November 12, 2012 Annual Veterans Day Ceremony @ FV Veteran’s Park

By Micah Stovall | Published: October 17, 2012

2nd Annual Veteran’s Day “Bridging Generations” Event

Monday, November 12th, 10am-12pm

Veteran’s Park
(next to FV library, 17635 Los Alamos Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708)

The Veterans Day Ceremony is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9557 and its Ladies Auxiliary. They have partnered with Girl Scout Troop 1121 who will offer fun patriotic crafts, games, and music for all ages following the ceremony.

Activities and refreshments will be available until noon.

Help support our military food drive by bringing an item to be sent to our troops: powdered drink packets, Pop-tarts, beef jerky, crackers, ramen noodles, instant oatmeal packets, granola bars, gum, single-sized boxes of cereal, and tuna kits.

Invite your friends and family for a great time as we honor our veterans.

http://www.fountainvalley.org/news/index.php?p=item&a=18&page=8

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Millennial Generation: Housing Desires & Rental Needs

By Micah Stovall | Published: August 20, 2012

Millennials are expected to outnumber Baby Boomers 78 million to 56 million by the year 2030. The Millennials (those born 1980-1995, approximately) share some specific desires regarding their housing needs. Some young people can’t qualify for a loan or can’t afford a
down payment and must rent. Others can afford to buy a home but opt to rent while they find their place in the job market. They prefer
amenities included in the rent–like the use of a gym or gardening/pool maintenance. Often times small is good for them since this generation
is trying to save money on things like their utility bills.

This group, at about 80-million strong, will make a big difference in our housing and economic future. This is presumed to be a huge rental
market opportunity for landlords. A recent study by Boston Consulting Group came up with this picture of Millennials: They have money,
they’re careful how they spend it, they’re smart, they’re practical, they move around, they’re always in a hurry, and they’re big on corporate culture.

If you’re a landlord interested in targeting this massive generation for housing needs there are some key points to observe. This group has grown up with technology, so finding a place to live will likely come by way of the Web. To be competitive as a landlord, you have o market to this generation where they are familiar with getting their information–that means going beyond printed paper and traditional websites. Highlight energy-efficiency systems you’ve put in and how much tenants can save on their utility bill. Demonstrate the easy-to-care-for simplicity of your home.

Since this generation is young, it is obviously ever-changing and developing.
By Micah Stovall
Sources: RealtyTimes, Boston Consulting Group

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A Clean Kitchen Secret…

By Micah Stovall | Published: August 19, 2012

Grease and dirt build up on kitchen cabinets and backsplashes over time and use. To clean your cabinets, first heat a damp sponge in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until it’s hot. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, spray the cabinets with a vinegar/water solution containing orange oil ($4), then wipe
off the cleaner with the hot sponge. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Rinse and reheat the sponge as it becomes saturated.
Then wipe the cabinets with a cool, damp cloth. The orange oil leaves a shiny coating. This works for any wood or metal surface. The orange oil looks and smells great during the warm summer months.

The Stovall Team always offers complimentary pre market staging tips and complimentary staging with each listing. Our Staging program has proven to achieve a higher net and a faster marketing time for every one of our sellers. Call The Stovall
Team today at 714.343.9294 or 714.378.3438 for your free evaluation.

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5 Ways to Add Curb Appeal

By Micah Stovall | Published: August 18, 2012

If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone — including potential homebuyers — will want to see what’s inside. Check out these simple, low-cost improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month.
1.Create perfect symmetry. Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it’s also the simplest to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways.

2.Replace old hardware House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.

3.Do a mailbox makeover Mailboxes should complement the home and express the homeowner’s personality. When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that mirrors your home’s trimmings. Dress up posted boxes by staining or painting the wooden post to match the house’s trim and woodwork. Create structures for your box from materials found throughout the hardscaping. Warning: Consult a professional when designing and building structures.

4. Install outdoor lighting Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures.

5. Create a new planting bed Add contrast and color to your home exterior with a new planting bed. Prime spots are at the front corners of the yard, along driveways or walk-ways, and immediately in front of the house.

If you are considering selling your home, the Stovall Team wants to help you. Our outstanding marketing techniques and attention to details is second to none. Our staging program has proven to achieve a higher net and a faster marketing time for every one of our sellers. Call The Stovall Team today at 714.343.9294 or 714.378.3438 for information.

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Stay Organized

By Micah Stovall | Published: July 8, 2012

Chances are you have heard of “staging” but we want to break it down for our neighbors. “Staging” is the process of preparing a home for sale via de-cluttering, depersonalizing and neutralizing, among other techniques. Staging, repairing and generally prepping your home for sale is quite important in today’s Real Estate market.

So how do you make your home open-house ready? Depending on your home’s current condition, it can be a large, overwhelming job, or it can be a few simple things. It is imperative to stay organized, take it slow and work step-by-step.

The Stovall Team always offers complimentary pre market staging tips and complimentary staging with each listing. Our Staging program has proven to achieve a higher net and a faster marketing time for every one of our sellers. Call The Stovall Team today at 714.343.9294 or 714.378.3438 for your free evaluation.

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What Does Home Inspection Cover?

By Micah Stovall | Published: July 7, 2012

What does your home inspection cover? And who is liable if a problem develops down the road? You need an inspection on any property you are buying, regardless if it’s old or new construction. An inspection is like a check-up for your house.

What repairs will need to addressed now and what might need to be addressed later down the road? This is what you have answered during an inspection. Having an inspection done prior to signing a contract allows you to negotiate your findings into the deal. Does the roof need replaced? The seller may give an allowance to pay for the repairs.

Keep in mind, however, that simply because a house needs repairs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase it. Nearly every house will have a list of repairs that need to be done to get it “shipshape.” It is your decision to choose how much you are willing to spend and how much work you are willing to do.

There are limits, however, to what a home inspection will cover. They aren’t required to identify conditions that are concealed or are considered latent defects. That means if personal property, plants, or debris is covering an issue, the home inspector isn’t require to move those items to inspect it and isn’t liable if he misses it. They aren’t required to make determinations on systems that aren’t readily accessible.
And they aren’t required to note the presence of potentially hazardous plants and animals. That includes “wood destroying organisms” or even molds.

This means you should find a home inspector that you trust. The Stovall Team recommends you choose from our list of licensed professionals. Having a trusted inspector means that most every problem that can be identified, will be. And inspection is about peace of mind, and a good inspector gives you that.
By Steve Stovall

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