Tips to help you select a good real estate agent

Before buying or selling a home, think about who you want to represent you

There are hundreds of real estate agents in  San Luis Obispo. How should you go about choosing your real estate agent? These are a few ideas for you to review before selecting an agent to represent you in your real estate transaction.

1. Ask friends and former clients  It's OK to ask an agent to provide a list of homes they've listed and sold in the last year. Ask for contact information to. Call the past clients and see what they liked and didn't like about the process with their agent. Be sure their comments fit with your expectations. A good question for sellers is, "How long was you home on the market?"

 2. Review the agents real estate license The California Department of Real Estate has public information on agents who have had their licenses suspended in the past. Review it online here: http://www2.dre.ca.gov/PublicASP/pplinfo.asp

 3. Choose a winner Check the local board of Realtors in Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo or Cambria and ask what agents do the most volume in the market. Ask who has won the recent "Realtor of the Year" awards or similar designations. These can be excellent endorsements.

4. Choose a Realtor with good credentials Real estate agents specialize. Ask about the initials that come after an agents name on his or her business card. They can be an indication that the agent has taken additional classes in a certain specialty of real estate sales. Here are a few designations:

• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate.
• ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction.
• SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range.
• Realtor with a capital "R," means the agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors. By hiring a Realtor you know they have pledged to support the code of ethics.

5. How long have they been an agent? You can find out how long the agent has been selling real estate from the California DRE, or just ask. Because many people come and go in the business, a solid track record is a good thing.

6. Look at their current listings Check out your prospective agent's listings. Check out the agents own site and Realtor.com. How closely do the agent's listings match the home you want to buy or sell. Are they in the same area and price range?

7. Ask about other homes nearby A good agent will know about other area properties. Ask about a house in your area that's sold recently or is for sale. If the agent knows the property and can give you a few details, that means he or she really knows your area.

A couple of real estate agents I recommend

• DaCosse and Associates 935 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 238-9022 
• Nicolette Harley, Realtor 531 Maple St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 835-9643 
• Patterson Realty 1921 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 227-4593 
• California Coastal Real Estate 3196 South Higuera, San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 540-5545 
• Gregg Whitfield 297 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 235-7412

Check out the Cambria Scarecrow Festival in October.

Scarecrow Festival is Cambria tradition in October

Cambria businesses, residents and organizations put together more than 300 scarecrows in October

Did you ever wonder where the term scarecrow came from and why they were created? Well, it seems these eclectic figures found in farm fields throughout the world originated to actually “scare crows.” Crows are very advantageous birds and know how to benefit from a farmer’s efforts in spreading seeds. 

In olden times these birds consumed not only the seeds being planted but the eventual crops, and they ate so much corn and wheat that often farmers lacked enough food to get through the winter months. Thus, the ingenious field laborers constructed life-size figures made with pieces of cloth or old clothing stuffed with straw to stand out in the fields and discourage the ravenous crows.

Click her for more information on Cambria, CA 

Scarecrows have been made famous in movies, some of them in rather sinister roles, but the most well-known is the scarecrow searching for a brain in the “Wizard of Oz.” Today we can see famous scarecrows too. Just visit the coastal town of Cambria during the month of October for their successful Scarecrow Festival presented by the Cambria Historical Society.

In 2009 the first festival presented 30 scarecrows lining the sidewalks and streets of town. People loved them and by 2012 the festival boasted 370 scarecrows. Each year locals and visitors alike can’t wait to see what new and unique creations will show up. Thousands of folks pour into town and stroll up and down taking photos of the artful creations. 

“It all started with people viewing the scarecrows we had at the museum for the annual Harvest Festival,” Sue Robinson said. Robinson, a Festival volunteer is up to her neck in straw bales processing new applications for this year’s festival. 

Merchants and individuals who want to create a scarecrow attend classes that the Festival Committee holds. Volunteers, including an art teacher and a professional artist, guide learners in making the papier mache figure, doing the painting, building the body frame, and dressing the scarecrows.

2013 brings something new to the festival. Technology has caught up to the simple scarecrow and each one is equipped with a QR code enabling users of smart phones and tablets to scan the figures and find out fascinating details about them such as the name of the figure, the inspiration for it, and the sponsor. You’ll be able to rate them, post their picture to Facebook and even create your own custom map of your top choices.

  

The Cambria Scarecrow Festival now joins with other scarecrow festivals world wide as one of the most successful and fun fall festivals. So be sure to travel up Highway 1 to the pine-laden town of Cambria from October 1 through October 31, 2013 and become acquainted with Cambria’s scarecrows.

– By Ruth Ann Angus, San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide

Recommended businesses in and around Cambria

Sea Otter Inn

Motel in Cambria

6656 Moonstone Beach Drive

Cambria, CA 93428

(805) 927-5888

Re/Max Pines By The Sea

Cambria Realtor

770 Main St

Cambria , CA  93428‎

(805) 927-2474

Sherry Peckhoon Sim - Sims & Company

Cayucos Realtor

299 Cayucos Dr

Cayucos, CA 93430

(805) 234-4315

Gregg Whitfield Painting

Cambria painter

1982 Londonderry Lane

Cambria, CA 93428

(805) 927-1604

ADS Corporation

Cambria general contractor

788 Arlington Street

Cambria, CA 93428

(805) 927-8138

Top 10 things to do on the Central Coast

Searching out the wildflowers is a great way to spend a spring afternoon.

