Local Realtor® Allison Van Wig Has a Special Thanksgiving Message

Being a Realtor® in Long Beach and Lakewood isn’t always about listing and selling real estate … It’s REALLY about the people I work for and the opportunities I am given to make a difference in their lives during what most would call a “major life event”.
This Thanksgiving I am most especially thankful for all those I have in my life … My Family and friends. I am also thankful for all the wonderful people I have met during my career and want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Last weekend, I took a quick trip up to Big Bear and on my way down the mountain, I came upon the most breathtaking sunset and just had to pull over to take a quick video of the beauty before me. This video does not do it justice but please know that is comes with a bounty of heartfelt wishes for a happy holiday weekend!

Coming Down From Big Bear and The Beautiful Sunset Before Me!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Allison Van Wig http://www.superbroker.com/

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Allison Van Wig, Local Lakewood & Long Beach Realtor Offers Information about Wood Burning Fireplaces & 9 Tips for Safety and Efficiency

If you are like I am, there is nothing that says the holidays are here much more than enjoying the snap and crackle of a wood burning fireplace.

I came across the article below about fireplace safety tips and found the advice to be very good.

Please take a few minutes to read this information … and, If you have a fireplace, I hope this information will help you enjoy it as much as I do mine.

By: Wendy Paris Published: October 28, 2010
Besides the annual inspection and sweep for your chimney, improve the function of your wood fireplace with responsible use.
1. Only burn dry, cured wood—logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months. Cover your log pile on top, but leave the sides open for air flow. Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species. Less dense woods like spruce or white pine burn well if sufficiently dry, but you’ll need to add more wood to your fire more often, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
2. Burn firewood and only firewood! Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your wood fireplace going, but they burn very hot; generally only use one at a time.

3. Close the damper when not using your wood fireplace to prevent warm indoor air—and the dollars you’re spending to heat it—from rushing up the chimney.

4. Keep bifold glass doors open when burning a fire to allow heat to get into the room. On a factory-built, prefab wood fireplace with a circulating fan, keep doors closed to prevent unnecessary heat loss.

5. Have a chimney cap installed to prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney, and to reduce downdrafts. Caps have side vents so smoke escapes. A chimney sweep usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one because it won’t rust. Caps cost $50 to $200.

6. Replace a poorly sealing damper to prevent heat loss. A top-mounted damper that also functions as a rain cap provides a tighter closure than a traditional damper for your wood fireplace.

7. Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your house—near your wood fireplace as well as in bedroom areas.

8. Get your chimney cleaned twice a year if you burn more than three cords of wood annually. A cord is 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or the amount that would fill two full-size pickup trucks.

9. To burn a fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it Keep the damper of your wood fireplace completely open to increase draw in the early stages. Burn the fire hot, at least occasionally—with the damper all the way open to help prevent smoke from lingering in the fireplace and creosote from developing.
Wendy Paris is a writer in New York currently living in a home with a very smoky fireplace that has set off the smoke detector more than once. After finishing this article, she decided to schedule a chimney sweep. She's written for This Old House magazine, as well as for The New York Times and Salon.com. Visit Houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/reprint-rights/#ixzz15b0THbct
For More information about homes for sale in Lakewood or Long Beach with Fireplaces … please visit http://www.superbroker.com/ or call 5652-882-1581

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heats.

Long Beach Realtor® Allison Van Wig Recommends Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays Festivities–November 5th

This information is provided compliments of Blair Cohn, Executive Director of The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.

Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays on November 5, 2010 is a celebration of anniversaries! We celebrate the 4th anniversary of First Fridays with a wide assortment of sights, sounds, and fabulous freaks as part of the celebration.

For a map and photo gallery of past events visit www.FirstFridaysLongBeach.com.

Among the anniversaries … Bella Cosa gift shop celebrating its 1st anniversary and Pixie Toys/Vangie Ogg Photography celebrates a 2nd anniversary in Bixby Knolls with very special activities planned in the stores. In addition, turning 40 is BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross) which was born in Long Beach.

November is jam packed with: Book signings, BMX exhibit, sound art, vintage vinyl, belly dancing, ukuleles, Mike the Poet, 80s music, spoken word, Dixieland, live artists, music student recitals, photo booth, pirates, Timstrument, Bixby Rollerettes, spontaneous dancing, vintage patches, jazz, charcoal portraits, and the Knolls Ranger.

Councilmember James Johnson’s “First Books at First Fridays” at the Dana Branch Library will feature Mayor Foster reading children’s books beginning at 5:30pm. Enjoy light refreshments and balloon animals for the kids.

