Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Designed to Stay

Sunday, February 3, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

For every home we bring to market there is work to be done. It might simply be painting and staging, or  it could be a number of things including painting and staging…… from replacing counter tops, refinishing hardwood floors, changing out hardware, updating lighting and landscaping the front, side and back garden. In this case I updated a home for our clients to stay with the intention that one day they would sell and wanted it to be ready for market but in the meantime they could enjoy. At the time our clients were living abroad in the Middle East, and knowing they would soon return to live in their home, I was very nervous they wouldn’t like it. But thankfully it all worked out and they loved it.

Designed to Stay

It was back in 2016 when I first started using gold fixtures. Choosing the counters and back splash was harder than it looks. My intern Max went to a number of stores all around the Bay Area to bring back samples in various sizes and color variations while I was in Mexico. Every day while I was away we had Facetime meetings. A self proclaimed control freak I had to see what was going on. When I am in town I go 3x a day to check on the workers and the progress. Thank you MAX!

Atlas - 082

 

Atlas - 069

 

Atlas - 071

 
Atlas - 079

Atlas - 076

Atlas - 075

Atlas - 081

Atlas - 084-Edit

Atlas - 097

Atlas - 093

 

Atlas - 101

 

Details Make the Difference.

Long check lists and punch lists, a google share doc, costs and expenses, a timeline and options, so many options. This remodel took about 2 months, full time. We updated 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, refinished the hardwood floors, painted every room, cleaned out the basement ( painted the garage and basement ) and changed out every light fixture. In a single bathroom there are so many choices and sizing has to be just right. From choosing a single toilet… there are many to choose from.. I usually opt for TOTO. Light fixtures, mirrors, cabinet pulls, faucets, tile and flooring all have to be chosen. And what size and shape of the tile are you going to use. And is the floor tile in the bathroom going to be the same as the shower tile? Choices choices. My suggestion is to start with a very long list. Keep it in a Google Sheets, then start sourcing and saving on Pinterest. You can see my many ideas at www.pinterest.com/debbidimaggio — Happy Pinning!

Sources: Lighting Sources: West Elm, Lamps Plus, Home Depot. For other recommendations reach out DebbiDiMaggio@gmail.com 510.414.6777

Atlas - 001

real estate, like cars, are sexy

Friday, January 18, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

Quentin Bacon
Real Estate Is Sexy

We’ve heard the saying time and again … Sex Sells.

From the beautiful woman draped on a luxurious sofa between the glossy pages of Architectural Design or Elle Decor to that strong, handsome man showering beneath a luxury faucet shower head.

Sex sells, and people crave beauty.

Take Note: Pinterest is just one popular site both men, woman and young people go to find beauty. Pinterest Statistics (by Omnicore)

93% of active pinners said they use Pinterest to plan for purchases and 87% said they’ve purchased something because of Pinterest.

Total # of Monthly Active Pinterest Users: 250 million (source) (Last updated 17/9/18)

# of Pinterest Users from the US: 125 million (Last updated: 17/9/18)

# of Pinterest Users around the World: 50%+ (Last updated: 17/9/18)

Total # of Pinterest Pins: 175 billion+ (Last updated: 17/9/18)


Total # of Pinterest Boards: 3 billion+ (Last updated: 17/9/18)

Total # of Pinterest Users who save Shopping Pins on Boards Daily: 2 million

Pinterest Market Value: $15 Billion+ (source)

Pinterest Demographics

  • 81% of Pinterest users are actually Females.
  • 40% of New Signups are Men; 60% New Signups are Women.
  • Men account for only 7% of total pins on Pinterest.
  • Millennials use Pinterest as much as Instagram.
  • The median age of a Pinterest user is 40, however, the majority of active pinners are below 40.
  • Half of Pinterest users earn $50K or greater per year, with 10 percent of Pinteresting households making greater than $125K.
  • 30% of all US social media users are Pinterest users.
  • 50% of Pinterest users are from the US.

Buyers and Sellers want that too. (Even if they’re not totally aware of it, they do. That’s why we stage homes and have professional photographs taken.)

Marketing, like Sex, Sells.

Beautiful photographs displayed in a glossy brochure and online where Buyers scan the Internet in search of their dream home, attracted to, and lured in by the attractive photographs.

Professional photographs are key. As is staging. It is a fact Staging attracts more Buyers. A home is oftentimes the largest asset in a person’s life, thus investing in a home to make it appeal to the masses is crucial for the best return.

3 Things All Real Estate companies do in order to Sell a clients home.

All companies provide similar services.

