This is just for fun … enjoy … The Color Test! Be sure to read and understand the brief directions before you start.
Twelve Ways to go Greener and Save Money!
September 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Here are a few things you can do or use to live Greener and Save Money.
1) CFL or LED bulbs.
2) Programmable Thermostat
3) Weather Stripping
4) Close Window Treatments in Heat / Open in Cool
5) Energy Star Electronics (LCD is More Efficient than Plasma)
6) Energy Star Appliances
7) Water Aerator on Faucets
8 ) Water Filter Pitcher
9) Smart Power Strip
10) Use Towels, not Paper towels
11) Turn Water Heater down from 140 to 120 degrees
12) Water Heater Blanket
If you have any other thoughts on how to live Greener and Save Money, please share your ideas!
Jill Denton, Realtor Lic#01804876
925.998.7747

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Tagged: Green, ways to go green and save moeny
Half Price Entertainment
August 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment
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Going Green
April 14, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Going Green is not only a way to help our planet, it’s a way of life.
There are 7 categories in being Green. Where do you fit in?
- Economizers: Those who are interested in saving on operating costs through resourse management.
- Investors: Those who are interested in life-cyle cost analysis and the value proposition of various green features.
- Health Conscious: Those who believe in the potential health benefits of green living.
- Idealists: Those who believe that conservation of resources for future generation is a social responsibility.
- Lifestyle-Focused: Those who think that living by overall sustainability principles contributes to a more meaningful and comfortable personal lifestyle.
- Eco-Chic: Those who are interested in the status and prestige of green living.
- Skeptical/Unaware: Those who are skeptical of the green hype or are unaware of the benefits of being green.
Which are you?
Now that you know which category you fit into, take it one step further and find out how big is your carbon footprint? WHAT’S YOUR EARTH IMPACT?
Jill Denton
Realtor, Lic #01804876
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Five Mistakes home sellers make:
April 13, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Sooner or later, most homeowners will be in a position to sell their home. This report summarizes the top five mistakes that home sellers make, simply because the experience is new to them.
Mistake #1. Using a Real Estate Agent Instead Of a Realtor
When you’re looking for help buying or selling property, it’s important to remember that the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” are not synonymous.
To be a Realtor, you must be a member in good standing of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The equivalent organization in Canada is the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Both are non-profit trade organizations that promote real estate information, education and professional standards.
NAR and CREA members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to all consumers. Realtor business practices are monitored at local levels. Arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or board members. This local monitoring keeps Realtors directly accountable to the individual consumers they serve.
The National Association of Realtors also has earned a strong reputation for actively championing private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible.
Mistake #2. Failing to Maximize the “Curb Appeal” of Your Home
When you’re preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions. A buyer’s first impression can determine whether they’ll choose to look inside. It’s estimated that more than that 50% of shoppers decide to purchase a home even before they get out of their car. With that in mind, be sure to stand outside your home and take a realistic “fresh look.” Then ask yourself (and your Realtor) what you can do to enhance the “curb appeal.” It could make a significant difference in your final sales price as well as the speed of your sale.
Mistake #3. Not Appreciating the Buyer’s Point of View
Unreasonable though it may be, a prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home from top to bottom and inside and out. To improve the likelihood of an easy, fast and profitable home sale, we suggest that you attend to the following items:
On the outside
- Sweep the front walkway.
- Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
- Park extra cars away from the property.
- Trim back the shrubs.
- Apply fresh, clean paint on your home, wooden fence, and outbuildings.
- Clean windows and window coverings.
- Maintain sprinkler systems.
- Maintain sealants around windows and doors.
- Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.
- Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.
- Keep pet areas clean.
- Take down out-of-season decorations.
On the inside
- The kitchen and bathroom should look and smell clean.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets (and have them professionally cleaned, if necessary).
- Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.
- Put away dishes, unless setting a formal display for decoration.
- Make all beds and put away clothing.
- Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
- Straighten closets.
- Put away toys.
- Turn off televisions.
- Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
- Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.
- Consider removing unnecessary furniture and appliances from counter tops to create a greater sense of space.
- Consider baking cookies or lighting scented candles to create a homey atmosphere.
Mistake #4. Thinking You Need To be In the Home to Provide Details to Prospective Buyers
Allow your Realtor to do his or her job without you on site. Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owner present. If people unaccompanied by an agent would like to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.
Mistake #5. Over-Pricing Your Home
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It’s one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself.
If the listing price is too high, you’ll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the range where your home should be priced. Some people think that if they leave some “wiggle room” in the price, they’ll always have the opportunity to negotiate and accept a lower offer. However, chances are the offers won’t even come in, because the buyers who would be most interested in your home have been scared off by the price, and won’t even take the time to consider it. By the time you correct the price, you’ve already missed exposure to a group of potential buyers.
This report courtesy of
Jill Denton
925.998.7747
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Free First Time Home Buyers’ Seminar
January 31, 2009 · 1 Comment
Attend a Free First-Time Home Buyers Seminar and learn what you need to know BEFORE you buy your first home.
The class will save you time, money and worry – even if you’ve owned a home before. We’ll discuss and answer your questions regarding: Mortgage, Title, Insurance and Real Estate. Here are a few of the topics:
· Help answering the question, “Am I ready to buy a home?”
· How to get pre-approved to buy a home that you can afford.
· Information on how to buy a home with a low down payment.
· What does the Title Company do for me?
· Do I qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer $7,500 tax credit?
· Why do I have to have home owner’s insurance?
· What to expect with the process of buying a home.
You’ll leave this free seminar with a clearer vision of how the process comes together; as well as, with a free Home Buyers’ Information kit for easy reference.
Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Location: Hometown GMAC Real Estate, 4725 First St, Suite 150, Pleasanton
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Please register ASAP! Seating is limited!
· Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to grab a good seat.
· If you need to cancel once you’ve registered, please notify me immediately so we can free up the seat for someone else.
· There is no pressure or obligation. Just come and learn.
To sign up contact Jill Denton:
Email Jill or Call 925-998-7747 for more information.
Please forward this information to your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers who might benefit from learning the process of buying their first home.
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