z

Jeff Davi, California Real Estate Commissioner, addressed a group of Realtors® at a recent Women’s Council of Realtors® meeting and informed us that in California 54% of all real estate transactions are either short sales or REOs. But unfortunately, according to statistics, only 27% of short sales actually close, and after a very long time at best. That makes buying or selling a property through a short sale an iffy proposition but one that can’t always be avoided.

Here is the story of a client of mine who attempted to buy his first home which was a short sale. After the end investor decided to pull the property (it was not part of the 27%), it sold at auction, was remodeled and put back on the market. My client was able to purchase the property in its new state for only a few thousand dollars over his original price. And he had a new kitchen and floors. But it took him 9 months.

In the meantime, the investor lost money, the person who bought it at auction made money, and my client maintained his same position. There is definitely something very wrong about that system.

I have a new luxury home coming on the market as a short sale. It is with some consternation that I take this listing with only a 27% success rate. But the clients deserve my best efforts to assist them and I will do everything I can to facilitate a sale for them. Hopefully I will write a blog about a happy ending again.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Ever wonder how jelly beans are made?

2010-06-18T11:52:28Z

If you are looking for some fun outings to do this summer other than another day at the beach, consider taking a tour of some of our local Northern Bay Area businesses. Here are some ideas to get your road trip started.

Take the Jelly Belly Factory Tour in Fairfield and learn why it takes more than a week to make a single jelly bean!
www.jellybelly.com

No need to travel to Murano, Italy when you can visit the Cohn-Stone Studios in Richmond, designers of hand blown art glass.
www.cohn-stonestudios.com

Visit the Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma, the oldest cheese maker in the country producing award winning cheeses since 1865.
www.marinfrenchcheese.com

Tour McEvoy Ranch, the Maserati of olive oil in Petaluma.
www.mcevoyranch.com

See how fortune cookies are made at Mee Mee Bakery in San Francisco’s Chinatown who has been baking fortune cookies since 1950.
www.meemeebakery.com

Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory in Petaluma which makes 15,000 miles worth of stickers each year.
www.mrsgrossmans.com

and if that’s not enough,

See how beer is made at Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Fairfield.
www.budweisertours.com

Or visit Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley.
www.beringer.com

Have a great time, and I would love to hear your feedback on any tours you take or others that you know about not listed here.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Summer Fun is Here in Marin County, California

2010-06-16T14:45:03Z

Summer is here and the outdoor festivals are in full swing county wide.

To celebrate this Fathers Day weekend, here are some fun activities to consider.

Kidzstock
Joan Baez is the special guest at this all-day festival and concert in Fairfax.

Tiburon Classic Car Show
Classic cars produced before 1971 ( a good year to graduate high school-I had a convertible, yellow Malibu ) will be held at Shoreline Park.

Marin Art Festival
Outdoor art festival featuring over 250 artists at Lagoon Park in San Rafael.

Tiburon Music Festival
Listen to music all week long at St. Hilary’s Church.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Dipsea Race 2010 Mill Valley to Stinson Beach

2010-06-11T00:00:00Z

The Dipsea Race is this Sunday, June 13th at 8:30 am. The Dipsea has been run every June since 1905, making it the oldest trail race in America, and second oldest road race after the Boston Marathon. The scenic 7.4 mile course starts off in downtown Mill Valley (at The Depot Café) and ends at Stinson Beach. The Dipsea stairs and steep trails make it grueling and treacherous, but it is still considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. And its unique handicapping system has made winners of men and women of all ages.

My own personal experience dates back to 1987 which was my only time competing in the Dipsea. I do run the Dipsea stairs occasionally to get my heart rate up. There are 3 sets of steps with each set containing approximately 180 steps. Everyone’s heart rate races to near maximum (even the elite runners) and the stairs are at the beginning of the race! I hope to participate in the Dipsea race again in the near future, however as a realtor in Mill Valley, Sundays are work days. If you do rune the Dipsea, count on about 3 days of recovery time and that’s if you don’t crash and get injured on the treacherous trails. It is also fun to gather in downtown Mill Valley Sunday morning to watch 1500 runners head in cascade canyon at the beginning of the race.

Don’t forget that Sunday is also a great day to check out our open houses. Go to www.fhallen.com for a list of our opens. 1500 runners will pass by our new listing at 2 Molino Avenue above Old Mill Park.

See you all Sunday morning!!

Posted by: Andy Gellepis

Big League Ball Park Fare

2010-06-04T00:00:00Z

It’s time to go watch the boys of summer play ball. Of course, the outing would not be complete without the traditional hotdog and beer. Or so some think.

If I am going to the park, I love the old Fenway and Wrigley Field, then I am going to take advantage of the fact that in San Francisco at AT&T Park, we have world class food in our world class city. AT&T Park boasts some of the tastiest food in all of baseball. You can get jerk chicken with pineapple salsa at Orlando’s or fresh crab sandwiches at the Crazy Crab Wharf. That is better than a Nathan’s dog any day.

But the best known treat at the park is the garlic fries. After all, we are near the garlic capital of the world, Gilroy. If you want to make your own garlic fries, here is how you do it. Make them to go with your hamburger and listen to the game in the backyard on a hot summer night.

Oven Roasted Garlic Fries, Serves 4
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- Salt

Cook fries according to the package directions. While baking, sauté garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Do not let brown. Remove fries from oven and toss in garlic mixture and parsley. Salt and serve.

Enjoy.

Posted by: Judy LeMarr

Official Start of Summer in Marin County, CA

2010-05-25T18:16:00Z

To me, Memorial Day signals the “official” start of summer and will again this year despite our persistent winter like weather. To help start your summer off here is a recap of some of the popular Memorial Day weekend activities scheduled around Marin County.

Marin Greek Festival - Saturday/Sunday 11am-10pm
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato
(Note that some of the proceeds will go to my favorite organization, Marin Advocates for Children of which I serve on the board)

Larkspur Flower & Food Festival – Sunday 11am-6pm
Downtown Larkspur, Magnolia & King Streets

Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighter’s Barbecue – Sunday 12-5pm
Muir Beach Picnic Grounds(There is a great silent auction and wonderful t-shirts for the whole family)

Caledonia Street Fair – Sunday 11am-6pm
Caledonia Street, Sausalito

Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast - Monday 7-11am
Masonic Lodge, Mill Valley

Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade – Start time 10:30am
Old Mill Park, along Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Come to each of these fun events dressed for un-summer like weather and have fun!

Posted by: Judy LeMarr