But it’s the demeanor, passion, attitude and work ethic that sets each company and real estate agent apart.

1. MLS. All companies enter listings into the MLS. Some agencies will hold off. Be sure to ask why, if you are a Seller.

2. Open Houses.

3. Market & Advertise. 

Home Buyers, oftentimes, begin their search online. They also seek out local agents rather than use an out of area Realtor. Buyers have busy lifestyles, thus Open House’s are key to selling a home.

•Buyers SEEK out local agents.

•Buyers ATTEND Open Houses.

•Buyers SCAN the Internet.

Top 3 Places Agents Generate Leads for themselves and their Seller Clients = ROI

  1. Referrals. Past Clients. Other Realtors. Family/Friends, Neighbors, For Sale Signs.*
  2. Open Houses & Networking. (If you are a Seller selling your home, is your Agent/Company holding Open House’s each weekend? Are they networking and connected to other agents in and outside of their community?)
  3. Internet & Print Advertising. (Are they advertising your home and showcasing it across social media?)

•R  Referrals.

•O Open Houses.

•I   Internet.

How do we define Real Estate Agents & Real Estate Companies?

First off, who we are not.

We are not machines. We are not robots or technology. We are not Siri, or Alexa.

We are human. We are human beings.

We create an experience for our clients. We answer questions. We provide answers. We are a sounding board. Oftentimes a therapist, babysitter and psychologist. We offer advice and a place to vent and discuss. We are not one sided. We communicate and offer a human experience, a human connection. We embody skills and knowledge, expertise, and a wide network to assist each one of our clients.

Real Estate Companies like Real Estate agents emote a feeling. People experience different things when they walk into your home, a Real Estate Firm or a doctors office. Successful Agents like Companies should create a friendly, happy and positive environment that leads to a positive experience, and in turn creates more business and referrals.

Just a reminder

Real Estate is personal.

Real Estate is you. Real Estate is us.

* Go to Omnicore to read more Fun Facts on Pinterest

* For Sale signs and Open Houses are crucial marketing tools when selling a home. We have sold a few high high homes because of the For Sale, and from holding Open Houses. People who were not looking to buy ending up buying just because they happened to come upon an Open House, and others saw our For Sale sign and called. Moral of this story: No stone unturned.

Revolution Evolution with P.volve

Monday, January 14, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

The end of any vacation is always a little bittersweet especially when we have our adult kids with us!

Kicking off the New Year in Aspen was of course, amazing. Fresh powder and no lines!

But I must say I am excited to begin my newest fitness routine…. P.volve.

I am certain P.volve’s stretching exercises will help alleviate the soreness resonating from my burning thighs after a week skiing in fresh powder. And the strengthening exercises should prepare my legs for our next trip to the mountains.

Prior to the arrival of my P.volve equipment I followed the streaming classes without. You can too.

Over Christmas I signed up for a trial account. It was a great workout I could feel immediately. An over achiever I pushed myself too hard, just like I did in yoga until I hurt my shoulder and had to stop. But it’s been a week, the soreness has subsided, and I am ready to get back to it and try the classes with my new P.volve equipment.

pvolve

What’s P.volve? You are probably asking that question, just about now. As described by the founder,

“Our pre-hab approach to fitness elongates your shape and builds strength without bulk, to help you carve out the most perfect body that’s right for you.”

How does one access P.volve? You can attend a class in New York or stream online.

  1. I was first introduced to P.volve on my recent trip to New York. I was helping my daughter and her roommate, Monica, (who works for the company) relocate from the Upper East Side to Soho/Little Italy. Monica thought I might like P.volve, knowing I have been a SoulCycle and Peloton addict for years. The next morning I took an Uber from our very chic hotel, The Arlo SOHO over to the original P.volve studio. (They have since grown and expanded.) I was the oldest in the class, by far, I am certain, but I think I did a pretty good job keeping up, twisting and turning and trying to stay balanced. It takes a lot of concentration. The movements are small, yet precise. The key is to keep your balance while tweaking your body. After the short workout I thought I wouldn’t feel anything. The next day, yep, I sure did. My Advice: Take It Slow.
  2. You can stream classes from the comfort and convenience of your home. Before you invest in the equipment you can get a good idea if the workout is for you by taking the classes without the equipment. Of course I pushed the envelope, again. It’s deceiving. In just 30-40 minutes your workout is finished before you know it. You might think you haven’t worked that hard, but guaranteed you have. The small movements really tighten and strengthen. Note To Self: Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard The First Few Times. Take It Slow.
  3. P.volve is headed back to LA for another POP UP class. If you can make it, Instagram me, I’d love to connect.

