by Jeff Pittman | Feb 9, 2016 | Weekly Quote
“Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? Go the extra mile.” ~ Gary Ryan Blair
by Jeff Pittman | Feb 9, 2016 | Homeowners
Interior Design Trends That Are Taking Over In 2016 Although not always in the spotlight, redecorating is one of those New Year’s resolutions that could change your life for the better. Trends that have been all the rage are now vanishing in the presence of new, expressive styles. So, go ahead, give your space a makeover, and get ready for the new exciting year in interior design. LIVE AND LET LIVE 17 Premiere Point, Newport Coast Many people make the mistake of opting for a TV as a focal point in the living room. Others have begun to realize the advantage of unplugged rooms, places where the technology has been cast out. Fireplaces, for example, are a great way to add new tone to the family hub, and even a non-working one can take the central stage. Moreover, do not overlook the impact the lighting has. Pendants are used more and more as statement pieces to create a wow effect. Finally, muse on fluid geometric patterns for a nice finishing touch. SPARKS AND SPLASHES Now, turn to transforming all those dull corners into spectacles that spark attention. The best way to pull this off is by setting tall, perky pedestals. They are great décor pieces in their own right, and are used to display a sculpture, plant or DIY art. A few splashes of color can also make a difference and designers have embraced tones like rose quartz and serene blue. Furthermore, fabric wall art is one of the trends that are on a roll, and many designers also take inspiration from indigenous artists when adding thrilling spice to...
by Jeff Pittman | Feb 3, 2016 | Weekly Quote
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” ~ Henry Ford
by Jeff Pittman | Feb 3, 2016 | Events
Events In Orange County February 2016 Looking for fun new things to do in Orange County this February? We’ve got just the thing! Check out our list of events in Orange County including festivals, fights, beer, wine, and more! OC WRITERS: READ & CRITIQUE Friday, February 5th 11AM-1PM ocgp.org/events The OC Writers: Read and Critique gathering is all about giving local writers space and time to write, learn and network. Bring your own manuscript in progress for supportive feedback and to learn more about the field. Outlets for laptops and tablet users will be available as well as wifi. Gathering includes time to meet and greet plus ask questions pertaining to the writing and publishing field. HOUSE OF 90’S @ HOUSE OF BLUES Saturday, February 6th 7PM-1:30AM eventbrite.com Get ready to go back to everyone’s favorite decade, The 90’s! Bust out your grunge flannel and head out to the House of Blues Anaheim for a party that’s gonna be all that and a bag of chips. There will be four bands playing all the hits from the 90’s and a DJ upstairs so you can get jiggy with it all night long! Presale tickets are $18, $30 at the door. SURF CITY MARATHON & HALF MARATHON Sunday, February 7th 6AM-1PM runsurfcity.com Let’s Run This Beach! Celebrating 20 years of running Surf City, California’s classic oceanfront marathon is back again. In Southern California style, the Beach Party will be in the finish area, right next to PCH where you can come on in and have a cold one with the Sam Adams Crew! Your race bib and I.D. are good...
by Jeff Pittman | Jan 29, 2016 | Buyers
Sweetening The Deal – How To Craft A Seller Love Letter There are several things a buyer can do in a competitive market to stand out from the crowd and sweeten the deal when putting in an offer on a home. What has been gaining popularity is a personal cover letter to the seller accompanying your offer, AKA a love letter. A love letter is no regular valentine, but an earnest and thoughtful way of making a memorable impression on a seller – and ultimately a way to increase the chances of your offer being chosen. Adding an emotional edge could be just the trick to appealing to a seller. Here are a few guidelines to stick to so that your love letter is well received and pays out big. KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET Sellers aren’t interested in reading a novel, so think about the most important things you want to say and get to the point. There’s no need to tell your entire life story, just a bit about what you love so much about the house and why you can’t live without it. The more streamlined you make your message, the more memorable it will be. We suggest keeping your letter between 200 and 300 words. BRING ON THE COMPLIMENTS It’s important to keep your letter positive and the best way to do that is with flattery. Flatter your seller and let them know how much you love their taste in landscaping, flooring choice or color patterns. Praise their family photos you saw hanging on the wall or their creative use of loft space as a...
