Terrylynn's Blog

West Coast Green 2008 was an amazing and out of the box experience.  It is so much more than a conference for all who attend.  One of the speakers for the opening session was Chris Jordan, lawyer turned artist, photographer and perhaps eco activist.

Chris puts a face on our overconsumption.  He says we are much like a family of alcoholics.  We are all alcoholics, sitting around with empty vodka bottles everywhere and eventually don't notice the empty vodka bottles.  Our over consumption is just so overwhelming that we don't see it anymore. 

In North America we discard 106,000 aluminum soda cans every 30 seconds!!!  Chris' illustration is a photograph of 106,000 soda cans.  From a distance it is an interesting looking piece of art, colorful, it compels you to look closer.  When you get closer you see the individual cans of soda all lined up.  YES it is overwhelming.  The number (106,000) every 30 seconds sends astonished gasps through the audience as Chris shows the photo and relays the information.  He is a charming and compelling speaker.  He feels his value to this effort is that he puts a face on our over consumption.  The other message is that only 50% of those 106,000 every 30 seconds is recycled.

Can we do better? As Maya Angelou says "...and when you know better, you'll do better".  YES we can, I know for one, everytime I go to throw one away I'll be reminded by this thought and recycle.  Soda isn't  good for us anyway, so probably we should drink more water, but that's another blog post.

See below for Chris' statement as per his website.  AND, visit his website for more information.  He's inspiring to say the least.  On the website home page you'll see a few examples of his work.  

http://chrisjordan.com/ Intolerable Beauty: Portraits of American Mass Consumption   Exploring around our country's shipping ports and industrial yards, where the accumulated detritus of our consumption is exposed to view like eroded layers in the Grand Canyon, I find evidence of a slow-motion apocalypse in progress. I am appalled by these scenes, and yet also drawn into them with awe and fascination. The immense scale of our consumption can appear desolate, macabre, oddly comical and ironic, and even darkly beautiful; for me its consistent feature is a staggering complexity. The pervasiveness of our consumerism holds a seductive kind of mob mentality. Collectively we are committing a vast and unsustainable act of taking, but we each are anonymous and no one is in charge or accountable for the consequences. I fear that in this process we are doing irreparable harm to our planet and to our individual spirits. As an American consumer myself, I am in no position to finger wag; but I do know that when we reflect on a difficult question in the absence of an answer, our attention can turn inward, and in that space may exist the possibility of some evolution of thought or action. So my hope is that these photographs can serve as portals to a kind of cultural self-inquiry. It may not be the most comfortable terrain, but I have heard it said that in risking self-awareness, at least we know that we are awake. ~cj

Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor, Walnut Creek, California

Live Green, Live Smart Certified Trainer and 1st designated CP Realtor www.StagersLIST.com www.StagingExpo.com www.Terrylynn-n-Team.com www.GreenTrainingTeam.com

 

 

 

 

The West Coast Green 2008 conference in San Jose

this week was full of exhibits, speakers and wonderful ways to make a difference in the future green efforts for our planet earth.

As you know, Carbon dioxide is generated as a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels or the burning of vegetable matter, among other chemical processes. 

Wikipedia says - Carbon Dioxide

• In the recent past, transfer rates due to photosynthesis and respiration and including decay, were just about even. However, more carbon dioxide is being deposited in the Earth's atmosphere, than is being removed.
• In 1850, atmospheric carbon dioxide was about 280 parts per million (ppm), and today it is about 350 ppm. This increase is believed to be due to the burning of wood and fossil fuels and the destruction of forests to make way for farmland and pasture.^[3]
  
  

Plants are living things and as such promote the exchange of Carbon dioxide is used by plants during photosynthesis to make sugars which may either be consumed again in respiration or used as the raw material to produce polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose, proteins and the wide variety of other organic compounds required for plant growth and development. It is produced during respiration by plants, and by all animals, fungi and microorganisms that depend on living and decaying plants for food, either directly or indirectly. It is, therefore, a major component of the carbon cycle.

 

This beautiful backdrop or room divider is actually a living wall.  It is framed in redwood and the color and variation you see is all succulents.  Cactus in pots installed horizontally in the framework to make a beautiful visual living wall.  The purpose of living walls is to add life to a space.  And along the way mitigate some of the excess C 02 in our atmosphere.  What a practical and beautiful way to take baby steps in our journey to keeping our planet Green!

