Life in Walnut Creek, Lafayette and surrounding areas: California: Walnut Creek

OPEN HOUSE:  Sunday, July 18th from 1-4 PM

• Popular Brooktree subdivision in Northgate, this 4 bedroom/3 bath home is located on a quiet, cul-de-sac court.
• Approx. 2200 Sq. Ft. of Living Space on approx. 14,400 Sq. Ft. Lot
• Built in 1965 per county records
• Functional floor plan with dual master setup
• New carpeting, flooring and freshly painted throughout
• Large step down living room
• Formal dining room
• Family Room with wet bar 
• Updated Master & Hall baths
• Refreshing pool, updated lawn area with irrigation system, and trellised flagstone patio
• Near hiking and biking trails
• Walk to 12 years of top rated schools:  Walnut Acres Elem., Foothill Middle and Northgate High School
• Minutes to downtown Walnut Creek for all your shopping, dining and entertaining needs!
• NOT A SHORT SALE OR REO (BANK OWNED)

 This home is listed on the Contra Costa MLS.  All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  For further information on this home or others for sale in the area, please contact Terri Adams-Scott, REALTOR®, J. Rockcliff, REALTORS®, DRE License #01397740

I have been organizing and sponsoring a Community Garage Sale for the Walnut Green Homeowners located in the Northgate community of Walnut Creek the last 4 years.  I've had quite a few agent friends ask how I do it so I thought I'd just write a blog outlining the process and time frames.

WHERE TO START OR HOW TO SELECT A COMMUNITY:  If you have a farm area, that's a great place to start.  My farm includes 228 homes within a planned development.  If you don't have a farm, select a specific neighborhood and keep the number of homes manageable.  Your own neighborhood may be a good place to start.  Pick a date/time for the event...I choose a Saturday and it runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  I set a sign-up deadline date 2 weeks before the actual event.

What's the best time of year for the garage sale?  Some local agents do them in the June and July months, but I do mine in September.  My farm has a lot of families with school-age kids so they prefer it right after school starts when they're all back from summer vacations.  Of course, your timing will also be dependent upon your geographical areas.

TIME FRAMES:  The following is my list of activities that fall within the given time frame.  I have this set up as an Excel spreadsheet so it's easy to follow and use as a checklist.  I also enter these dates into my Outlook calendar as appointment reminders.

     4 Months Prior to Event:  "Save the Date" postcards.  I personally walk my farm and drop these under every home's front door step.  It's great exercise and a chance to mingle with some of the homeowners who are out and about.  If this will be your first time organizing the event, I have a letter I'll be glad to share with you..just email me.

     2 Months Prior to Event: Produce and distribute the full details of the event on 8.5" x 5.5" postcards. Once again, I hand deliver them to each doorstep.  I encourage them to respond/sign-up via email or call my cell phone.  See sample below.

     1 Month Prior to Event:  Post on my website and Facebook Fan Page.  You should be getting a good idea how many are signing up so start thinking how many signs you'll need.  I bought most of my signs at the hardware store (get the ones with arrows pointing or you'll have to make your own!)  For the main arteries into and out of the community, I have special "Community Garage Sale" posters I stick over the top of my A-frame Open Home signs.

     2 Weeks Prior to Event:  This is the sign-up deadline date.  You now have a good idea how many homes are participating.  Pull up and print out a Google street map of the area.  Mark the participating homes and figure out how many signs you'll need...and order a few more for those who beg to be added after the deadline!

     1 Week Prior to Event:  Send out a reminder that the event is only a week away!  This is easy for those who signed up under their email address...and for those who didn't, I have a letter I personally drop off at their home.  In this reminder notice, I explain where my signage will be, what days my ad will run, their neighbors that are also participating and any other pertinent information I may have for them.  

     Monday of the event:  I place the ad in the local paper to run Thurs., Friday and Saturday.  I state the time, number of families participating and location where the maps can be picked up.

     Wednesday of the event:  1)  I order my balloons and tell them I need to have them ready for pick up no later than 7 a.m. on Saturday.  As you can see from the photo above, I have 2 setsof balloons for my banner site.  The main artery signs get 2 balloons each.  Since I have about 15 to 20 cul-de-sac streets, I have stopped ordering balloons for those directional signs (car wasn't big enough to hold them all!  Ha!).  2) Print up final maps.  These are 2-sided.  One side has my info/verbiage along with the addresses participating and the flip side has the Google street map with the participating homes highlighted down each street.  I usually have Kinko's or someplace print them and have 175 copies printed.  3) Post on Craigslist, Facebook and tweet the coming event.

