April 4, 2011
Searching for a recommended “chalkboard guy” at the Alameda Antique Faire on Sunday proved harder than expected. No vendor laid claim to the moniker in the faire’s brochure, and asking other vendors for help in finding him just ruffled a few competitive feathers. “There might have been someone who once thought he was THE chalkboard guy,” said an Oregon-based vendor, pointing to her own inventory....
Read More »
April 2, 2011
Clutter. Have you noticed that your house has it, both some other houses don’t? Don’t be fooled — every family has at least a little clutter, even if it’s just mail, school phone books and bathroom toiletries. Some people are just better at hiding it. What’s the secret? Do what professional home stagers do: Hide clutter in plain sight for both visual design appeal and...
Read More »
March 30, 2011
It wasn’t that long ago that single property websites were the “new” thing in real estate marketing. But it has been long enough. Already, we’re dealing with online shrapnel, bumping into “legacy” property websites that compete for Google attention with new websites we’re building for current listings. Legacy sites are the websites and blogs used by sellers when a property was previously on the market. These...
Read More »
March 28, 2011
Just off Reliez Valley Road, a small cul-de-sac leaves a big clue about local neighborhood history. That clue is in its name: Rossi Street. We used that clue to find the typed transcript of Serafino Rossi’s 1973 oral history in the file cabinet at the Lafayette Historical Society. Serafino Rossi — From italy to Lafayette Reading Rossi’s oral history transcript feels a little like we’re...
Read More »
March 25, 2011
It’s true — there were a few moments of sun today, but they didn’t last and the outlook for the weekend is likely going to impact outdoor youth sports. Again. So what are we supposed to do? One of the nice things about Lafayette is its easy access to freeways and BART. If you’re up for either a BART or car ride, consider taking advantage...
Read More »
March 23, 2011
Three blocks from Burton Valley Elementary School, in the heart of Lafayette’s Burton Valley neighborhood, the Rancho Colorados Pool is quiet today. The only movement? Raindrop ripples. But this won’t last. Soon it will be jammed with kids in Wahoo blue and gold. Swim team is a big tradition in Lafayette, and it starts with March sign-ups. Last week it was Las Trampas. This week,...
Read More »
March 21, 2011
The late architect Julia Morgan (1872-1957) collected several “Firsts” throughout her career that helped clear a path for future women architects and engineers. Among other things, she was the: The first woman graduate of UC-Berkeley’s Engineering Program The first woman accepted into the Ecole de Beaux Arts architectural school in Paris Julia Morgan, the “People’s Architect” Likely, you recognize her as the famed architect of...
Read More »
March 18, 2011
It’s a pretty good bet that it’s going to rain tomorrow, so you can forget those Little League games and other outdoor sports. What’s a family to do if that happens? Something unusual and fun, if you just drive onto Saint Mary’s College campus. (Another reason we love living so close to this college campus — there seems to always be something happening we can...
Read More »
March 14, 2011
It’s learning the old fashioned way – neighbors sharing personal stories. And it works. There’s something really compelling happening on the recently updated Sustainable Lafayette Website. There’s a growing archive of real world local stories — sustainability successes, lessons and new ideas, divided into categories: Resident Stories Business Stories Non-profit Stories School Stories Our current favorite? The article about the new home Lafayette residents Gwenn and...
Read More »
March 12, 2011
Two great Burton Valley homes for sale are open on Sunday, March 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 380 Read Drive: 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3153 sq. foot Tudor style home located walking distance from Burton Valley Elem, Rancho Colorados Pool and Lafayette Community Park. Large parcel and amazing views. 688 Michael Lane Offering pristine views, architectural charm and quality...
Read More »
March 10, 2011
Thinking of updating your home? Or, maybe you just upgraded to a larger house and you’re looking for easy ways to fill some of that new space. Chameleon Consignment Furniture Here’s a local shopping tip from the Dana Green Team’s Stagers, Linda Gidre and Kelly Wood: Start with a stop in Chameleon Consignment‘s Lafayette showroom (1003 Blackwood Lane, just off Mt. Diablo Blvd). Don’t...
Read More »
March 4, 2011
Fantastic Lafayette Real Estate Opportunity 979 Hawthorne Drive, Lafayette, CA Sneak Peek: Open One Day Only Sunday, March 6 • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss this Pottery Barn charmer in a highly sought-after Lafayette “trail” neighborhood Offered at $1,049,000 Interior Highlights Beautifully remodeled kitchen with white cabinetry, dark granite counters and stainless steel appliances Open floor plan that includes dining area, large living room...
Read More »
February 28, 2011
There’s a reason that Lafayette Realtor Dana Green stages all her listings at no cost to the seller, including offering free use of her extensive staging inventory. “Staging your home is a strategic process that is proven to add curb appeal, increase your home’s sales price and decrease the number of days your home is on the market,” says Green “It’s a win-win situation for...
Read More »