Details: Date And Time: Sat, January 26, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST.

Location: 3rd Street Dance – Studio A 8558 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Located in my LA neighborhood. So convenient.

To learn more about P.volve meet Stephen “P.” Pasterino, founder of P.volve fitness, and his wife and Cuvee Founder, Rachel Katzman. It wasn’t until I returned home to California and started streaming classes that I realized the class I had taken in New York was lead by Rachel. She makes it look so easy!

Mark my words, as an early adopter of SoulCycle and Peloton, P.volve is on target to be the next big thing in fitness.

Off to class!

90 Day Challenge

Check it out for yourself, I think you might like it! Take the 90 Day Challenge and #EvolveWithPvolve #ResolutionEvolution

An Accidentally Beautiful Afternoon with Myself

Friday, January 4, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

Ghiradelli Sq

Accidentally with purpose. Law of attraction. Think it, will it. If you build it they will come.

I write as I think, so bare with me.

New Year’s Resolutions & Bucket List Things To Try and Do.  ( But you won’t see Skydiving or Scuba on the list! ) I tried Scuba… OMG! I thought I was going to suffocate. And Skydiving… definitely DO NOT want to try.  I did, however, when I was younger and had the guts.

Finding Your Purpose.

I think a lot. I don’t give myself much down time. Although, I am trying.

Mindfulness and Meditation is my focus this year. Seeking to tame the “Monkey Mind”. I will say, I have been trying for the last few years, however, unsuccessfully. I even read an entire book from one reporters  journey as he tried to sit in meditation and mindfulness. Not just using an app, but through first hand experience. He attended a retreat in Marin, CA. And he is from New York! You can only imagine how difficult it was for a New Yorker and a Reporter to slow his mind! I know. I read his book. And the very thought of sitting for a week in absolute silence seems virtually impossible, even a bit scary, even lonely. If you’re wondering, no, he did not stay quiet the entire time. But you’ll have to read the book if you’re intrigued, if only 10%.*

I stumbled upon his book at an airport. Or was it, really … by accident? My life seems to be a jumble of things that have happened to me, for me.. “Accidentally with Purpose”, created by the “Law of Attraction” and something I needed then, now and tomorrow? That thing or tool always seems to come at the exact time I needed it or was calling it. You know those times? They are always amazing, oftentimes inspiring but can even be a bit unnerving, like a horoscope reading that is dead on.

Well, a few of my goals & bucket list desires this year are …

  1. Write my Blog without feeling I need to write a novel. (Debbi DiMaggio A Grateful Life, www.DebbiDiMaggioBlog.com ) Keep it simple until the next one. I’ve missed so many opportunities to jot down my thoughts or teachings because I didn’t take the time to write out my experiences which would be as good for my growth as for some others who might relate.
  2. Bucket List: I have been overwhelmed with the fact that I don’t have traditional hobbies. I don’t golf or play tennis, knit or crochet. My hobby is working with my clients, meeting new people, learning new things, and of course traveling, but you can’t do that nonstop.  That was a long way of stating this year’s Fun & Inspiring Activity I have on my New Year’s List, which is to visit more museums and galleries. TJOxklxiT0CsFShiV9QD0w

I’m happy to report I started out the New Year with two of my favorite people who agreed to go with me on New Year’s Day… SFMOMA. And thanks to my friend Pam who has a membership got Bianca and I in with her passes. I used to have a  membership but like many things, I subscribe and don’t go. I am going to work on that too.

And today, after I was dropping off gratitude gifts to a few San Francisco Realtors who refer us business (note the Blog title, Debbi DiMaggio A Grateful Life, grateful for their referrals, and to the beautiful afternoon.) I noticed a few art galleries so I stopped in.

I am super inspired and excited to have found a new activity I can do in any city I visit including my own. Repeats are A OKAY! I have many more goals and items to add and check off my Bucket List but I’ll save that for another glass of Rose.

rose

(Written from The Cheese School of San Francisco while looking out to the San Francisco Aquatic Center from the top of Ghirardelli Square one a beautiful chilly but mesmerizing day.)

VkVOkGYSRoetH2kYUctVOg

I had no idea the simple errand would turn out to be such a wonderful afternoon enjoying some Me Time after the hectic holidays.

XOXO!

