Ana Hitzel AccentPositives Staging Corona, CA

Stagers wear many hats and one of them is as close to being a relationship counselor as it gets. Of course I am speaking about the relationship between a seller, their house and their "stuff".

We all know moving and selling a home can be very stressful and overwhelming. It's a letting go process for many. I have seen the look of relief on more than one face in the past as I arrived to do a consultation.

Stress is a lot of little tiny things that eventually add up to a mountain. That mountain is really just a little pile if you look at things in a simpler way. Sellers need a little help letting go, it's normal. We can speed up the letting go process and this has both emotional and financial benefits.

The polish and bling of a fully completed Staging job is the public face but what about what goes on behind the scenes?

One of the most important questions we should ask a client; "How much do you really need?"

This linen closet is one of 3 in a home with 3 bathrooms. Each bathroom had its own closet.

After some discussion and listening and understanding, this was the answer to the question.

We even found sets of sheets never opened ready for use when the seller sets up their new place!

This behind the scenes example won't make the MLS and it won't be on a brochure but it will impress a potential buyer. It's an important part of the selling package. What's backstage at your place?

AccentPositives provides effective and economical consultations on sight and on line. We service the Inland Empire area of Southern California

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Yes, it's time once more for my rant about year round holiday lighting....

Moving here six years ago from the Midwest, it was an adjustment around holiday time. Palm trees and 80-90 degree temperatures made it quite hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit. Even after all this time, it is strange.

It seems others here do not have this problem and they celebrate the season throughout the year... year after year. They love it so much that they continue the celebration even when their home is on the market.

The icicles may project a feeling of coolness in 100 degree heat but let's face it, they are not that attractive in the light of day, especially in the off season. They remind me more of dirty spaghetti than icicles. This particular home has been on and off the market several times, never having taken down the lights.

In addition to year round holiday lighting, this home features the added bonus of gym equipment on the porch and a basketball hoop. This home has also been listed numerous times.

Curb appeal is one of the single most important visions that will attract a buyer. It is the very first impression that will set the tone for the rest of a buyer's tour. The outside condition of a home will tell prospective buyers if the home is well taken care of and worth taking a second look at. So please remember these small tips when readying a home for sale. Clean it up, take them down and please...always remember no matter what time of the year, celebrate responsibly!

AccentPositives provides effective and economical consultations on site and on line. We service the Inland Empire area of Southern California.

As it is back to school time around here, I thought to submit a report card on my hometown.

It's been six years this month that our family settled in Corona. Moving from the Cincinnati area, we didn't know what to expect. We came at a time of skyrocketing housing prices and jumped right into a faster pace of living that California can be known for.

Looking back on those times it seems so long ago. Our children were still very small so school and safety were huge considerations when choosing to settle here. We became a part of this community with little effort and haven't looked back since. It has always been our home it seems. It's a great family community with so much to offer when you slow down that faster pace.

The South Corona area of town has Crossroads Community Church as a neighbor. This 4th of July, I was able to sit in a back yard and enjoy the music and a beautiful fireworks display to celebrate the holiday. Just a few minutes from there, we can enjoy the outdoor summer concerts at Dos Lagos.

There's every sport league imaginable for families and kids to participate in year round. Museums, parks, Big League sporting events and amusement parks are all within easy reach and beaches too. I guess you can tell by now I am a fan of my hometown.

Running a small business, even in these challenging times, has been rewarding. Connecting and networking with other small business owners seems easier. I have made friends and found fellow business owners chatting at the counter of Home Depot or out in a parking lot, when they see my advertising, wanting to exchange cards and talk about their challenges.

So after six years, when friends and family from other places I have lived ask me to rate my hometown...you guessed it...I give Corona an A.

Visit some of these links below and see for yourself.

http://www.discovercorona.org/documents/parks/Concerts_Flyer_web.pdf

http://www.ci.corona.ca.us/?section=About%20Corona&page=Calendar%20of%20Events

http://www.ci.corona.ca.us/?section=About%20Corona&page=Community%20Profile

www.cgsa.org

www.coronapony.com

With the start of the 2008 Olympic games just days away, it seems a good time to remind local residents and Women's Softball fans what a great sport girls Fastpitch truly is and how we can all play a part in keeping the interest and competition alive.

As many of you may already know, this is the last year that Women's Softball will be a part of the Summer Olympic Games. Whatever the myriad of reasons stated for this disappointing decision, it need not be the end of great things to come.

For Californians especially, this year's Women's Olympic Softball team should be a great source of pride. Of the 18 member roster, this team consists of 15 California girls!

You've surely heard these names, Crystal Bustos, Lisa Fernandez, Jennie Finch. Let's not forget Natasha Watley, Stacy Nuveman, Caitlin Lowe and Lovie Jung. Wait...there's also Monica Abbott, Jessica Mendoza, Vicki Galindo, Lauren Lappin, Laura Berg. Alicia Holowell, Andrea Duran and Jenny Topping.

Even more to think about; many of these young women are from our own back yards of Orange and Riverside Counties.

Even though the Olympic team may be a thing of the past, girls Fastpitch is and will continue to be alive and well thanks to the many leagues that make the sport accessible to our young girls.

In Riverside County, The Corona Girls Softball Association is a thriving and competitive league that prides itself on quality instruction and healthy competition for girls ages 6-15. CGSA runs a competition driven Spring season running March thru May and is currently gearing up for it's "Winter" instructional season running August thru mid November.

Girl's Fastpitch is a great sport providing self esteem and teaches teamwork, fitness, goal setting and achievement. Who wouldn't want that for their daughter! It is still relatively inexpensive to participate in.

CGSA is non profit organization and welcomes business and personal sponsorships that keep the league going. These sponsorships assist in field maintenance and equipment purchases. Those who may not be able to afford to play can apply for assistance through the City of Corona's PAY program. Who knows, you may be helping some young girl out there become the next great star of the future!

For more information visit http://www.cgsa.org

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Home Staging and Redesign