May 23, 2017
My friend Wendi Zampino is the primary designer at Home Systems in Lafayette, an architectural interior design firm that specializes in new construction and home remodeling design. Wendi is an expert on space planning, material selections, detailed construction drawings, light and electrical plans, and construction management. Basically, she can do it all! She loves to redesign non-functioning spaces into those that address the needs of...
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May 9, 2017
Do you ever drive by a beautiful home and wonder what lies beyond the front door? It’s fun to imagine how other people live. Often, our team’s Sunday open houses are attended not so much by those looking to buy, but by curious neighbors – and make no mistake, we love it! (Any viewing of a listed home is a plus in our book.) I...
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April 25, 2017
Anyone who has ever sought treatment for a sick child at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland knows what an amazing place it is. Ranked among the best nationally, this leading pediatric medical and level-1 trauma center is a beacon of hope for the families who enter its doors. Founded in 1912 by Bertha Wright and Mabel Weed, CHO has fulfilled – and then expanded – on...
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April 11, 2017
Local beloved author Kelly Corrigan was invited several years ago to participate on an authors’ panel benefiting literacy where she and five other writers spoke for 10 minutes each to a group of about 1,500. The event raised $1.5 million dollars. Never before had she witnessed the incredible fundraising power of writing and words. “I might be able to pull this off in my own community,” she...
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March 21, 2017
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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March 16, 2017
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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March 7, 2017
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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February 21, 2017
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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February 7, 2017
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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January 20, 2017
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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January 13, 2017
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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January 5, 2017
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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December 19, 2016
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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November 21, 2016
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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November 16, 2016
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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September 27, 2016
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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September 8, 2016
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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August 26, 2016
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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August 22, 2016
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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August 11, 2016
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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