Blog

Happy Valley School

We’re All in This Together: Great Schools Make a Great Community

March 21, 2017 by

We are fortunate to live in a town where residents of all ages value education. The way that families, businesses, and community organizations band together to assist our schools is one of Lafayette’s greatest attributes. Ongoing state budget deficits, conservative funding projections, and complicated and unfavorable funding algorithms make communal involvement indispensable. Time and time again, our community rises to meet budget challenges by supporting...

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Feds raise interest rates

Fed Raises Interest Rates

March 16, 2017 by

Below is an update on interest’s rates. We continue to see winning offers contain no loan and no appraisal contingencies. Please make sure that you go as far as you can with the right lender through the underwriting process. And, don’t forget to check what the current interest rate is and what that means in terms of qualifying and monthly payments. A good lender will...

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LPIE

Lafayette Partners in Education: Powering our Schools and our Community

March 7, 2017 by

  Ask residents why they selected Lafayette as their home, and more often than not, the answer is “the schools.” It’s no secret…we have great schools. Our public elementary and secondary schools consistently receive high rankings, and the Acalanes Union High School District is one of the highest performing districts in California. This success doesn’t just happen; it takes a dedicated team to ensure steady...

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Be ready for emergencies.

Better Safe than Sorry – Prepare for Emergencies Now

February 21, 2017 by

Life in the Bay Area is good. We’ve got easy access to open spaces and parkland, gorgeous vistas at every turn, great dining options, and culture galore. The tradeoff? Knock on wood: The occasional earthquake, fire, flood, and other natural and man-made disasters that can devastate highly populated areas. While it is difficult to predict such events, it’s not difficult to properly prepare for them....

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Night at Lafayette’s Library

February 7, 2017 by

Those who believe libraries to be relics of the past have likely never set foot in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (LLLC.) This communal gathering spot and treasured community resource is so much more than just a place to check-out books. Offering educational and entertaining programs for everyone, the LLLC enables children, adults, families, and seniors to tap into a wealth of materials, workshops,...

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Less is More: Simple Tips for Updating and Refreshing Your Home

January 20, 2017 by

One of the best aspects of working with our team when selling your home is our complimentary staging service. Our four staging professionals, led by the stellar Linda Gidre, utilize our inventory of furnishings and décor to transform your home into a welcoming and attractive space. I actually got my start in real estate by staging for other realtors; this is when I first learned...

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Hammer and nails.

New Year Resolutions: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Home

January 13, 2017 by

A new year often begins with our best intentions of taking better physical care of ourselves. In an effort to increase stamina and improve longevity, we resolve to eat healthier foods and get more exercise. The advent of a new year is also a great time to take stock of your home’s physical condition – for the same reasons. A properly maintained and functioning home...

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Tiles

The Ins and Outs of Remodeling Timelines

January 5, 2017 by

Thinking about timelines for home remodeling projects is super important! Just like in buying and selling a home, the clearer the expectations, the more successful the outcome. The Pacific Union Blog did a great job of outlining common remodeling projects and timelines in their blog released today. However, equally important in the timeline and planning process is the topic of permits. Are they needed? Does it increase...

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DGT-community-service

My Commitment to the Lafayette Community

December 19, 2016 by

I am grateful to live and work in a community that I adore and in which I’ve spent my entire life. My childhood memories include riding my bike to school, swim team summers, lemonade stands, trick-or-treating, and playing outside until dark. All these years later, in a much more complicated world, it is amazing that these same simple pleasures continue to be a large part...

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rising-interest-rates

Interest Rates are Rising!

November 21, 2016 by

Don’t get caught off-guard, interest rates are quickly rising. If you are in the market to buy a home or refinance your current house, call your mortgage advisor today to better understand how the rise in interest rates impacts your purchasing power. This morning’s Pacific Union Blog provided a great update on where things stand today. Here’s what they said, “MORTGAGE RATES SOAR AS THE...

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Lafayette-Juniors

Lafayette Juniors: Philanthropy, Friendship, and Fun

November 16, 2016 by

Of all my varied successes in a career that has proven to be more rewarding than I ever could have imagined, I continue to take great pride in my past involvement with Lafayette Juniors. As a former president of this great organization, I am forever impressed by the group’s longevity and dedication to philanthropy. Their quality annual events are always much anticipated and attended. The...

