Are you going to pack yourself or hire professionals? If you're doing your own packing, following is a list of materials you'll need. Moving companies and overnight mail businesses can furnish these, as well as specialized items including wardrobe boxes for clothing and heavy-duty boxes for china and other breakables. Liquor and computer stores also are good sources for sturdy boxes.
You should start collecting the following materials:
On moving day...
Fill one box with moving-day essentials like paper plates, a coffee maker and coffee, hand tools and extension cords, a bucket, rags, soaps and paper towels. You may also want to set aside a few days' worth of clothing, food and other essentials you'll need prior to arriving at your new home and prior to unpacking.
Two years ago I was working for Century 21 in Monterey. I had a great year, received the Centurian Award, only the 2nd person in the office to do so. The market was starting to adjust downward, but I didn't think that my business could be affected.
I wrote up an offer for a client of mine and presented it to the listing agent, Linda Guy. Linda is also the Broker of John Saar Properties in Carmel. Shortly after, Linda called me and asked if I would be interested in making a change to move to her company. I was used to getting calls making me offers and at first I said no. Linda was persistent and in a few months called me again.
By this time I began seeing how the low ane mid-range markets were struggling - this is where I had established my business and it was difficult for me to cross over into the high-end. John Saar Properties is a premier company which dabbles in all markets on the Peninsula, but John is ultimately known for his inspired marketing that makes a huge difference-especially for unique homes on the coast. Last year the company had one of its best years - during the slump.
Well to make a long story short, I accepted. Thank you Linda! I am not only happy that my business has thrived, but working with Linda has been one of my best experiences of my lifetime. Linda is one of those few people who manages from her heart. She inspires the best in all of us. She is honest, nuturing, loyal, but most important she truly cares about each and everyone of us and our businesses. She is available 24/7, no matter what the issue may be. I am truly blessed to be working for Linda, my Broker and my friend.
Mary Aguilar www.maryaguilarhomes.com
The Process of Buying a Home at The Best Possible Price!
Certain steps for purchasing a house may vary from state to state, or even from county to county. Your Realtor's goal throughout the process is the same in any location: to get you the home you want at the Best Possible Price. During the buyer's interview, I like to explain the process to my clients so that they know what to expect at every step along the way. The following is a summary of the process when you are purchasing a home on the Monterey Peninsula with me by your side:
Know what you're shopping for before you start. Build your dream house! And don't keep it a secret!
Shop for a mortgage before you shop for a home. You are in a strong bargaining position when you have already been pre-approved for a loan.
Pick a winning team to help you. The value of a great Realtor is the ability to negotiate the Best Possible Price for you. Make sure that I as your Realtor know what you want - the more you tell me, the greater chance we have of finding more of what you want. If you are new to the Peninsula, we'll have fun taking the Grand Tour so that you learn first hand about our communities and can easily make a decision about where you would like to live - near the ocean, in the Salinas Valley, in beautiful Carmel, Pacific Grove, the many areas in Monterey, or perhaps down the coast in Big Sur.
Have your Realtor make an offer. Your Realtor will prepare a Purchase Offer for Your Signature---this is the beginning of the negotiations. The Offer is presented by your Realtor with your Pre-Approval Letter from your Lender to the Sellers/Sellers' Agent. During negotiations you can decide how much you are willing to pay for what you want. An initial deposit check is held by your Realtor until the offer is accepted.
Offer Accepted/Escrow Begins. Your deposit check is given to the title company. The title company opens escrow to begin the process of transferring title.
Disclosure Period. The home buying process is one of discovery of property condition. Throughout, you will receive crucial information on the condition of the property - from its physical attributes to the condition of its title. During this period (generally 17 days) the seller will provide the buyer with information about the condition of the property including any material defects. Anyone buying a home is advised to first have it inspected by a professional, certified home inspector.
Your home inspector will provide you with a written report, which will advise you of the physical condition of the property as determined from the inspection of accessible areas. The cost is approximately $300-$500.
The report also will identify areas that could not be inspected and may recommend additional inspections by other experts. I am always present at all inspections. Other inspections may be required by the City/Water District.
This is also the time to obtain Homeowner's Insurance. Your Lender will have the house appraised and finalize the approval of your mortgage.
Negotiate Repairs. Your Realtor will negotiate for you with the Seller to fix the problems prior to close of escrow; receive a credit from the Seller for an amount to make the repairs; or cancel the contract if you and the Seller cannot agree on the repairs or their costs.
Remove Contingencies and Move Forward to Close Escrow. Once you are satisfied with the condition of the property and have your loan approved, your will sign a document to remove these contingencies and increase your deposit. This time period will be specified in Purchase Offer - generally on the 17th day after the offer is accepted - but the timeline is negotiatable. Once the contingencies are all removed, the Buyer's deposit may be retained by the Seller if the transaction is not completed.
