Want to Show Gratitude this Year?

 

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” — Randy Pausch.

Happy Thursday!  

I hope this season finds you safe and well. With one week from Thanksgiving, I wanted to let you know that I am personally Grateful for you, your family, your friendship and as a client.

This has been one of the most challenging years in my own personal life and I know it's been hard on you.  Please know that my team and I are here for you in anyway to support your real estate needs and personal needs.  

As we've experienced this year many of us have had to get creative connecting with friends and family. As we move into the holiday season, I feel that connecting and showing gratitude will go further and will mean more this year than ever. 

Here are a few thoughtful gift ideas that you could send a loved one to show your gratitude. 

When thinking about shopping this season, consider buying local. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful holiday season. If there’s anything that I can do to help you and your family this year, please give me a call.

​

God Bless you this holiday season!  

Why Steve Jobs Wanted Space

 

Bringing People To The Center

 

Shortly after being forced out of Apple Computer, Steve Jobs bought a small computer manufacturer named Pixar. In 2000, he relocated the company to an abandoned factory. The original plan called for three buildings, with separate offices for computer scientists, animators, and the Pixar executives.

Jobs immediately scrapped it. Instead of three buildings, he wanted a single vast space with an atrium at its center.

As Pixar’s Ed Catmull explains, “The philosophy behind this design is that it’s good to put the most important function at the heart of the building. Well, what’s our most important function? It’s the interaction of our employees. That’s why Steve put a big empty space there. He wanted to create an open area for people to always be talking to each other.”

Jobs saw separated offices as a design problem. He shifted the mailboxes to the atrium, then moved the meeting rooms, cafeteria, coffee bar, and gift shop to the center of the building. “The atrium initially might seem like a waste of space,” says director Brad Bird. “But Steve realized that when people run into each other, when they make eye contact, things happen.”

Jobs insisted that the best creations occurred when people from disparate fields were connected, especially in an age of intellectual fragmentation.

Steve Jobs knew his team could send a message throughout the Pixar building in a millisecond, but he created an environment that encouraged interaction. Intuitively we know Jobs is right. The content of any message can be sent and delivered around the world instantly. The context of the message is the part that helps people understand each other. For that, we still need the best communication technology ever conceived – human contact.

4 Projects to Knock out This Fall

I know that we’ve all been at home​ quite a bit this year and that you’ve probably had plenty of time to work on a few house projects. I wanted to share a few more projects that you can take care of this fall so that you have a more efficient winter.

With the relatively warm weather going away, replacing windows and your front door is the perfect fall project. New windows are an excellent investment for multiple reasons. They will drastically improve your curb appeal, and new windows are more likely to make your home more efficient. 

If you’ve been holding out on painting your home, fall temperatures are perfect for exterior painting. Plus, it will look beautiful for any holiday guests.

​Fixing your roof is not the most glorious project, but maybe one of the most important ones. Before winter, have your roof inspected and fix any necessary repairs. If you have a small issue, you won’t want it to turn into something much more significant in the middle of winter.

​Fall is also an excellent time to make sure that your home is well insulated. Upgrading your insulation will keep the heat where it needs to be – in your home! Also, it can make your home more efficient and save you some money on heating costs

As you’re planning for your next round of home projects, think about adding these to your list. Fall temperatures are great for last-minute projects. If there’s anything that I can help you with, give me a call.

3rd Quarter Market Update

3rd Quarter OC Market Update

It has been a crazy few months with a lot of uncertainty. 

First and foremost, I hope that you and your family are well and safe. ​

Your home is one of the biggest investments you make. Even if you’re not thinking about buying or selling, it’s good to stay on top of the housing market.

My job as your trusted real estate advisor is to keep you informed.  As we enter the second half of the third quarter, I wanted to share the latest market information for Orange County as this market is now the hottest it has been since 2013 . 

HERE ARE THE LATEST OC REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE

1) We are in a HOT SELLER'S MARKET driven by historic low interest rates and high rents.

2) Homes are selling faster then they are coming on market.​

3) We have a SUPPLY vs DEMAND problem.

4) This is the strongest and hottest market since 2013​

5)  With multiple offers on almost all homes priced under $1 MIL, OC Home prices are surging higher in 2020. 

Thank you for trusting me as your real estate expert. 

