October 30, 2009

Tri City Marketing Meeting

Posted to Kay Korbel

Every Thursday morning from 8:30 am - 9:30 am Realtors® in the cities of Fremont, Union City and Newark come together at the Home Town Buffet restaurant in Newark for the Tri City Marketing meeting. Some of the activities at the marketing meeting include but not limited to:

  • present active real estate listings
  • open houses
  • significant price reductions
  • coming soon listings
  • discuss real estate buyers wants and needs
  • networking opportunities
  • educational speakers/discussions
  • discover more about our local communities
  • have fun

At today’s meeting members were invited to attend dressed in Halloween costumes. As you can see some of us did just that. The Vice President, Mrs. Jackie Pena introduced the first annual pumpkin decorating contest. There were (4) entries and the winner was the Princess Pumpkin. It was a creative and team building exercise.

   

I wish all of you a safe and happy Halloween!

It’s a good life!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 28, 2009

Local Harvest

Posted to Kay Korbel

Are you looking for organic fresh produce and green friendly products? Visit localharvest.org for organically grown food that is local to you. Identify a local farmers’ market or even a family farm, or other sources of sustainably grown food in your area by visiting the local harvest website.

Audrey, one of my valued clients referred me to Local Harvest. Interestingly she is a vegetarian and buys her family’s produce by means of an annual local farm subscription. Audrey says that the regular shipments she receives are certified organic and the items are fresher than those items that can be purchased at one of the four local farmers markets in Fremont/Union City and Newark.

Here’s a link to the farm that Audrey recommends. Weekly boxes start at $17.00. Check it out! What a wonderful personal service.

For years I have been shopping for my family’s fresh produce and flowers at my local farmers market held at the Newpark Mall in Newark, CA. This particular one is open 52 weeks each year. The prices are better than the local supermarket. The food tastes better too!

Click on this link to find a farmers market in your area.

Eating well and regular exercise keeps our family healthy and happy.

Happy Harvest!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 26, 2009

Holiday Gift Fair

Posted to Kay Korbel

The Triton Museum of Santa Clara invites you to attend the 1st annual holiday gift fair on Saturday and Sunday, November 14th & 15th, 2009 from 10a-5pm.

Visit: www.tritonmuseum.org
Tel: 408-247-3754

The Triton Museum is located at 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara (across from city hall) (near Scott and El Camino Real).

Affordable jewelry, cards, ceramics, miniatures and glass will be offered for sale by the artists that create these lovely treasures. Stop by and browse the lovely offerings. Shop for those on your holiday gift list.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 23, 2009

Postmortem Mummies and Medicine

Posted to Area Attractions, Kay Korbel

At my favorite San Francisco museum, Opening on Halloween Day, Saturday, October 31st 2009 thru August 15, 2010; is VERY POSTMORTEM MUMMIES AND MEDICINE. Technology meets archaeology in a new exhibit from the permanent collection of the Fine Arts Museums that examines mummies and provides new insights into the lives of ancient Egyptians.

For tickets and more info visit: www.famsf.org

In San Francisco’s Lincoln Park, 100 34th Avenue SF, CA 94118, 415-750-3600.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 23, 2009

A Day at Golden Gate Park

Posted to Pam Dakan

I spent a lovely afternoon last weekend at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. It was a family day- the kids and my parents came out. We drove into the park and parked in the convenient underground parking. We had planned on going to the De Young Museum to see the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs exhibit. You can go straight into the museum from the underground music concourse parking lot, which is accessible from Fulton St at 10th Avenue.

The fee to see all exhibits is quite pricey, for kids from age 6 to 17, the fee is $16.50, for adults, $32.50. The fee was well worth it, as the exhibit was fascinating, featuring a huge collection of items recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, his royal family members, and various officers of the court. It provides remarkable insight into the short life of the young king, who died during his late teens under mysterious circumstances.