Gratefully Yours,

Debbi

PS It’s been years since I’ve been to Ghirardelli Square.

mFJ+m4L+TXCYDwbRZspMJA

As a native we tend not to revisit places we have been a million times, figuratively speaking. But I forgot how beautiful it is. And so much had changed as had stayed the same. I didn’t get a chance to take it all in as there was so much to see, but look forward to going back again to explore the rest. Including the cannery and the other nooks and crannies and of course, the galleries.

UyS2N1KaRha8pFEJAJbwNA

The book I referred to above is called 10% Happier by Dan Harris

Summary: Dan Harris’ 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works: A True Story.

Two of my favorites of the day:

E11F8896-29EE-4AF7-825F-512B0807DF2E-15000-000004187F7CD0F8

and

the girlbut there were so many more 🙂

canyon of dreams highlight reel, take one!

Friday, October 26, 2018
Debbi DiMaggio

Laurel Canyon Beauty

5 Beds 6 Baths |  3598 Sq Ft | 12,811 Lot | $3,825,000 | www.CanyonOfDreams.com

Elegant Laurel Canyon 1930’s Tudor meets the modern conveniences of the way we live today, and is located in the prized Wonderland School District.

8625 Wonderland Photos (edited photos)-1

This lovingly maintained, updated and picturesque Tudor nestled in the Canyon Of Dreams privately set off the street is rich in music, art and history. In the late sixties and early seventies, an impromptu collection of musicians colonized a eucalyptus-scented canyon deep in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and melded folk, rock, and savvy American pop into a sound that conquered the world as thoroughly as the songs of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones had before them. Thirty years later, the music made in Laurel Canyon continues to pour from radios, iPods, and concert stages around the world. As described by Author Michael Walker in Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll’s Legendary Neighborhood.

8625 Wonderland Photos (edited photos)-2

8625 Wonderland Photos (edited photos)-6

Situated on an expansive lot, 12,811 sq feet to be exact, 8625 Wonderland Avenue is not only spacious and elegant but private, welcoming, and tranquil. Enjoy lively conversation or grilling poolside with friends and family.

8625 Wonderland Photos - BBQ area 1 (re-edited)

Move inside to the kitchen for dinner and conversation around the expansive carrara marble island with adjacent seating areas that look out to mature landscaping. Stainless steel appliances include a Bosch dishwasher, Viking stove and Subzero refrigerator; a chef’s dream.

8625 Wonderland Photos - kitchen (re-edited)

This majestic beauty boasts 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and features several quintessential indoor-outdoor living spaces – characteristic of that wonderful LA lifestyle. The floor plan is warm and inviting. From the open kitchen dining room, to the expansive living room with gorgeously appointed beamed ceilings and hardwood floors. French doors opens out to a deck overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and lush gardens.

8625 Wonderland Photos - Kitchen Window (re-edited)

8625 Wonderland Photos - bar (re-edited)

A guest room with private bath, galley bar and powder room complete this level.

Ascend the beautiful staircase to the bedrooms;

8625 Wonderland Photos-11

master suite with private deck and views plus an updated bath and double sinks; two additional bedrooms with shared bath, also remodeled with exquisite finishes.

8625 Wonderland Photos (edited photos)-5

On the lower level there’s even more. A full laundry room, an expansive family / media room, full bath, efficiency kitchen with dining area, plus an au pair suite with private bath.  

8625 Wonderland Photos - Pool House Kitchen (re-edited)

Elegant doors open out from the kitchen family room to the outside kitchen BBQ area with concrete bar and spacious dining area, pool lounge and swimming pool. A kids jungle gym and Tom Sawyer’s walk way reminiscent of Tom Sawyer’s Island. A truly majestic experience. 8625 Wonderland Avenue, Laurel Canyon.

8625 Wonderland Photos - BBQ area 1 (re-edited)

8625 Wonderland Photos - Pool Lounge Chairs (re-edited)-2

 

8625 Wonderland Photos - Tom Sawyer (re-edited)

 

8625 Wonderland Photos - Roses (re-edited)

To learn more about the neighborhood, this exquisite home or others, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Listed By Derek Cardoza, Engel & Volkers | 310.402.8662 | Derek.Cardoza@EVUSA.com

Real Estate Marketing and Consultation provided by Debbi DiMaggio #01047447

Top
©2024 Debbi DiMaggio – A Grateful Life! | All Rights Reserved | 342 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611 | +1 510.414.6777 | debbi@debbidimaggio.com | Privacy Policy
Site by WPF Creatives
Please wait...

Subscribe Me!

Want to be notified when our article is published? Enter your email address and name below to be the first to know.