'Tis the Season for a Pumpkin Patch!

It’s time to gather up the crew and head out to a pumpkin patch. Luckily, we live in an area with some great options and I’d to share a few with you.

But don’t forget the basics: Go early in the day for cooler weather (or bring an umbrella in case of seasonal showers!) Remember to carry cash if you can. Not every pumpkin patch accepts card payment.

Let’s head to Brentwood and check out some great options. Then we will take a quick cruise to Livermore!

SMITH FAMILY FARMS

Visit Smith Family Farms, where the experience is more like a Pumpkin Harvest than a pumpkin patch. They have pretty much everything you could ask for in a pumpkin patch experience including farm animals, gardens, live music and even a native American village. But the real highlight is the mile-long hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are free with admission, with additional pumpkins for sale inside the fruit stand. For everyone’s comfort, please leave Fido at home.

G&S FARMS

G&S Farm’s October Pumpkin Patch is the ideal family activity to enjoy in Brentwood's perfect autumn weather. You’ve got to see the pumpkin-chuckin' cannons to believe them. Or check out the Hocus Pocus movie night. And of course, the pumpkins are plentiful with tons of difference varieties available right off the vine!

JOAN’S PUMPKIN FARM LIVERMORE

Enjoy a unique family experience in the Livermore countryside.

Amenities include a snack shack (may I recommend the pumpkin pie?), hay bale maze, and old west town, farm animals, picnic areas, and the little blue train! Feel free to enjoy a picnic!

With many varieties of pumpkins and other fall items, you are sure to find the perfect gourd and fall décor!

Looking for something a little closer to town?

SHADELANDS RANCH (WALNUT CREEK)

Looking for a great pumpkin patch experience a little “closer in?” It’s not a huge pumpkin patch but it’s loaded with fun for the whole family. Pumpkins, bounce house and a darling little petting zoo on the gorgeous grounds of the Shadelands Ranch Museum awaits.

Have fun selecting and carving the perfect pumpkin. I’d love to see your handiwork!

Easy Home Improvement: Everyone LOVES a Smart Home!

You don’t have to be a Millennial or even a Gen Y to love smart home technology. Everyone enjoys the convenience—and savings—that can come from feeling more secure in your home and ultimately saving some money, too. And smart home technology can make life a whole lot easier.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can get started today.

First of all, there are many devices that can connect to your smartphone or smart home devices and can help save money, energy and time. Consider four general categories for smart home technology:

Utilities

Did you know that even light bulbs can be attached to a smart system? Yes, it’s possible to turn on lights, switches and connected devices with a simple voice command! Having the ability to turn lights off and on is a great option for safety—no more traversing dark hallways in the middle of the night!

But there are many other uses for smart utilities than just lights. Interested. in saving water? There are apps that can help program your irrigation system based on the weather in your neighborhood and suggest changes accordingly.

Safety

Hands full of groceries? Consider installing a wireless keyed entry system. A code can also be shared with friends—or a trusted contractor—for onetime use to enter your home. Doorbell intercom and home security camera systems are a great safety benefit and can alert you to potential intruders near your home or even let you know that a package has been delivered.

There are smart phone apps to control your garage door, outdoor lighting and more. Remember, a well-lit home is a great deterrent for potential criminals—and controlling your lighting with your phone makes it much easier—and can often be accomplished when you are far from home!

Security

Aside from an obvious security system, smartphone apps can alert us to other issues that may occur in our home during an absence such as a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. Many of these apps can be configured to call for help—even when we aren’t even home!

Audio/Visual

“Hey Alexa,” has become a common phrase as more and more people use personal assistants such as Alexa, Hey Google, Siri and more. Control your television, music and look up recipes all with a simple voice command.

Still need convincing? Not only is a smart home convenient and fun, but these devices can also be a great marketing tool and can help your home stand out among the competition.

Ready to get started? It’s as easy as a visit to a local big box store or even checking out the offerings on Amazon.

If you'd like other great home improvement ideas, download my free e-book here with even more suggestions.

Happy Smart Home Shopping!

Listing Your Home: Are You Ready to Take the Leap?

Taking the leap from “thinking about selling your home” to actually “listing your home” can seem daunting. It helps to consider a few key factors about the home selling process. Let’s take a quick class on “Selling 101” to get you on the right track for a smooth, successful selling transaction.

First and foremost:

HIRE A GREAT AGENT

Many homeowners believe that they can sell a home for more money or perhaps save money on real estate commissions if they tackle the process on their own. But truthfully, the numbers simply don’t bear out. Less than 2% of home sales are actually completed without an agent. Because each market has subtle details and nuances, having a seasoned agent in your corner can make all the difference in navigating a successful transaction. Remember, your agent is your advocate. Take advantage of their expertise regarding the process.

ESTABLISH A GAME PLAN

A seasoned coach would never enter a ballgame without a game plan. Work with your agent to set up your personalized game plan which can alleviate stress throughout the process. Consider when you want the house on the market and schedule any enhancements to be completed before that date, perform inspections if desired, and review marketing strategies. No home transaction is completely smooth, but a game plan keeps the proper perspective during the process and provides solid ground for all parties.

GET YOUR HOME READY FOR ITS CLOSEUP

It’s all in the details! Talk to your agent about what upgrades are a good value-add for your specific neighborhood and your home. As you know, home improvements are not all created equal!

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. So, if the vital infrastructure of the home is in good shape, such as AC and heating, consider installing upgraded appliances or add a new quartz countertop to the kitchen. Refresh the bathroom with new flooring and tile in fresh, neutral tones. Never overlook the importance of a deep cleaning, decluttering and perhaps hire a professional stager to get your home ready for potential buyers. And don’t forget curb appeal! Trim the shrubs and refresh the landscape with colorful blooms.

TIME TO LIST

This is when the hard work pays off and the excitement begins! With professional photography under your belt, and professional copy and listing materials are written, your home is ready to hit the MLS and the myriad of other home-search options available to potential buyers such as Zillow, Redfin, etc.

Your agent will discuss the process for showing your home, having open houses, assuring top-notch marketing, and reviewing offers. Your agent can help you understand any offers received and help you negotiate to get not only the best price possible for your home, but to discuss the terms of the sale that may be of significant impact to you during the process.

THE TAKEAWAY?

To achieve your goal of selling your home as quickly as possible and for top dollar, you need a great agent! I’d love to work with you to create a game plan just for your home. Don’t leave your greatest investment to chance. Call me today for a private consultation.