On display was a coffin inlaid with gold that was almost breathtaking. There was an extensive collection of gold and precious stone items, sculptures, jewelry, and furniture. I found it fascinating that we were viewing items recovered from Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, which was around 1500 BC. King Tut is on display through March 28th of 2010, take time to see it if you can, it’s well worth it.

After enjoying the exhibit, we went up to the observation deck where you can take in a 360 degree view of the whole City in a room where the walls are windows. Rather amazing.

We went outside and heard very loud house music coming from the park outside. There was a dance party going on and a large crowd of people dancing their cares away and looked like they were having a fabulous, carefree time. We walked a little further with an extra bounce in our step to the Japanese Tea Garden where we stopped in the little café and each had a pot of green tea, which was warm and refreshing, as the day was quite chilly.

The Bronze Buddha is the highlight of the garden for me. Majestic and beautiful, it evokes a sense of peace and well-being as you stare up at it. The Classical Zen Garden is another. It’s impossible not to feel serene as you wander through the garden, stopping as you cross a bridge over one of the ponds. There are many beautiful picture spots throughout the gardens. I, of course, forgot my camera!

The Japanese Tea Garden is open from 9-5pm daily, and the adult entrance fee is $5. Children 4 and under are free.

Posted by:Pam Dakan



October 22, 2009

Castro Valley Book Pass

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

The date is almost here for the Great Castro Valley Book Pass. The book pass begins at 8:30 and probably ends around 10 AM. Participants will pass about 300 books over seven tenths of a mile route between the old library and the new library at 3600 Norbridge Avenue. All this takes place on Halloween – October 31st and marks the opening of the new state of the art library in Castro Valley. The actual ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30 and then from 1 – 4 there will be tours scheduled every half hour to acquaint people with the new library and all it has to offer.

For more information, click here.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



October 21, 2009

Dublin – where eagles call home

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

Located at the crossroads of the 580 and 680 freeways, Dublin was originally the crossroads for stagecoach lines. The line from the Bay Area to Stockton and the line from Martinez to San Jose crossed in what is today Dublin.

One of the treasures of Dublin is “Bella” the Golden Eagle. In 1994, Dublin established a Golden Eagle view-shed buffer zone to preserve an environment that has proven popular with the Golden Eagle. The female eagle named “Bella” has for several years nested in this habitat in eastern Dublin and raised from one to three young each year. The city even went so far as to establish a web cam so residents and environmentalists alike can watch the eagles during their nesting season from January through July. Click here for a link to the Eagle cam.

The Golden Eagle is considered a bird of prey and feeds on small mammals. Golden Eagles are large with a wing span often 6 to 8 feet in width. They can float on the air currents and soar for a long period of time – watching them is truly something to behold. Their keen eyesight lets them spot prey from these high altitudes and once they spot something of interest, they tuck their wings and swoop down on the prey often reaching speeds up to 200 miles an hour.

A variety of housing options are available in Dublin. At the present time there is little inventory available in either single family or attached housing units. Dublin does welcome development of both residential and commercial projects and several are in the planning stages. Due to a prime location at the junction of two freeways, residents have commute options to major Bay Area employment centers although traffic on the freeways often moves quite slowly.

For further information on housing options, visit the Legacy web site at or give me a call and I would be happy to refer you to one of our sales associates.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



October 20, 2009

Harvest Festival at Historical Ardenwood Farm in Fremont, CA

Posted to Area Attractions, Kay Korbel

For the past 8 years our family has been visiting the harvest festival at the historic Ardenwood Farm in Fremont, CA. Every year we climb the hay pyramid and slog through the corn maze. We choose the perfect pumpkins for carving. No charge for admission to the pumpkin patch and lots of fun for kids of all ages. Check the website for many other fun family events thru out the year.

 

It’s helpful to bring your own radio flyer wagon otherwise; you will need to shadow another guest to their car in the parking lot. Pumpkins are inexpensive and its great fun to tramp through the vast field littered with all shapes and sizes to find the perfect pumpkin.

 

Snack shack offers soda, chips and sweets. You bring the kids and the cash!

