Polar Bear Swim 2010!

HERE IT IS, the long-awaited 2010 ChicoLaura VIDEO of the 2010 Chico Polar Bear Swim!   The bone-chilling fun began at 1:00 p.m. at One Mile in Chico's Bidwell Park.  (yes, I was JUST a spectator; well someone had to record the event!).  The Chico E-R reported the water temp at 40 degrees (the air felt MUCH warmer this year!) and that over 500 people took the icy plunge.

Speaking of last year, here's a link to my YouTube video of the 2009 swim.  Local news crew from KNVN filmed this segment at the event.

As we all take the plunge into the New Decade, wishing you a wonderful and amazing 2010!

Rare Opportunity to own an Amazing Mansion Park Bungalow!

Stately, sophisticated California bungalow located at 315 Legion Avenue, Chico, CA.  Lovingly restored with artist's eye while maintaining historic integrity. This is truly one of the finest vintage homes I have had the pleasure of marketing in Chico!  Located near historic Bidwell Mansion and downtown Chico.  Exquisite attention to every detail, from the top of the 3-yr-new roof to the beautiful designer kitchen and spacious, immaculate basement/wine cellar. Coved ceilings, formal living room with cozy fireplace/insert. Separate 360 s.f. artist's studio/office  overlooks formal gardens.  (House is app. 2283 s.f. for total s.f.--house and studio--of app. 2643.) Three charming porches and extensive brick patio offer year-round outdoor living. Peruse an extensive history of home here--a delightful read! You won't want to miss this rare vintage beauty! Click here to see fabulous photos by professional photographer Ron Schwager and here for a list of items included in the sale of this gorgeous historic home.

Professionally photographed by Ron Schwager.

The Chico Grid

I stumbled upon The Chico Grid on Facebook; what a great site for keeping up with the "happs" in Chico!  I was out of town for the annual "Tree Lighting" ceremony in the downtown plaza, but thanks to this site I was able to watch a two-minute video of the event.  Billed as "Chico's Premier Entertainment and Information Site," it provides info on local music, art, sports, nightlife, and special events.  There are even blogs by some of our local characters to read.  Pretty flashy photos and graphics too!  Here's an interesting Sierra Nevada video they did of a tour of Sierra Nevada, complete with an interview with a rare interview with owner Ken Grossman.  Check it out when you have a minute, and become a member (easy and free) if you'd like Chico "happenings" updates.

Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

Ever mentioned on Facebook that you are (or will be) out of town? Ever wonder whether burglars use Facebook?  Read these tips from actual burglars (from Reader'sDigest.com) to help protect your home and possessions, especially during the holiday season.  Many of us have used a timer to turn lights on automatically while we're gone, but here's a product that takes it a step further:  FakeTV.  Sells for $35 and, according to the company, uses 50 times less energy than a real TV.  Check out this YouTube video:

Virtual Staging

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972.  I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"?  Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional.  With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online?  Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown.  Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging,  and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?