All things Real Estate
This is basically a real estate blog site. But we want it to be fun so we have incorporated all sorts of “other” things in here. So take a stroll around and spend some time checking us out. If you like what you see, tell us. If you think we should change or fix something, tell us. We want it to be entertaining and informative.
Happy Strolling
Wallace…
Don’t get caught with your hands down, or should you?
The time is fast upon us. July 1, 2008 is almost here. I for one have been dragged kicking and screaming the whole way into the age of technology. And now they won’t let me hold that little black (in my case) piece of hard plastic next to my ear that I’ve become so accustomed to. It’s become a friend. I take it everywhere. Kind of like my American Express, “I never leave home without it”. It’s my life-line to family, friends, and business associates. We even sleep together (tmi). Beginning July 1, 2008 (California) you can get pulled over and ticketed for holding it in you hand, let alone to your ear. If it is the officer’s opinion that the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely, you may be issued a citation. And drivers under 18 years old may not use any electronic means of communication for speaking or texting except in an emergency situation. For those of us over 18 (and some of us are way over 18) we are basically prohibited from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. You can dial (although they strongly discourage it) but you can’t hold the phone to your ear in any case. Enter BlueTooth or another type of earpiece and you have your solution. As much as I personally don’t want to comply with this new law (but I will) I think we can all agree that it’s necessary and a long time coming. We’ve all been behind the person driving in the fast lane but not paying any attention to the people around them, just chatting away, while all of the cars to the right of them are passing them. It’ll be a good thing. We will just have to get used to it. You can get all of the details on the new law from The California Highway Patrol in a Q&A on their website.
Happy Driving.
Wallace…
Wines from the Southern Hemisphere
Over the past decade, more and more high quality wines from the Southern Hemisphere are increasingly being offered in the U.S. at competitive prices. These wines are of exceptional value and can be very exciting to discover for those wine consumers who are always wanting to try something new.
The main wine producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile. Traditionally seen as bulk wine makers, these wine producing countries are quickly changing their reputations and are producing some of the highest quality, highest rated wines in the world. Examples of this are Penfold’s Grange and Henshke’s Hill of Grace from Australia.
Just recently I was strolling along the main streets of Carmel, California and found this amazing little wine shop called Southern Latitude Wines on Lincoln Street just off of Ocean Ave. Having studied wine in Australia for almost two years, I was instantly curious and I soon found myself browsing through the few, but exceptionally well-stocked, shelves organized by country of origin. After, spending quite some time reading labels and exploring the various offerings, I settled on three wines: An Argentinian Malbec, an Australian Shiraz, and a red blend from South Africa. After gauging the wine shop owner’s thoughts on these wines, I left the wine shop excited to try something not from California.
Finally, I have tasted all three wines and loved every minute of it! They were more than amazing and I can’t wait to go back to that little wine store and find my next new discovery. The following are my wine notes on each wine; these wines can be a bit more difficult to find, but please send a comment if you are having any trouble and I will do my best to help you locate any of these in your area.
2004 Mapema Malbec, Argentina, $20.99
This wine had remarkable dark red hues with aromas and flavors of rich fruit of blackberry, ripe plum, black cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate. This wine pairs very well with any dark meat dishes. My dad and I enjoyed this Malbec with some traditional California tri-tip and we were pleasantly surprised at how well the meat and wine complimented each other.
13.5% Alc, www.vineconnections.com (Importer)
2001 Warwick Three Cape Ladies, South Africa, $20.99
This red blend is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Merlot (29%), and Pinotage (30%) – a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault which originated in South Africa. This full bodied wine has fairly intense aromas of berries and coffee, but the standout character of this wine was the incredibly concentrated smoky, bacon fat, dark berry flavors. It was unlike any wine I have ever tasted and once I got used to the style, I really enjoyed a glass (or two!) of this wine.
14.5% Alc, www.warwickwine.co.za
2004 Howard Park Margaret River Shiraz, Western Australia, $21.99
The Margaret River wine region of Western Australia is growing incredibly fast, and whilst I was visiting the region the end of November ‘07, there were only a few standout wineries, Howard Park being among the best. As I was ready to head back to the U.S. the following week, I only purchased one bottle of wine at the Cellar Door, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. However, I really enjoyed the Shiraz as well and was so excited to find it in my new favorite little wine shop in Carmel. Because the Shiraz grapes that go into making this wine are grown in a cooler climate, the aromas and flavors are more subtle, lacking the fruit forward intensity of your typical Barossa Valley Shiraz. In this wine, you will find opulent aromas and flavors of red cherry, ripe plum, violet perfume, with slight vanilla from oak aging. This wine will age well for the next five years.
14.5% Alc, www.howardparkwines.com.au
Staging.
I know, I know. We’ve talked about this before in our blog. But it’s hugely important, and I just read another great article in Stanislaus Magazine, May/June 2008 issue. This article took it a step further and talked about Feng Shui, the “Positive energy in your home“. It’s ALL important. Since we live in a multi-cultural environment, we need to appeal to everyone. Remember, this really is just Marketing 101 and since you’re selling your home, you have to look at things with a “different” hat on. Enjoy the article. Enjoy the magazine. I do.
Wallace…
Pending sales climbing
Read an interesting article in the Modesto Bee this morning touting that sales volume rose in April to the highest level since October. I don’t agree with a few of the experts that things are picking up. I believe that a large portion of the sales are investors who are taking advantage of the down turn in prices and there is nothing wrong with that. I just don’t believe that this upswing we are experiencing now is a sign that the tide has turned. I think when we see sales outpacing the new listings then the times, they will be a changing.
Kelly…