Boo!

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 19, 2009

Moderate Climate – Great Location Think Fremont!

Posted to Area Attractions, Kathy Mardiros

When trying to determine where in the Bay Area to live, Fremont often comes to the top of the list. With a population of approximately 213,000 Fremont is the fourth most populous in the Bay Area and the fifth most populous city in the state. With a moderate climate that takes advantage of Bay breezes, Fremont attracts many of the high tech and bio tech professionals that call the Bay Area home.

The 680 and 880 freeways run parallel to each other and help keep commute traffic flowing at a reasonable pace. Add to that a BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit – station and a stop by the ACE – Altamont Commuter Express – train and those who need to commute out of Fremont have a number of options.

One of the highlights of Fremont is the historic Mission San Jose. This mission founded June 11, 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Laseun is the fourteenth of twenty one California Missions. This site is the only mission on the east side of San Francisco Bay. The mission when founded was named “La Mision del Gloriosisimo Patriarch San Jose” in honor of Saint Joseph versus what has often been reported as Mission San Jose de Guadalupe.

A new water park, Aqua Adventure, opened this summer and residents quickly found the park to be a delight for those of all ages. Another Fremont attraction is the Ardenwood Historic Farm. This 205 acre park is part of the East Bay Regional Park system. The lovely Victorian mansion and grounds are the site of numerous weddings and receptions each year. The fruit and vegetable stand right outside the farm entry is open May to October featuring fresh organic produce. The pumpkin patch is open October 1st through Halloween. The park is open year round, but check the web site as not all portions are open every day. The park has an animal farm, horse drawn train, blacksmith ship and an extensive naturalist program.

Fremont boasts top rated schools, two hospitals, numerous parks and recreational facilities. Homes range from more modest older homes to large estates often with Bay and hillside views. Right now inventory is low so visit the Legacy web site at www.legacyrealestateassociates.com and sign up for Listing Alert to be notified when something comes on the market that meets your needs.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



October 16, 2009

The Blue Angels

Posted to Pam Dakan

October is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful months weather-wise when spending time in the City by the Bay. The Indian summer is in full effect, the sky is usually clear, and the colors are bright. If you get up to the Pacific Heights area, or up above the Marina along Green Street, you can catch some of the most breathtaking views of the bright blue water, Alcatraz to your right, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts to your left. The Bay is scattered with sailboats bobbing up and down in the water and you just take in a deep breath and say to yourself, if not out loud, “I simply love San Francisco!”

Unfortunately, sometimes the fog can still creep in when it’s not welcome, as it did this past weekend during Fleet week, when there were many rooftop parties and barbeques scheduled to coincide with the Blue Angels doing their magic formations in the sky.

A friend and I were on our way to attending a couple of these shin-digs and we were driving up Van Ness on our way to the Marina around three o’clock when we heard the loud roar of the Blue Angels and caught just a glimpse of one of the F/A-18 Hornets. Alas, that was the last glimpse we caught, as we found out soon after arriving at one of the raging rooftop parties, that the air show had been canceled due to the fog rolling in. Sure enough, there it was, off to the left, rolling in over the Golden Gate, blanketing the sky in white.

Of course, we had no choice but to enjoy the rest of the grand view and enjoy the live band and barbeque, as well as network and hand out a few business cards, which a good real estate professional always has at hand! Surprisingly enough, the first party was attended by many residents of the East Bay, and since that’s where I sell primarily, it was, I would say, a very good place to meet people and mingle.

By the time we arrived at the second party, the sky was almost all white, and it had gotten quite breezy and cold…I was wishing I had worn a warmer jacket, gloves and a hat, for although it was much warmer before the fog rolled in, it was quite the opposite a few hours later. Tip: always dress in layers…thick layers!