Want to learn more about the specifics of your home? Give me a call for a complete analysis of your home. 

Have a great day, 

 

What Mistake Made You Better?

Play Like You Don’t Know Better

What could you achieve if you didn’t place any limitations on yourself? Jazz pianist Art Tatum— called “the eighth wonder of the world” by Count Basie—is a perfect example of a man who knew no boundaries.

Though blind, Tatum expressed an interest in the piano as a youngster. He listened to the music of Fats Waller and Lee Sims on the radio for hours, hoping that someday he would be able to perform as well as they did. Of course, that meant he’d have to learn to play, but unfortunately, like many families in the 1920's, his had few resources to spend on music lessons. As Tatum neared adolescence, he devised his own method for learning the instrument.

He persuaded friends to escort him to a local jazz club, where he was given permission to sit at the player piano. As the music played, Tatum kept his fingers hovering lightly over the falling keys, feeling his way through the songs. He practiced late into the night, as often as he could—in spite of his age, his schoolwork, and his part-time job. Learning to play piano in this manner was difficult, but not just because he was blind.

What Tatum didn’t realize was that player piano rolls of that era were the result of two pianists playing together. He was learning to play with two hands what normally took four. As a result, he developed an incredible dexterity that enabled him to master the piano.

Even though this story starts in the 1920’s, we are still amazed by Art Tatum’s skill and innovation one hundred years later. Art was unaware of his limitations. He did not know he was attempting the impossible; he just did the impossible. If it's true that “necessity is the mother of invention,” then Art reminds us that not knowing something is sometimes the father of innovation.

Barbecue or BBQ? How do you say it?

If there’s anything we’ve all learned this summer, it’s finding fun ways to spend time with our families. One of the most delicious ways that I’ve spent time with my family is by firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or Bar-B-Que or BBQ. No matter how you spell it, it’s a fun, delicious way to have fun at home. I’ve found a few hacks that might help you up the ante on your barbecue game.

Whether you’re grilling over gas or fire, I hope that you enjoy your barbecue. If you have any tips, I would love to hear them. Give me a call. Cheers to summer!

7 Ways to Take a Mental Escape

How are you? I wanted to check in to see if your family is safe and healthy. By now, we’re all probably looking for a little break. I wanted to pass on a few ways that will help you take a daily mental escape.

Meditate
Take time each day to clear your mind through meditation. Breathing exercises will help you clear the mental clutter.

 Exercise
Whether it’s a quick run or a relaxing walk, getting outside for exercise is a healthy way to escape any stress. You don’t need equipment; you just have to get up and go.

Get Lost in Music
Listening to music is a great way to unwind and clear your head.

Find Your Creative Outlet
Whether it’s writing, art, cooking, music, photography, or something else, immersing yourself in a creative outlet will help you cope with your daily stress.

Daydream Out the Window
Have you ever caught yourself staring out a window? You’re relieving your stress, and you don’t even realize it. Just take a minute to daydream out the window.

 Watch Movies

The whole family can escape through a movie. Just sit down and watch worry-free.

Chew Gum
If you need a quick de-stressor, chew a piece of gum. 

It’s been a stressful few months. I hope these tips help. What do you do for a mental break? If you or your family needs anything, please give me a call.

Is Your Landscaping Eco-Friendly?

I hope that this email finds you and your family well and safe. I know that we are all consumed in different ways by this crisis. My aunt's passion is gardening so I thought this would some good info since staying at home is what most of us are doing. Getting outside for some sunshine is important and gardening at home is one of the best things you can do! 
Did you know that working in your garden is one of the safest and healthiest ways to socially distance yourself? 
Next Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; so with that in mind, I wanted to share with you a few eco-friendly landscaping tips as you dig into your spring projects.

Plant Trees and Shrubs Native to Your Area
Find trees and shrubs that are native to your area. They’ll repel pests and require fewer pesticides. Planting your trees strategically can also help provide shade for your home in the summer and let sunlight in throughout the winter. As a bonus, it will help cut heating and air conditioning costs.

Conserve Water
Xeriscaping your yard in dry climates is a great way to conserve water. If you don’t xeriscape completely, group plants together that have similar watering needs. If possible, collect rainwater in a rain barrel to water and schedule sprinklers to water early in the morning and late at night to avoid evaporation.

