Life in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and surrounding areas: June 2009

I have had a week now to play around with my new iPhone 3Gs.  There are way too many features to mention so this blog is strictly limited to the video feature...which was one of the main reasons I purchased it.  I was an original iPhone user so the set-up (iTunes) and transition went fairly smooth.  

I have been a video enthusiast for awhile and like to do my own property, video tours.  My purpose to upgrade to the 3Gs was to have an 'all-in-one' device so I wouldn't have to lug around a bunch of equipment.  I thought for awhile on buying one of the HD flip phones, but held off waiting to see what this iPhone could do.  I'm pleased to report that I'm VERY happy with it!  Now it's not something the professional videographers would use to shoot home tours with, but I think it does a very good job for intermediate users like myself.  

Pros:  

• Good quality and much crisper on close-ups versus shooting at a range
• All-in-One device so less equipment to haul around
• Allows for editing...but only at the beginning and ending of the clip.  If plan to produce a video with multiple clips, you'll need to transfer the movie files to your computer and editing program.  You could email them to yourself, but it compresses the video before sending if you do that.
• Longer recording time than the 40 second limit my Olympus camera provided me
• Auto focus (tap the screen where you want the camera to auto focus on.  Does a good job if you have contrasting lights)
• Shoots well in low light situations (the video below was shot indoors at a bar)
• Audio works well as long as you're close to the camera
• Publishing:  Easy to send to your YouTube account or email...all from the camera feature on the phone.

Cons:

• No pause and resume button.  You can't put multiple clips together unless you use outside editing software.
• No tripod slot so you need something to brace the phone against or have steady hands to avoid the 'Blair Witch' effect.
• Transferring clips to the computer:  No directions so had to figure this one out on my own.  The video files (mov) are recognized as photos since it's within the camera feature of the phone.  For Windows, I had to go to 'explorer', open the correct drive then drag the video files to my desktop.  In Mac, I had to go to iPhoto to find them (it did not recognize a separate USB drive on my desktop).  From iPhoto, I could then drag and drop the video files to where I wanted them.
• Battery:  Shooting video does take a toll on the battery level.  Good news is that once you plug the phone in to charge it, it charges quickly.
• Audio:  This is asking too much, but would be nice to have a microphone jack for recording. 

Walnut Creek, CA has some of the finest restaurants and night clubs in the East Bay.  We all hear of the big chain places, but you seldom hear about the great places that only the locals know about!  Mr. Lucky's is located in downtown Walnut Creek at 1527 Locust St.  During the weekday, they cater to the business crowd and serve great lunches...specials everyday!  At night, it is the hot spot for the younger crowd.  They also serve breakfast on Saturday and Sundays.  

It seems like every big city has its own "Cheers" where the locals hang out and everyone knows your name!  Well, this is Walnut Creek's 'Cheers'!  If you're ever in beautiful downtown, you'll have to check them out!

Moving to Walnut Creek? Give me a call and/or visit my website. Terri Adams-Scott REALTOR® Prudential California Realty DRE#01397740

Every Tuesday in our area, we have our local "Broker Tour".  Many have asked what it is and many have said 'take me along with you'!  Broker Tour is an Open House of new listings within our local association of Realtors.  It is geared toward our fellow Realtors so we have a chance to preview these new listings.  We all have busy schedules so it's nice to have this one day to have these Open Homes available for us to see.  I hope this explains my 'tweets' and 'status' comments when I say 'Heading out to Broker Open'.  For those of you who asked to tag along, here's a little highlight video of 3 homes that I toured.

Heather Farm Community and Recreational Park is situated on 102 acres and located in Walnut Creek, CA.  It's a gorgeous park with views of Mt. Diablo in the background.  The park has a Swim Center, tennis, picnic areas, community center, equestrian center, skate park, off-leash dog park, bike and walking paths, six athletic fields, tot lots, sand volleyball courts, fishing pond, restrooms and connects to the Iron Horse Trail.  It's also the home of the annual Walnut Festival carnival.

The Gardens at Heather Farm buttons up to Heather Farm Park.  Established in 1968, the gardens are a living museum, a wildlife habitat, an outdoor classroom and a beautiful place for all to enjoy.  For more information about Walnut Creek and all it has to offer, visit the city's website at www.walnut-creek.org

Enjoy the video!

Terri Adams-Scott, REALTOR®, Prudential California Realty

Many First-Time Home Buyers don't understand the costs involved when purchasing a home.  Many mistakenly believe that the money they have saved for the down payment is all that is required.  This video should help educate them on how much TOTAL money they will need to cover their down, closing and inspection costs.  The example is based on a purchase price of a $200,000 home in Contra Costa County of California.  The figures are estimated, but gives a good example of what money they'll need, what it goes for and why.