We stopped off before moving the car for a nightcap and snack at Osha Thai on Union Street. Devoured some amazing mussels with a spicy sweet dipping sauce, and a Thai catfish dish, with basil and lemongrass, washed down with a smashing Sauvignon Blanc. There was a 45 minute wait as it was, after all, Saturday night, but we managed to find a couple of empty bar stools and parked ourselves and got great, friendly service from the bartender and enjoyed the ambiance.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Blue Angels, they have an official website.

Parking in the Marina District is not easy, so if you go, it’s best to take public transport. We were a little disappointed that the Angels parked themselves at Moffet Field and remained there for the rest of the day, but oh well, there’s always next year!

Posted by:Pam Dakan



October 15, 2009

Tips to Protect Your Home From Termites

Posted to Kay Korbel, Real Estate Tips

Tips to protect your home from wood destroying pests:

  • Make sure gutter downspouts are diverted away from the homes foundation
  • Landscaping should be not be planted too close to the foundation
  • Keep plants away from vents and do not allow them to grow onto the home
  • Make sure the crawl space is appropriately ventilated to prevent humidity
  • Seal all gaps in the foundation and the exterior of the home
  • Remove dead tree stumps and roots from your homes yard

Dry wood and Subterranean Termites can thrive for years before being detected by a home owner. Protect your precious investment and schedule regular inspections by a licensed/certified pest company. Visit: www.pestworld.org for an inspector near you.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 14, 2009

Automobile Accident Kit

Posted to Kay Korbel

Yesterday, here in the San Francisco Bay area, we had our first heavy rain of the autumn season. That means slippery roads and potential fender benders. Click here for a helpful accident kit you can download.

Here is a list of what to do in case of an accident…

#1 Stay Safe

  • Remain calm
  • Stop safely
  • Turn emergency flasher lights on
  • Watch for oncoming traffic

#2 Don’t Apologize

  • An apology can imply fault
  • Never admit fault
  • If you have to say something, ask “Are you okay?”

#3 Contact Authorities

  • Call an ambulance if people are injured
  • Notify your supervisor if you are driving a company car
  • Call the police to file a police report
  • Notify the department of motor vehicles if damage is over $750

#4 Get Witnesses

  • Ask witnesses for contact information and a brief statement

#5 Provide Contact Information to the other driver

  • Make, model, year & color of your car
  • License plate number, state of issue
  • Vehicle ID number (VIN)
  • Name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, state of issue
  • Insurance company phone number, policy holder name & policy number

#6 Take Photos

  • All four sides of each car
  • Close up shots of damaged areas
  • People, passengers and witnesses
  • License plates included witness vehicles
  • Skid marks and debris
  • Vehicle interiors
  • Entire scene

Also, you can contact Collision Services Inc. at www.collisionservices.com if you need their help.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 14, 2009

Short Sale May Not Close Escrow if You Have Mortgage Insurance

Posted to Kay Korbel

If you are a struggling home owner and are thinking of listing your property as a SHORT SALE….be sure you understand if you have mortgage insurance or if your lien holder has self insured mortgage insurance. If the lien holder has self insured, you may not be able to successfully sell your property as a short sale.

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 07, 2009

Newark – it’s the people that make the town

Posted to Kathy Mardiros

Newark, California is located at the eastern end of the Dumbarton Bridge and is a community where the people make a difference. When the area today known as Newark was threatened to become a part of a much bigger Fremont, the residents banded together to form their own town. Today Newark is about 14 square miles in size and boasts a population that prides itself on self independence, political harmony and a strong sense of community.

There is much to like in Newark. The Silliman Recreation Complex is situated on 21 acres of land and features an indoor aquatic park complete with lazy river, slides, lap pool, spa and changing rooms. There are soccer and softball fields, a gym with drop-in basketball, volleyball and badminton, and a teen activity center.

The New Park Mall is home to major national retailers including Target, Sears, Macy’s and Penney’s as well as many regional favorites. For information go to www.newparkmall.com.

Newark also boasts the new Ohlone College campus – the first green college in the nation. Here residents can further their education in a variety of classes targeted to develop basic skills, help with career entry, provide the necessary course work for university transfer or to provide personal enrichment. For information on courses go to www.ohlone.edu.