     Day of Event:  1)  at 6:30 a.m., I put up my banner and brochure boxes (I use my brochure boxes to put my maps in).  2)  at 7:00 a.m., I go pick up the balloons.  My husband follows me in his car as I put signs out and I direct him which signs get what balloons; 3)  The last thing I do is put the maps of participating homes in the brochure boxes because there are lines of 'early birds' waiting at my banner site!;  4)  Let the party begin...and it is a party!!  Since this is a close-knit, family community, I encourage them to get the kids involved.  They are great...they have cookie, coffee, donuts and lemonade stands!  There are hundreds of people walking the streets and everyone is having a great time!

     During the Event:  I go to each participating home and take some pictures and video shots.  Some are camera shy, but the kids usually aren't!  I go as quickly as I can because a lot of the homes are all sold out within the first couple of hours!

     After the Event:  1)  Around 1:30 I pull up all my signs and banners.  2)  Within the next couple of days, I produce a video of the event and send the link out to all participants along with a thank you for participating.  Here's a link to last year's video if you are interested: 3rd Annual Community Garage Sale.

As you can see, this is A LOT of work, but the effort is so worth it!  Once you've organized the first one, your systems will be in place for the following years.  I will be glad to send anyone the letters, postcards, ads and excel spreadsheets I use if you send me an email requesting them.  They are in Word, Publisher and Excel file formats.  Just enter "Garage Sale Files" in your subject line. 

This event is totally sponsored, organized and paid for by me...no cost to the participants.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to either email me or add your comments/questions below.

Buyers...when buying a home, make sure you get a Home Inspection...it's for your protection!

When purchasing a home, there are many inspections that will either be required by your lender, or highly recommended by your REALTOR®.  One of the most important inspections you should have is a Home Inspection.  It will give you a good indication of the home's condition and bring to your attention any health and safety issues that need to be addressed.

The following is a video that will give you a good idea of what to expect during a Home Inspection.  It doesn't cover everything they do, but I've tried to highlight the main ones.  For an average size house, you can expect about a 3 hour inspection.  I always encourage my clients to attend ALL inspections with me so they can talk directly to the inspectors.  You do receive a report, but take advantage of being face-to-face and having them physically point things out to you.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Walnut Creek and surrounding areas, please contact me.  To learn more about my services or to search available homes, I invite you to visit my website at www.TerriAdamsScott.com.  Better yet, go ahead and give me a call at 925-765-4339.

Northgate in Walnut Creek, CA is a wonderful place to call home.  There are 49, single detached family homes available for sale in Northgate.  Prices range from the low $500,000's up to $3 million.  There are some great choice of homes in each price range.

If you are thinking of moving to Walnut Creek and would like more information about this beautiful city, please give me a call at (925) 765-4339 or feel free to search the MLS.

Creepy, damp crawl space under the house...who would go in such a scary place?  It has to be inspected so who's going to brave it?  

I'm representing some buyers on a Short Sale Transaction and during the Pest Inspection, the crawl space had standing water so the inspector would not go in there.  I had the Home Inspection set for the following day and after learning they would not enter either with standing water, I had to find someone brave enough to check a few things out.  The time clock was ticking and we needed to know a couple of things...like where is the water coming from, how long has it been there, is there any contact with the water and wood beams, has there been any shifting of the beams off the piers...etc.

I certainly understand the safety concerns with the mixture of water and electricity...so I excuse my Pest and Home Inspectors for not daring to venture down there.  But...I needed a professional opinion of some sort...and soon...so I could advise my clients accordingly.  Proceed with the sale or not...is it a situation that has a simple remedy or not...these were the concerns.  No home is perfect...there's always going to be some maintenance issues or concerns.  We just don't want them to be MAJOR ones that come with a high price tag!    

Do you have a trusted vendor you can call in an emergency or dire situation?  I do, thankfully, and they are priceless!  (By the way, he assured me if he saw any exposed electrical wiring or safety concerns that he would not proceed.)  

Here's a quick little video of the creepy crawl space under the house...in case you've never seen or been in one before!

If you need an honest, skilled, hard working and licensed contractor in the East Bay area of Contra Costa, I'm glad to refer John Holman of Holman Constructions! Can you believe he is actually smiling and laughing after coming out from that creepy, muddy crawl space? 