Approximately one week before close of escrow, the Seller and Buyers separately sign escrow and loan documents at the Title Office.
Buyers Do a Final Walkthrough of the Property Approximately 5 days before Close of Escrow
Your Loan Funds. The money is wired to the Title Company. The Buyers Provide the Balance of their Downpayment and Closing Costs One Day Prior To Close of Escrow.
Sale is Recorded in the County Court House. This is officially the close of escrow and the Buyers take possession of their new home. Congratulations! Your Moving Day has Arrived!
For More Information, please contact Mary Aguilar, Realtor, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
John Saar Properties. Carmel, California (831) 277-1073, http://www.maryaguilarhomescom
Remember In This Market, You Can Be a Winner!
As a successful Realtor I find great satisfaction giving back to the community. What better way than to help children with autism, the epidemic of our time. But the good news is that as a Board Member of Easter Seals of Central California, I get to see success stories every day. Miracles happening through the programs that have just been introduced on our Peninsula.
I would like to tell you about our Easter Seals Annual Autism Symposium will be held on February 13 and 14, 2008 in Monterey, California at the Monterey Conference Center. This year's Symposium is presented by Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Children's Miracle Network.
Internationally respected physician, Dr. Richard Solomon, founder and Medical Director of the P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be on hand for one full day of training on February 13. Dr. Solomon has trained thousands of parents and professionals throughout the United States and internationally in P.L.A.Y. Project therapy.
The goal of the P.L.A.Y. Project is to help parents become their child's best play partner by providing effective, low cost, playful interventions right at home in the child's natural setting.
The P.L.A.Y. Project believes that young children with autism and their parents should have a close and interactive relationship. In Dr. Solomon's words, "It is heartbreaking for me to see children with autism who cannot relate well to their parents. It is the most rewarding experience to help parents connect with their child and to see them have fun together."
The P.L.A.Y. Project was published in the scientific journal AUTISM in May, 2007 and Dr. Solomon has received a prestigious National Institute of Mental Health grant to continue evaluating and researching the Project. During day one of the Symposium, Dr. Solomon will describe current trends and research in Autism Spectrum Disorders and describe strategies that promote two-way communication and social development.
On day two of the Symposium, National Director for Autism Services with Easter Seals National will teach, "Addressing Challenging Behaviors for Individuals with Autism" and "Promoting Social Skill Development for Children with Autism." Wright's expertise as an Autism Spectrum Disorder educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Assistive Technology Practitioner inform her individualized approach to creating effective treatment plans.
Also on the afternoon of day two, Kathryn Wage, MA, SLP-CCC, a practicing speech and language therapist for over 30 years, will teach "Everyday Applications of Neuroscience," where parents and professionals will gain practical understanding of neuroscience applications in life-long learning for individuals with autism. Participants will learn to evaluate reading and language interventions based on their potential to make lasting improvements in learning and quality of life.
Full scholarships for parents are still available along with discount rates for professionals such as educators, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists who would like to attend the Symposium.
If you know anyone who could benefit by attending, please contact Easter Seals Central California at 831-684-2166 ext. 109 to make your reservation today! The Symposium will be held at the Monterey Conference Center, One Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. Ticket prices begin at $180 per person. Any families wishing to enroll their child (ages 1-5) in the P.L.A.Y. Project, who has autism or is at risk for autism, should contact Easter Seals Central California at 831-684-2166.
Easter Seals mission is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs, and their families. The organization has been providing programs for people of all ages on the central coast since 1947.
Are you a buyer? Lucky you! I have always bought high and sold low - no! no! This is the best time to change that strategy and buy when the time is right:
-Prices are better now than they have been for years!
-Interest rates are incredibly low. The lowest they have been in many years!
-You have less competition than many buyers have ever had. Rarely would you need to be concerned about a multiple offer situation!.
-In addition to all of these advantages, you have more inventory to choose from than ever before!
-This is a market where the buyer can be a winner in many different ways!
So tell me everything you ever wanted in a house, because the more you tell me, the more chance we have of finding you more of what you want. Call me (831 277-1073), you're ready. Let's go get your house!
Making Dreams Happen Member of the Monterey County Board of Realtors Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Certified for Internet Professionalism, (e-PRO)
Driving down the picturesque Monterey/Carmel Coast, I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming! I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York (You see why I pinch myself!). I completed a 29 plus year career as a Civilian in the Human Resources field for the Department of the Navy, first in Virginia and at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, and then as the Human Resource Director at the Naval Postgraduate School right here in Monterey.