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The Creative Side of Lamorinda

September 27, 2016 by

Whatever your child’s artistic interest – theater, dance, visual arts, or instrumental music – Lamorinda schools and a vast number of private mentors and organizations can provide the instruction, encouragement, and outstanding opportunities to help fulfill artistic dreams. Our elementary, middle, and high schools are fortunate to be supported by groups such as Lafayette Partners in Education, The Education Foundation of Orinda, and the Moraga...

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Lafayette Coffee Talk

September 8, 2016 by

If you’re like most coffee drinkers, you have a go-to spot to grab your morning caffeine fix and/or your afternoon pick-me-up. You know exactly what you’re getting at your favorite place – a mocha with just the right amount of whip, or a perfectly flavored salted caramel latte. If you’re enough of a regular that the barista has your drink ready before you’ve even ordered,...

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Kendall-Green-University-of-Oregon-Acro-&-Tumbling

Lamorinda’s Sporting Life

August 26, 2016 by

Families choose to live in Lamorinda for many reasons – the great schools, the open spaces, proximity to metropolitan areas, friendly downtown districts, and of course, youth sports opportunities. If your child plays a particular sport, or wants to learn, chances are he or she will find a Lamorinda program that offers high quality instruction, great coaching, fitness, and lots of fun. Our local swim...

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Wine Tasting in Sonoma and Napa

Cabernets, Chardonnays, and Zins! Oh My!

August 22, 2016 by

It’s easy to take for granted our proximity to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, where some of the world’s best wine is made, and where people travel from all over the globe to sample the area’s treasures. If you haven’t ventured north recently, this is a great time to explore. The weather is nearly perfect (but then again, it almost always is in Northern California)...

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Title-Insurance

Home Buyers Take Note, Title Insurance is a Must

August 11, 2016 by

People ask me all the time if they need title insurance tends to be an overlooked part of the home buying process, yet it is necessary to protect your investment. If you purchase a home with a loan, the lender who holds your mortgage will require title insurance as a condition of sale — one policy for you, and one to protect the lender itself. Cash...

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27 La Noria, Orinda, CA 94563

Four Fabulous Outdoor Spaces

July 20, 2016 by

With its beautiful weather year round, Lamorinda residents love the outdoors. These four homes for sale offer luxurious outdoor lifestyles — each in its own Lamorinda way! 27 La Noria, Orinda, CA 94563    We love how the entire property is used – it feels like you’re entering a private compound. Anchored by immaculate 100+ year old Oak trees, the bucolic exterior proudly showcases magnificent...

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Lafayette-Cuisine

Lafayette, CA: Home of Destination-Worthy Cuisine

July 14, 2016 by

With destination-worthy restaurants claiming territory in our corner of the Bay Area, Lafayette residents no longer feel the need to venture through the tunnel in search of quality cuisine. Lafayette has itself become the destination. From the west end of Mt. Diablo Blvd. to the east, one can find restaurant variety and caliber such as that in San Francisco, or in Alice’s Berkeley wonderland. Our...

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Our 5 Favorite Features of 3716 Crestmont Place, Lafayette, CA, 94549

Our 5 Favorite Features of 3716 Crestmont Place, Lafayette, CA, 94549

July 8, 2016 by

Casual Elegance. This Happy Valley custom traditional was built by M F Bruzzone Construction in 2003. The home features serene wooded views, casual elegance, a classic design, exceptional workmanship, privacy and an ideal floor plan. Superbly Situated. 3716 Crestmont Place is located on a quiet lane in a desirable pocket of Happy Valley. It is minutes from downtown restaurants and shopping, the Lafayette Reservoir, trails,...

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Fireworks

Our 5 Favorite Places for a Fantastic 4th of July

July 1, 2016 by

  It’s official — summer is here and it’s time to celebrate Lamorinda, tradition, and this beautiful country! After you’ve filled up at the local pancake breakfast and partied at the Orinda parade, be mesmerized by the fireworks at any one of these spectacular destinations around Lafayette. Arguable the best fireworks display in the Contra Costa County, treat yourself and your entire family to a sensational...

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