When choosing a REALTOR® in Contra Costa County, make sure they have a team of qualified vendors that they work closely with...I do!

The Walnut Creek Chamber Art & Wine Festival returns to beautiful Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek!

 Date and Times:  Saturday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Festival admission is free.  

Featuring top-quality music and entertainment on two fully-equipped sound stages.  The festival showcases thousands of distinctive hand-made crafts and works of art from more than 200 artisans, award-winning local and regional wines and micro brews, ethnic and traditional festival fare from local restaurants, loads of children's activities, and two perennial favorites - the Art & Wine Festival Train and the Grape Stomp Competition.

Fun for the whole family!  The expanded Children's Area features inflatable jumpies, giant slide, challenging 25-foot rock climbing wall, face painting, spin art, and a few surprises this year that will delight both kids and adults. 

Heather Farm Park is located at San Carlos Drive and Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. The community jewel boasts 102 lush acres including nature ponds, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, and foot and bike paths with connections to the Iron Horse Trail.  Paid parking is available on site; and a free continuous shuttle is available at park and ride locations originating at nearby Shadelands Business Park. The East Bay Bicycle Coalition will be on site offering free bicycle valet services.

Designated drivers receive their own special Designated Driver souvenir glass and free soft drinks!

Walnut Creek is a beautiful place to live, work and play!  If thinking of moving to Walnut Creek or the surrounding area, please give me a call and feel free to search the MLS for available homes.

Located in the desirable neighborhood of Northgate, this 3 BR/2BA ranch home won't last long!  It has been beautifully updated throughout featuring dual pane windows, doors, newer roof, updated kitchen, baths plus much more.  Located within the award-winning schools of Northgate...Walnut Acres Elem., Foothill Middle, and Northgate High School.  Walnut Creek CA is a beautiful place to live offering upscale dining and shopping.  For more information on Walnut Creek and available homes for sale, please contact me. 

This home is listed for sale in the Contra Costa County Assoc. of Realtors MLS.  Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  Enjoy the tour!

Walnut Creek, CA Townhouse...Video Tour. This 2-story Townhouse in Countrywood features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a loft.  It has nice updates throughout and only steps away from the community pool.  Conveniently located to BART, freeways, trails and schools.  Countrywood Shopping Center is just 1 block away.  Enjoy the tour!

Priced at $375,000 and listed in the Contra Costa Association of Realtor's MLS. For more information on this home or others in the Walnut Creek area, please contact me.

Walnut Creek, CA...Easter Egg Hunt at Heather Farm.

Date:  Saturday, April 3, 2010

Walnut Creek's annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Heather Farm begins at 10:15 a.m. for children through 5th grade. The egg hunt will be held rain or shine and is free of charge, although donations are greatly appreciated.

Hotcakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be served before the egg hunt at Heather Farm Community Center from 8 to 9:45 a.m.. The cost for the breakfast is $6 per person and is being co-sponsored by the City's Recreation Division and the Walnut Festival Association.

Don't forget to bring your camera for pictures with the Spring Bunny. The $1 donation will benefit the Walnut Creek Youth Council.

Heather Farm is located at 1540 Marchbanks Dr.., Walnut Creek, CA 94598.  This 102 acre site includes the following amenities: 

Amenities: Swimming at the Clarke Swim Center, tennis, picnic areas, community center, equestrian center, skate park, off-leash dog park, bike paths, tot lots, sand volleyball court, fishing pond, nature pond, six athletic fields, restrooms, connection to the Iron Horse Trail.

Thinking of moving to Walnut Creek?  Feel free to search the local MLS for available homes for sale. 

Happy Easter! 

Thanks for the compliment, would you mind putting that in writing...or better yet, put it on video?

I must say that I am truly blessed with fantastic clients!  Over the years, whenever a client pays me a nice compliment and offers their heartfelt thanks, I always ask if they'd mind putting it in writing.  It's nice to publish them on my marketing materials and on my website.  With the technology advancement and my passion for video, I've decided to ask for a video testimonial as well.  Many are nervous to go in front of the camera, but they are troopers and luckily accept.

This is a 2.5 minute video on some clients, Kevin and Donna, that bought their first home together.  They share their home buying experience and how they felt working with me.  Congrats to Donna and Kevin and my heartfelt thanks for letting me share our experience together!

To learn more about the Walnut Creek, CA community, Real Estate opportunities or to seach the MLS, please visit www.TerriAdamsScott.com