A Helping Hand

Hospice by the Bay was founded in 1975, the first in California and the second in the U.S., and has been helping people with end of life and chronic pain care in a compassionate environment ever since. Their careful and loving nurses, counselors, and volunteers help people of all ages, and their service and expertise in this field have helped so many.

I myself was on one of the boards in the early 2000's, where we organized fundraisers to help them with their ongoing mission to help those in great need. It was an amazingly rich and satisfying experience and I would gladly encourage anyone who is looking to help to donate their time to this wonderful organization.

Town Center at Corte Madera

This holiday season I find myself wanting to be involved again, and so I've signed up for their annual Hospice by the Bay Holiday Gift Wrap. This Friday, at the Town Center in Corte Madera, I'll be set up with them to gift wrap all those holiday goodies you'll be giving to your loved ones. Whether you're done with your shopping, or just taking a break before getting back to the Black Friday deals, stop by and let me do all that pesky wrapping for you. You'd be giving a wonderfully generous donation to a great organization, having a much deserved break, and getting beautifully wrapped presents with no work on your part!

The event is happening from November 28th through December 24th, but I'll be there on the first day from 11:00-1:30. I'll be dishing out presents, smiles, and laughter, so stop by and say hi!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Understanding Escrow: The Basics

Escrow. Many people know the word, perhaps not nearly as many know what it really means. I'd like to help alleviate some of the stress of buying or selling a home or property by helping to clear up the confusion and unease about going into Escrow. This will be the first post of many going over the logistics of Escrow, and I'll be putting it into terms that I'm hoping will be easily understood by everyone, not just a seasoned real estate agent!

The literal definition of Escrow is as follows:

    A contract, deed, bond, or other written agreement deposited with a third person, by whom it is to be delivered to the grantee or promisee on the fulfillment of some condition.

Because buying and selling homes are huge transfers of property, there needs to be a secure third party involved to hold all valuables and information until all the terms of the contract on both sides have been fulfilled. That is what is being done when you "go into Escrow". You are acknowledging that you and the other party have come to a tentative agreement and you would like to formalize that agreement and proceed to the eventual transaction.

You can pick the Escrow company yourself, rely upon your real estate agent, or negotiate with the other party on which company to use. Your agent, as always, will have a lot of great advice on which company to go with. Feel free to ask any and all questions, it's important for you to feel confident and informed during the whole buying and selling process.

Have a question? Leave me a comment, and I'll answer as soon as I can.

~ Kelly

Tired of Cooking? Go Out!

A huge turkey roasting away in the oven, rolls proofing on the counter. Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, stuffing... Oh my gosh! Did you forget the dessert? Is someone else bringing dessert?!

Many people this holiday season couldn't imagine anything BUT cooking a huge dinner for the whole family to gather around and enjoy. But for others it can be way too much work. Or perhaps you're not part of a huge family, have other parts of family planning on being out of town, or just plain too busy to put on the huge production at home. Marin county is home to so many amazing restaurants, why not make plans to eat out for this coming Thanksgiving holiday? Just one more thing to be thankful for, no dishes!

Here's a list of restaurants that will be open and serving unique and delicious Thanksgiving meals this season. Don't wait though, reservations fill up quickly, and the big day is right around the corner!

    Boca Steakhouse         Novato                    415-883-0901

    Insalata's                    San Anselmo            415-457-7700

    Left Bank                    Larkspur                 415-927-3331

    Brick & Bottle             Corte Madera          415-924-3366

    Il Fornaio                    Corte Madera         415-927-4477
    El Paseo                      Mill Valley              415-388-0741

    Buckeye Roadhouse     Mill Valley              415-331-2600

Here's to you and yours, and a warm, heartfelt Thanksgiving!

-Kelly

Keeping Your Home Pest Free, Naturally

As a mother of two and a resident of one of the most beautiful counties in America, it's important to me to use environmentally safe products, including pest control products. Now that the weather is getting colder and all those critters are trying to come inside to get out of the wet and the cold, I thought I'd share some Earth and family friendly pest remedies.

Outside

There are many pest deterrent plants that you can plant around your home to prevent unwanted guests from even wanting to be near your property in the first place. Lavender and Rosemary are both highly potent at keeping mosquitos at bay. Plus side, those plants do wonderfully in California, and especially here in Marin County!

Other repellent plants include:

      - Catnip
      - Chamomile
      - Clover
      - Garlic
      - Geraniums
      - Lemon Balm
      - Lemon Thyme
      - Mint (Varieties)

Many herbs you would grow in an herb garden are also useful as repellents; Chives, Dill, Fennel, Oregano, Parsley and many others.

Inside

If you happen to have any uninvited guests already inside your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

      - Lavender and Lemon essential oils repel mosquitos and other pests. Pour a few drops in oil burners to give your home a lovely smelling repellent.
      - Borax is a natural soap that is safe for children and pets but lethal to ants and other insects. Mix with sugar and leave in a small pile near where you're seeing ants. The workers take the mixture back to the nest and the ants should be completely gone with a week or two. You can also buy a product called Terro which is the same thing, from many drug or hardware stores.
      - Flies? Use any sweet vinegar, Apple Cider or Rice, mix with dawn and water. Put in a cup with plastic wrap over the top held on tight with a rubber band, and poke small holes in the top. The flies will crawl inside and won't be able to climb back out again. Works for house flies or fruit flies.

Here's to a safe and pest free home this winter!
-Kelly Cranmer Valadez