The conference was amazing, oppoprtunities for entrepreneurs, vendors and the public to see, touch and feel green products and hear speakers who have been making HUGE strides in the Green technology and awareness on the West Coast and around the world.  I'll review other things in other blog posts but today just was thrilled and astounded at this adorable vehicle.  Just check this out:

ELV Motors offers "Fleet Certified" electric bicycles, scooters and hybrid motorcycles for personal and corporate use.  This scooter gets 400 miles per $1!

This would make a huge difference in your commute costs.  The local ELV motors is in Santa Clara, California.  I am sure they offer this car in other places around the country, although I could not find others on their website. I am sure they'd be happy to sell one to you too.  

Terrylynn Fisher, Realtor
www.Terrylynn-n-Team.com
www.StagersLIST.com

Terrylynn has been a realtor in Contra Costa County for over 31 years and has been staging her listings since the late 1980s.

CINDY LIN didn't tell you but I can.  She is in NY having her first session from her winning the Micro to Millions Business contest.  She is going to share with us all how to enter such events around the country and how it's been for her so far.  You all know she is technology savvy as well so she will also share with us some of her technology secrets.  It will be a wonderful Round Table with value added networking prior to the Round Table portion of the event.  So join us won't you?  In San Francisco for the SIF Round Table.  RSVP, RSVP, and if anyone wants to carpool, just mention in your comments what area you are in and perhaps we can get some carloads and go together.  I'LL BE GOING IN EARLY TO HELP SET UP.  Terrylynn:-)

From Cindy Lin's blog:

It's SCHEDULED! The next SIF Round Table in SF bay area!
Contact Real Estate Staging Association for event and ticket information.
LETS GET TOGETHER, MINGLE, GREET AND CHAT!
RSVP HERE

Stage It Forward: San Francisco Bay Area Stagers' Get Together

Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM (PT)

South San Francisco, CA    Share this event

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November is "Home Staging Awareness Month"

 November is Home Staging Awareness Month

Professional Home Stagers Gather to Discuss Industry News and Promote Home Staging

 The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) the Trade Association for Professional Home Stagers has announced that November is Home Staging Awareness Month.

 RESA along with IRIS and ASHSR is proud to announce that we are National Co-Sponsors of Home Staging Awareness Month.

 During Home Staging Awareness Month the popular "Stage it Forward" (SIF) Round Table Meetings will be taking place all over North America. SIF originated from a powerful internet blogging community that is hosted by Real Estate Blogging website called Active Rain.

 The meetings will focus on the Staging Industry, creating standards, ethics and the wants and needs of the Professional Stager. You ALL can have a voice in creating standards and choosing the direction you want your industry to take.

 Keeping with the tradition of SIF and RESA ALL Stagers are welcome to attend or facilitate/moderate a meeting. You do not have to be a member of RESA to attend or facilitate the meeting nor do you have to hold any particular designation.

LIGHT LUNCH WILL BE SERVED. RSVP HERE!

When

Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM (PT)

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RSVP HERE!
Where Staged4more Warehouse
390 Swift Avenue #6
South San Francisco, CA 94080

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Real Estate Staging Association

The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) the Trade Association for Professional Home Stagers has announced that November is Home Staging Awareness Month.

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Is this a bit like where in the world is Carmen San Diego? 

Going Green in Oakland!!!

Margarido House, Oakland Hills, California

Cindy and I attended the opening of a LEEDS rated sustainable home hosted by California Homes and Design magazine.  They built the home in an area ravaged by the 1991 Oakland Hills fire and it stands among old and new construction on the street.

It is modern in look and any minute about to receive its LEEDS rating.  Leeds requires 102 points for Platinum Rating, it is expected to have 118 points.  The home is also GreenPoint Rated.  But fascinating and beautiful with amazing views of the San Francisco Bay from most windows, it is breathtaking.  When you add to that the green features, it is just overwhelming to see the task undertaken by the owner/developers Mike MacDonald and Jill Martenson.  And their family lives here.  They are pleasantly surprised at how well their systems are working.  They may never have to pay for PG&E again as they are off the grid

Cindy and I are standing in front of the entry wall which is classic in terms of the recycled materials used in the construction.  The wall is old kiln tiles that have been fired and glazed and look amazing, particularly when the sun hits them.  They were found locally, which lessened the impact of energy used to transport them to the site, a factor that is included in the rating systems.