Newark is a progressive community with a small town feel where the motto of “People, Pride and Progress” has blended the old and the new. To help you find a home in Newark, register for Property Alerts on the Legacy web site at www.legacyrealestateassociates.com.

Posted by:Kathy Mardiros



October 06, 2009

WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM

Posted to Area Attractions, Kay Korbel

The newest addition to San Francisco’s Presidio is the Walt Disney Family Museum. What an amazing time I had this past weekend visiting (10) permanent galleries, in chronological order covering the history of Walt Disney’s career and lifetime.

There are a lot of photos and family mementos as well as early drawings by Walt in his early years growing up in the mid west. From the doodles you can see the future Mickey Mouse and others. Also on display is a replica of the ambulance Walt drove in France after World War I.

The former barracks that now is the museum has been completely renovated. It sits among other buildings that are in need of new tenants. Those other buildings show the signs of their age to say the least. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay are spectacular from the second floor gallery number 8.

I was struck by the primitive drawings that became beloved animated movies like Bambi and Mary Poppins among others. The vision Walt had to imagine these characters leaping into life on the silver screen is to be admired and applauded. Disney was a true genius and trail blazer, believing in his dreams… We can take a lesson from him; believe in your dreams and never give up.

The trip thru each of the (10) galleries was a complete pleasure and had something for everyone, just like Disneyland. There were exhibits for the younger children,too, made at a child’s height. The interiors were beautifully designed and one moved thru each gallery easily and effortlessly.

This museum will be a center for scholarship and discovery. Screenings, lectures, classes and performances will be offered and preformed by the Bay Area’s best musicians.

Wolfgang Puck operates the sumptuous Café and the gift shop has many unique and affordable gifts and souvenirs.


Hours: Wednesday thru Monday 10a-6p
Closed Tuesdays and some holidays

Located: 104 Montgomery Street
The Presidio of San Francisco
Website: www.waltdisney.org
Admission: $20 for Adults
$15 for Seniors over 65 and students with valid ID’s
$12.50 for kids 6 to 17
FREE for Kids under 6
FREE Parking

Posted by:Kay Korbel



October 05, 2009

Teaching Our Children The Importance of Community Service

Posted to Kay Korbel

As a busy Realtor® and mother of a 4th grader, some days there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. I wonder what kind of legacy I am leaving for my precious son, Jonathan. Some of the things I teach him are the value of money and appropriate ways to spend it. Likewise, lessons in how one spends their time may be more important than how one spends their money.

Jonathan has been active in community service since he was 4 years old. He helps me with my community service on a regular basis and we have fun doing it together. We spend a good amount of time volunteering our time throughout the year at The Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, CA.

For the past 5 years we have logged hours wrapping Christmas presents in a cold and dusty warehouse for my cherished colleague, Georgia Butterfield, for the Angel Network in Alameda Counties Tri Cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Last year Georgia and her league of volunteers made sure (900) minor children from 6 months to 18 years got three Christmas presents each. These children are in group homes or foster care. It is a daunting task to be sure, but Georgia always seems to manage to make Christmas happen for these children year after year after year.

Last year Jonathan and I expanded our responsibilities by picking up un-wrapped gifts donated by the staff of Washington Hospital. We were astounded how many employees provided gifts for these faceless and needy children. Our van was stuffed full on more than one occasion. Volunteering for Georgia Butterfield and the Angel Network has shown my son that he is much more fortunate than most others and he understands that there are others that need a helping hand up not a hand out.

This fall Jonathan is testing for his black belt in martial arts. A pre-requisite is an essay. Jonathan chose to write about his community service. I want to share that essay with you by clicking here.

As parents we can share special time with our children while helping others. I would love to hear from other parents about their personal experiences with their children in modeling appropriate behaviors and teaching tools.

Georgia Butterfield Thank You
Adopt An Angel Recommendation Part I
Adopt An Angel Recommendation Part II

Posted by:Kay Korbel