I began my Real Estate Career with Century 21 Scenic Bay Properties and then in 2006 I moved to the prominent Real Estate Company, John Saar Properties in Carmel. I was one of the 4 top producers for the company in 2007. 
Having found my way to Monterey and applied my talents to achieve my own dreams, I find great satisfaction in focusing my efforts to help others achieve theirs. My almost 3 decades of managerial HR experience in public service provided me with in-depth knowledge of contract intricacies and well-developed skills in structuring win-win negotiations which is vital to real estate transactions. I also bring strong interpersonal and communications skills to the table - I understand that Real Estate is more about people and their dreams than just property.
My marketing plan for buyers and sellers alike is focused on the client. I begin by bringing the client's property to as large a market segment as soon as possible. The most important part of any marketing plan though isn't marketing, it is execution. That means showing up, returning phone calls promptly, follow-up on showings and making sure that I am representing my client's needs professionally throughout the process. It is hard work that wins the day!
Education, as well as understanding the market are also important. I have earned three important real estate designations, GRI, ABR and e-PRO. I hope that these certifications demonstrate my dedication to my clients in providing them with the most up-to-date information on contracts, top-notch marketing plans and top negotiation skills. Not only does the ABR Designation help me to provide buyers with expert insight in knowing what to look for when buying a home, it also allows my sellers to know what buyers are looking for and helps sellers to work on items that may cause a sale to fall out of escrow. Finding ways to prevent possible pitfalls during the transaction allows for many more successful transactions in which everyone is satisfied.
On a more personal note, I am married to the love of my life, Peter who is a retired general contractor. His knowledge of the housing field has been a tremendous asset to my business and my clients. I have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren, who live in the States of Nevada and Washington. I adore being a "Nana". I am also in love with my loyal companion, Chuey, a 2 year old Miniature Schnauzer. I enjoy music of all kinds, I love to travel (Pete and I visited China last year which was a trip of a lifetime for us), camping and reading. I am on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of the Central Coast and I am devoted to my S.H.A.R.P. kids in Monterey. I am also very involved with my spiritual group and lead meditation service once a month.
If you are looking for a Realtor and think that my dedication and passion for Real Estate would optimize the sale or purchase of your property, please give me a call at 831 277-1073 or send me an email at Mary@MaryAgularHomes.com. Mary Aguilar Making Dreams Happen
"We were first time homebuyers in a very hot market and simply had no experience at all with real estate agents. I wish we could say we heard all kinds of great things about Mary, but we simply "bumped" into her at a fitness class. When we spent only a moment with her it was an obvious match for us. Mary had a neutral, open and no-nonsense manner that put us at ease and invited us in to see what it was all about. When it was time for us to move on, we called her for the sale. We thought we had one of the nicest houses on the local market, and Mary helped us to see that, and guided us to set our price and strategy accordingly. We sold at the top of the market and frankly, our experience with Mary was one of those rare meetings that evolved into a casual friendship that continues to this day."
Chris and Anne Gillis
"We wish to say that it was a pleasure working with you while researching the local real estate market through final close on our house. You were not pushy. Rather, you were very patient with us, spent time with us, answered our questions right away, were available by phone almost night and day, and returned phone messages very timely if you were unavailable when we called. You were knowledgeable about the market and everything fell into place as you said they would. You made us feel like we were your only clients, although I know that we weren't. More than an agent-client relationship, we feel that there has been a friendship that has developed and that we like to see continue over the years. Thank you again, Mary, for all the help that you provided."
John and Susan Mignano
I want to share the joy I am experiencing from my support of Easter Seals and the children and adults with disabilities that we serve. I became involved with Easter Seals just a little over one year ago through the S.H.A.R.P. program (Severely Handicapped After-school and Recreation Program). I have received so much joy from giving back to these special kids that I needed to write and ask you to join me.
Easter Seals is a very special organization, in that, we help those who would otherwise fall through the cracks, go un-served or be lost in our state systems. For instance, at the S.H.A.R.P. program, we provide after-school for the parents of children and young teens with severe disabilities.
Without Easter Seals, the moms and dads of these children would not be able to continue to work. There are no programs or daycare centers that are able to care for these kids because of their extreme medical and care needs. If our S.H.A.R.P. program were not there to help these families, there would be much more strain and stress in the home.
The Easter Seals Autism Symposium will be held on February 13 & 14, 2008 at the Monterey Conference Center. This is an exciting time for Easter Seals as we are increasing our focus on children with autism. Autism has recently been deemed an epidemic by the Center for Disease Control as 1 in 150 children is diagnosed - that's one child every twenty minutes.
If you would like more information about Easter Seals or autism, please contact me at 831 277-1073. 
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