For more information visit www.MargaridoHouse.com for some fabulous photos.  The 600 sq foot green rooftop garden and rainwater and groundwater collection system with 4000 gallon cistern impress while the view captivates.  

Terrylynn Fisher, Live Green, Live Smart Trainer for Realtor Certification and public certificate courses, as well as fundraising classes for schools, non-profits, etc.

The gap is widening between home staging and interior design.  The interior designer has their place in personalizing and creating the homeowner's vision for their everyday living experience.  The decorator discovers your personality and brings your unique wants and needs to your space.  Your home becomes the essence of your lifestyle, choices and personality.

Fast forward to selling.  The professional home stager removes the YOU and gives space and function to the home with less personalized décor, allowing the buyer's feelings to emerge as to how they would utilize your home as their home, should they purchase it. They FEEL at home as it reflects them and their lifestyle. They SEE the home as it would suit their family needs and situation. 

If a home feels like YOUR home or grandma's house, it cannot feel like OUR house.  It's too crowded because YOU are there.  When it is YOUR home it cannot be OUR home, until you have let it go.  Clutching your memories keeps you in the house, and the buyers out as they do not want to disturb your memories.  These psychological as well as physical memories get in the way of a buyer envisioning their own future memories and they just move on to the home that feels right.

Active

1584, 2/1.5, 1093 sq. ft., $210,000
1535, 2/1.5, 1093 sq. ft., $189,900
1598, 3/1.5, 1250 sq. ft., $299,000

Expired

1535, 2/1.5, 1093 sq. ft., listed at $229,900
1548, 3/2, 1070 sq. ft., listed at $299,900

Pending

1594, 3/1.5, 1250 sq. ft., listed at $219,000

Sold

1598, 3/1.5, 1250 sq. ft., sold 4/7/08 for $295,000

Terrylynn Fisher has been a Realtor for 30+ years.  She is a Diablo Creek expert.

Active

Anselmo Court, 3/2, 1420 sq. ft., $459,900
Gonzalez Court, 3/2, 1420 sq. ft., $499,999
Las Ramblas Drive, 4/2, 1866 sq. ft, $395,000

Pending

Gonzalez Court, 3/2.5, 2041 sq. ft., listed at $397,500

Sold

Langford Court, 3/2, 1540 sq. ft., Sold 3/19/08 for $568,420
Agostino Court, 3/2, 1420 sq. ft., Sold 5/16/08 for $430,000
Sepulveda Court, 4/2.5, 2041 sq. ft., Sold 5/22/08 for $441,400
Preston Court, 4/2.5, 2603 sq. ft., Sold 5/30/08 for $649,000
Alicante Court, 4/2.5, 2041 sq. ft., Sold 6/6/08 for $462,500
Gonzalez Court, 3/2, 1420 sq. ft., Sold 6/26/08 for $274,900
Guadalupe Court, 3/2, 1657 sq. ft., Sold 6/27/08 for $357,900
Dodge Court, 4/2, 1926 sq. ft., Sold 7/22/08 for $565,000
Gonzalez Court, 3/2, 1657 sq. ft., Sold 8/15/08 for $310,000


Terrylynn Fisher has been a realtor for 30+ years and is a Kirkwood expert and neighbor.

I was reading one of Fernando's blogs and it got me thinking.  Sometimes we "get it" and we care more than the client about the outcome or their home sale.  Here are a couple of "Ah Ha!" moments revealed.

 As Realtors we are well aware of this common problem with clients.  The client thinks the Realtor is pricing to get a quick sale...  AH HA! and the problem is?  The recommendation comes from the fact that we KNOW that a well priced property will sell and an even slightly off priced property will sit.  The current real estate market is particularly sensitive to proper pricing.  Sitting costs you $$$$ in more mortgage payments, in water, utilities and upkeep, landscape, ...remember we don't get paid if you don't sell, but neither do YOU. 

 The client thinks we are recommending staging so our stager can get the job... (or painter, or landscaper or handyman).  AH HA! and the problem is?  We know those stagers and companies that have the ability and expertise to provide the inventory and services your home requires.  Why would we recommend anyone other than the very best we know?  We want you to be happy with the service and results.  We sell homes every day, we know the stagers and companies that are legitimate, hardworking, perform on their promises and deliver the goods and the sale, time after time. 