First Fridays blurs the lines between artist and attendee with the "interactive" elements now in place. Contribute to "Poetry Box" where you can submit a poem using Bixby Knolls as the inspiration.  This includes musings, rusings, reminiscing's, wives' tales, lore, mysteries, histories, stories, testimonies, confessions, and secrets.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring something to stick on the "Leave Something Behind" collage. Post a penny, photo, leaf, hair pin, cuff link, heirloom, or anything in your pocket to create a unique abstract collection.  Also, bring your creativity for our community art piece where you pick up the pen and draw, sign your name, or leave your mark.

Stop by the First Fridays Information Table from 6:30pm - 8pm, located on the northwest corner of Bixby & Atlantic Ave, where you'll find info about First Fridays, maps, business info, and restaurant recommendations.

When the businesses start to close, "First Fridays After Hours" begins.  Nino's Italian Restaurant will feature live artists, killer grooves and beats DJ TheeDopeShow & Mullato, for late night dining and beverages. The Factory also goes late into the night with food, drinks, and “Natalie’s Favorite Music Tracks.” Why go home early? Stay out late and continue the energy.
 
Dine on Art-Lantic Avenue at one of our tasty restaurants then grab the Big Red Bus that will transport you venue to venue from designated stops at the participating businesses.

For more information about living in Bixby Knolls and the real estate market in Long Beach just visit www.SuperBroker.com or use your smartphone to scan this tag.

For immediate information give me a call at 562-882-1581

Local Long Beach Realtor® SuperBroker Allison Van Wig Successfully Completes The Long Beach Bike Marathon

Sunday morning October 17th, 2010 began a little different than most of my busy weekends as a Realtor® in Long Beach and Lakewood California.

On this special day I was up at 4:30 a.m. as I began to get dressed for my ride in the Long Beach Bike Marathon. I gathered my water, snacks, helmet, etc. And like any good traveler, I double checked my bike’s tire pressure before I loaded it into the car.

First stop was to rendezvous with my niece Devon at her place … and from there we would both ride down to the start line of the marathon.

This was Devon’s first marathon and she was a little apprehensive but very excited. At 5:15 a.m. I called her on my cell phone ... “I’m downstairs are you coming?” She replied back … “But Allison, it's still dark outside!”

You see, we were riding our bikes through the streets of Long Beach before dawn and … in the dark? We had our bike lights on and needed to travel about four miles from Devon’s house in order to reach the start line of the race.

I explained to Devon ‘I’m not worried as I know there will be others that will be joining us soon.’  Devon was surprised and relieved as we rode along toward the starting line because as we continued traveling along even more riders began to join us. She exclaimed … “Wow, All these people are up and riding in the dark!”

We reached the start line about 5:45 a.m. and stayed in the back...as we needed to take it slow and steady because we don't want to be knocked down.

The time had arrived … at 6:05 a.m. the race started and we were off to a good start ...we were with about 3000 other riders.

I think Devon was a little surprised as she expected a lot more racers … but most of the elite racers were up in the front. Back with us were the beach cruisers, the old bikes, and … some old riders.

One lady who was in her 70’s and dressed all in pink, told us … “two hours and I'm done!”  I thought to myself, not bad for someone on a one speed beach cruiser.

All the pictures you see were taken with my Motorola Droid 2 cell phone WHILE RIDING ON THE BIKE … so some of my pictures may be a bit blurry.

What a great day, there was a slight drizzle and great views! We rode past the Queen Mary, the lighthouse, Shoreline Village and into Alamitos Heights and Los Altos as we rode past the pyramid at Cal State Long Beach.

 

Devon stopped at an aide station and asked for some Advil … when they asked her what she suffered from, she told them … “A sore butt!”

After completing the first part of the 26.2 mile race course, we rode back down Ocean Blvd. toward the finish line where we proudly received our medals.

What a great ride … what great riders. I am looking forward to next year and will see you next March 2011 for the Miller Children’s Hospital ride which is Thirty-One miles.

As I completed this challenge and reflected about going on this ride … it made me realize just how lucky we all are to live in such great area such as Long Beach and of course Lakewood California.

If you want more information about what Long Beach and Lakewood California has to offer just visit www.SuperBroker.com or give me a quick call at my office in Long Beach 562-882-1581 as I would love to visit with you about all that living in Southern California has to offer.

When Buying or Selling Real Estate, Why Are Home Inspections So Important?

Buying a new home is an exciting time in a person’s life. New buyers have prepared themselves with a house feature checklist and they have walked through dozens of houses, inspecting them before putting money in escrow and arranging financing. Before they close, they elected to have the property inspected by a third party – but how do they choose which house inspector or inspection company to use? Finding a certified home inspector is the answer.

Why is the home inspector such an integral part of the transaction and why are they such an expert?