Use Natural Fertilizers
If you like to use fertilizer, look for a natural fertilizer to help turn your grass green. Using compost is a great organic way to fertilize your grass and plants. In addition to helping the lawn, it helps the soil. Also, pull your weeds rather than use weed killers that contain chemicals and pesticides.

Add Mulch
Use mulch around trees and garden beds to help control weeds and conserve water. Organic mulch also helps with healthy root growth and it promotes good soil.

As you’re looking to get outside, think about a little stress relief in your garden. Use these eco-friendly landscaping tips. They’ll help conserve the earth and your budget. Show me your garden tips and reply to this email with a few pictures. 

If there’s anything I can do to help you or your family,  give me a call. I am here for you.

I pray that God blesses you, your family, your health, your finances and your well being.

All my best,

​Zen

6 Fun At-Home Activities

I just wanted to send this email to see how you’re doing and share a few activities. As we all practice social distancing, we find ourselves spending more time at home and with our families. I wanted to share with you a few fun ideas that you can do while at home. Whether it’s finding things for your kids to do while you work or a fun activity to do at night, these activities will have everyone smiling.

Take out a classic board game for a family game night. Monopoly, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders are all fun.

 Lights. Camera. Action. We all have cameras and the ability to edit videos on our phones. Put your creative hat on and make your own movie with your family playing starring roles.

Use cardboard or blankets to build forts throughout your home. Use your forts to have a family campout inside.

It’s important to stay connected during this tough time. Schedule videocalls with friends and family. 

If it’s safe, go outside for a walk or play in your backyard. If it’s nice, get outside or open a window for some fresh air.

Use pictures of family members or characters to create a fun scavenger hunt.

I hope that these ideas and tips will help bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I would love to hear what you’re doing to keep your family busy while you’re at home.

Zen's COVID-19 Orange County Video Update

Here is my COVID-19 UPDATE VIDEO UPDATE from Friday March 20th, 2020 touching on the following items...

1. Our appreciation for our first responder's fighting to keep us safe in our local hospitals.
2. How Covid-19/the Coronavirus it's affecting Real Estate in Orange County.
3. Ideas of how you can help out during these uncertain and challenging times.
4. Please support our local restaurants by ordering take out.
5. Please reach out to my team and I if you need help or emotional support.
5. I am praying for you, your family, Orange County, our State, our Country and our Government to get all of through this crisis and pandemic.

PLEASE...Remember to choose faith and facts over fear and rumors!

This is a the perfect time to truly be thankful for all of our blessings in this great country.

May God Bless you abundantly with safety, health, wealth, grace, love and peace during these challenging times.

All my best,
Zen

Here are a Few Predictions

Many of you may have been browsing houses for a while and wishing for a break in this overheated market. Well, here’s some positive news.

​The latest real estate reports say the market has picked back up and it's going to be another really strong year in Real Estate.

In Orange County we still have an inventory shortage. We started 2020 with a low inventory more than 33% lower than we started in 2019.

Home price growth has been steady over the years and will continue to move slightly higher as we get closer to the election in November in 2020.

New house prices are starting to moderate after seven straight years of increases, according to Zillow. Most experts see another year of appreciation.

Mortgage rates trending down, not up.

​Just when you’ve heard ten times that mortgage rates are hovering near historic lows, guess what — they edged downward through much of 2019. What’s more, Fannie Mae predicts mortgage rates will fall to an average of 3.4 percent in 2020. That gives homebuyers plenty of chances to lock in extremely affordable mortgages.

Housing supply will balance out.

​The supply of homes for sale has been really tight in recent years, and that’s one reason we’ve seen a seller’s market. But that started to reverse in 2019, leading analysts to believe that housing inventory could stabilize in 2020 - especially at the upper end of the market. That means more choices for buyers and not as much competitive pressure.

The big economic picture.

Will the long U.S. economic expansion come to an end in 2020? Some believe a recession is in the offing, but nobody really knows how long that could take to happen. In any case, there’s no guarantee that home prices would drop in your preferred neighborhoods.

The best way to get a handle on local price trends is to talk with an experienced real estate agent who has the knowledge to navigate all types of markets. Contact me or check out my website to start your buying process. I’m here to help!