 The seller thinks staging will overcome pricing too high...   AH HA! and the problem is?  A real problem.  What buyer do you know for a new mercedes for instance that says, oh, it's clean and has new tires so lets give them $5000 more than blue book?   I don't think so.  What happens is that the buyer says, wow, it's clean and nice, but so is the one over there that is priced $5000 less, so let's go get that one. 

The point?  The point is that the reason you hire a real estate professional to assist you in selling your home is that they have the experience, number of transactions and expertise to advise you in these areas.  The staging company or the realtor with a "discount" coupon who is not busy is usually not busy for a reason.  When you call the air conditioning guy in the middle of a heat wave, the one who has time for you is probably not the guy you want.  Just think about it.   I WAIT for my air conditioning guy who is swamped.  Why?  Because I know his service, his work ethic and that he won't overcharge just because he can.  We TRUST each other.  That's the least and the best you can and should expect from your Realtor and your home stager. 

Terrylynn Fisher, Expert Negotiator, Realtor, CRS, SRES, GRI, CSP Staging Consultant, Diablo Realty, Walnut Creek, California loving selling real estate since 1977 in Contra Costa County, California... 

Terrylynn Fisher, Expert Negotiator, Realtor, CRS, SRES, GRI, CSP Staging Consultant, Diablo RealtyAlso Co-Owner of StagersLIST.com THE Resource for Stagers, Realtors and Homeowners in North America, CSP Realtor Elite and the first CP designee and LGLS Realtor Trainer for Live Green, Live Smart, realtor designation green build science training, with programs for corporations, non-profits and everyone.

www.StagersLIST.com                                           Terrylynn@StagersLIST.com

www.Terrylynn-n-Team.com                                homes4u@e-realestate4u.com

$1000 in raffle prizes, a ticket for your registration and one for each person you recommend to sign up!!! 
Newtork with people who share your challenges and get to know in person your AR friends.  See testimonials below.  AND Mastercraft is giving tours of their furniture manufacturing plant!  Meet Shell in person at the RESA booth, too.

Presented by:


StagersLIST.com and MasterCraft Furniture PRESENT the
First Annual Northwest Home Staging Expo
September 13, 2008

Who is invited? EVERY stager, redesigner, decorator, regardless of training or designation.

Join other industry professionals for the opportunity to hear Christine Rae, Staging Expert/Trainer and Author of Home Staging For Dummies present
Trends in Your Marketplace

In addition, Kym Hough, Experienced Staging Professional, will present
Marketing Your Business Daily

Terrylynn Fisher, 31 Year Realtor Professional will present
How to Become a Collaborator With Your Realtor

Mary DeBella, Home Staging Professional, will present
Inventory and Warehouse Management

Furniture Factory Tour

AND MUCH MORE!

WHERE: MasterCraft Furniture
10075 SW Commerce Circle, Wilsonville, OR 97070
  (10 minutes south of Portland)
1-800-677-SOFA

WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 2pm-6pm
Industry Suppliers will have booths available for great Resourcing of product



Once you register you will be entered into the Expo Raffle, a $1,000 Value!
For more information, call Local Event Coordinator Mary DeBella of
Northwest Staging & ReDesign at (503) 657-3295
or email Events@StagersLIST.com

Some reviews of our presentation:

The "trends" of the business... Love hearing about what a difference staging makes in "all " markets, (good economy or bad). The topics you spoke to were great. Keep the same format. Great door prizes (even if I didn't win one)!!! - Cynthia

Thank you so much for inviting me. The Expo was a success. You should be proud. As a former Fashion Merchandise Director for several renowned Retail Department Stores, and now launching a new Staging business, I was especially impressed by the Trend Reports as this was an important part of my job as Fashion Director. Most business owners do not understand that in order to be successful, and remain on top of the food chain, keeping abreast of current trends is a must and in all areas, not just Home. Trends crossover from many different areas: Lifestyle, Fashion, Politics, Auto Industry, Colors, Fabrics etc. We must keep in mind that our clients, (Homeowners, Realtors, Developers, Vendors as well as Buyers), are all influenced by what's going on the the world. Stay Tuned In People... It was a great event, can't wait until the next one!!! - Felicia

Sponsors Include:
RESA
True Decor
Staged By Design
People's Furniture Rental
Mead Smith Attorneys at Law
Devine Paint
Next Stage Furniture
Blessima Decor
Real Deals AND WE ARE STILL ADDING THEM DAILY!!!