Becoming a home inspector is a relatively straightforward process, dictated by the law of the state in which the inspector intends to operate. Becoming certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), however, requires a solid commitment to ethical practices and a keen understanding of construction methods. Choosing a certified home inspector is well worth any added cost for the professional service you as the buyer will receive.

Every state requires that a home inspector either be licensed or registered with the state. State laws require that before offering their services that a home inspector receive minimum levels of education and sometimes actual field experience. Most states require that a home inspector pass the National Home Inspector Exam®, or a similar qualifying exam of the state’s own design.

Both ASHI or NAHI require that a home inspector pass a thorough series of coursework before becoming a certified member of either organization. These courses cover the details of home construction from top to bottom, focusing on roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural components. Obtaining certification from either organization is a commitment of time and money on the part of the home inspector, with no guarantee that they will be able to pass the examination at the end of the coursework. Both organizations offer – and require – continuing education from their members to remain certified.

ASHI and NAHI have set high standards of competence for their members, and take certification very seriously as an emblem of quality for a home inspector.

How do you know which inspector to hire?

Before signing a contract with a home inspector, ask to see a sample of a report and make sure you understand what you will receive. Will the final report include pictures of problem areas? How detailed will the recommendations for corrective action be? Are cost estimates included if problems are found? An ethical, certified home inspector may recommend several contractors who are qualified to make repairs and give you cost estimates, but they will never suggest that they could do the work for you. A certified home inspector must remain objective and free of conflicts of interest.

Is there anything the seller can do to prevent problems?

As the home owner, you should do a bit of preparation in advance of a visit from a home inspector. Thoroughly clean the entire home – first impressions count. Remove any obstructions that might make it difficult for the inspector to observe your furnace or hot water heater.

The inspector may ask you a few questions during the inspection, especially if he observes significant changes that are significantly newer than the house.

Do not try to hide defects. This will only send up warning flags that you have something to hide.

For more information on buying or selling real estate or hiring a home inspector visit www.SuperBroker.com or call 562-882-1581

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Award Winning Homeowners Announced – 29th Annual Lakewood Beautiful Program

Last April, I wrote about The Lakewood Beautiful awards program which honors Lakewood homeowners that go the extra mile to reflect a special “pride of ownership” in the homeowner’s property to maintain well-kept, beautiful homes and landscaping.

This program was founded 29 years ago by the late Jacqueline Rynerson. The Lakewood Beautiful program is a way to encourage and thank Lakewood residents who improve their homes and gardens. Studies have shown that home upkeep and beautification efforts by caring and committed residents keep crime rates low and property values healthy. Everyone in the community benefits from this.

As a Realtor® specializing in the Lakewood Mutuals area of Lakewood, I am honored to represent the many Lakewood sellers and buyers that I have been of service to during my career of over 22 years. I take great pride when showing property in this beautiful city which is why I choose Lakewood to start my real estate practice.

This year there were 262 homes nominated. The nominees were evaluated for property maintenance, landscape design and overall appearance. Awards were given in two categories. Twenty-nine homes received the top Distinguished Recognition award, and 86 homes received honorable mention.

To see photos of all 29 homes receiving the special Distinguished Recognition award go to www.lakewoodcity.org/lakewoodbeautiful

The Lakewood Beautiful Program’s primary sponsor for 2010 is the Water Replenishment District of Southern California. Other generous sponsors include City Light & Power, Inc., EDCO Waste Services, Gateway Business Bank, Lakewood Center, Lakewood Lions Club, Lakewood Pan American Association, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Piazza Family Restaurants, R. F. Dickson Company, Southern California Edison, West Coast Arborists, and Willdan.

If you would like to find out how you can become a part of such a wonderful community CLICK HERE for an active live link to the MLS.

If you have any questions about living in Lakewood, just give me a call (562) 882-1581 or scan this tag with your smart phone.

 

To get a Free Tag Reader, from your mobile browser go to www.TagForYou.com

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4019 Locust - Fabulous Home in Los Cerritos Area of Bixby in Long Beach CA

 

Fabulous home located on a great street in the Los Cerritos area of Bixby near Virginia Country Club.

This unique property is located on more than a quarter acre of land. It is rare that properties of this size become available for sale. This two story home has a large living room with fireplace and built-ins.

Formal dining area opens to a large family room with brick fireplace overlooking the backyard.

Gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, large island, two areas for refrigerators, double oven, and several food preparation areas.

The kitchen is open to the family room creating a spacious and airy room. Master suite is large with a sitting area and walk in closet. Master bath has a large shower and soaking tub. All bedrooms are good size.

The home has central air and heat, fresh interior paint, travertine tile, and newer carpet. Long driveway with a carport and a two car garage.

To view a virtual tour with panoramic view, visit www.4019Locust.com then for more information about this home or any other home in the MLS visit … www.Superbroker.com or call 562-882-1581.

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