Top 10 things to do on the Central Coast

So you have a little time to kick back and relax on the Central Coast? Well it's no time to slow down in SLO, because there are so many things to do. Here are a list of some of my favorite things to do and this is just scratching the surface.

San Luis Obispo Farmers Market
ALL YEAR - Every Thursday night, Farmers' Market brings the community together to shop for fresh produce, sample San Luis Obispo's delectable and varied cuisine, browse local shops, listen to live music and interact with local entertainers.
Hiking around San Luis Obispo

Kayaking around Morro Rock
ALL YEAR - Kayaking is relatively easy and a person can do it with just some basic instructions. Outfitters will show you how to get in and out of the boat, how to hold and use your paddle, as well as giving you some helpful tips about the area you will be paddling through. Most kayak outfitters also give tours and this is often the best way to get started kayaking.

Paso Robles Wine Tasting
ALL YEAR - Visitors to the Central Coast often come to sample the vintages of the more than 200 wineries in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Appellation, but not so long ago this was a sleepy area with only a handful of tasting rooms available for the public. Read a little on the link above about how it all got started and who came first.

Estrella Warbirds Museum
ALL YEAR - For all aviation and military buffs, the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles is a must see. It has two dozen aircraft on display, missiles, tanks, and other military vehicles and machinery, as well as military artifacts and paraphernalia and civilian artifacts kept by civilians and military personnel during the wars.

Hunting for Wildflowers on the Carrisa Plain
SPRING - Come out for a relaxing drive looking for the wildflowers found in the eastern part of the county way out Highway 58. You can’t miss it in a good flower year. As you approach Shell Creek Road the fields are bursting with miles of yellow flowers. People come by busloads to see the spectacle and to take photographs.

San Luis Obispo Marathon
APRIL - You may think that running a marathon is a bit too ambitious for a retired person, but you'd be wrong. The field is filled with the 65+ and over set. I recently raced a triathlon at Lake Lopez with an 80-year-old gentleman. It's never too late to start running. A great place to start is with a 5k run, like the one sponsored by the SLO Marathon. Afterward enjoy their health and fitness expo.

Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival
MAY - This is one of California's largest festivals and premiere festival on the Central Coast. This family-style event brings together thousands of visitors and residents to enjoy activities and entertainment, the Strawberry Stampede, hundreds of art, craft and display booths, ethnic foods, and of course, scrumptious strawberry treats of all kinds in shortcakes, funnel cakes, milkshakes, ice cream and by the box.

Atascadero Wine Festival
JUNE - There are several wine festivals on the Central Coast but this one is exceptional. The Annual Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival brings together more than eighty Central Coast wineries to the Atascadero Lake Park to share their favorite wines for this annual festival. Continuing the celebration of the senses, the festival provides an eclectic selection of fares from local chefs with an array of culinary creations to invigorate your spirits and enjoy the good life, against the backdrop of this truly inspired Lakeside Festival.

Paso Robles Concerts in the Park
SUMMER - During the summer the downtown park fills up with locals and visitors every Friday at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy live music, dance, food and wine. You are welcome to bring your own chairs, blankets and cooler. This is a fun, social experience not to be missed.

Cambria Scarecrow Festival
OCT - Every year the population of Cambria increases by hundreds. Thanks to some amazingly creative locals a phenomenal display of scarecrows descend on this little town and remain there for the entire month. The scarecrows are a diverse and eclectic group. Some resembling the characters from Harry Potter, others meant to look like a senior citizen walking down the street. They seem the have embraced the artistic atmosphere in Cambria, and in the process they've given passers-by another reason to make a stop in this seaside community.

Best assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo County

Are you looking for an assisted living facility in SLO County?

Well, to start with, San Luis Obispo County is a great place retire. If you are lucky enough to retire here or move your parents to retire here, at some point it's time to get ready for the time when you or your folks can no longer live alone and need a little extra care.

There are several assisted living options in San Luis Obispo, CA and surrounding cities like Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay and Cambria. How do you decide which retirement community is right for you? As the founder of SLO County's Senior Living magazine 10 years ago, I've taken the time to visit and meet with the operators of several assisted living facilities and want to share the ones I recommend. I've got an insider's view on facilities in and around San Luis Obispo.

Here are some of best places to retire, age in place, or receive eldercare. These recommendations for assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo are based on the important factors to consider before make a move: health, cost, and livability. By considering these, I've rated the quality of life you or a loved can expect while choosing an assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo.

Recommended assisted living facilities

The Manse On Marsh
475 Marsh Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 541-4222

   
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Other assisted living facilities

Paradise Valley Care
7360 Morro Road
Atascadero, CA ‎93422
(805) 468-4141 ‎ 

Atascadero Christian Home
8455 Santa Rosa Road
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 466-0281

• Ada’s Lodges, Paso Robles
• Casa De Flores, Morro Bay 
• Cherish Care, Cambria 
• Wyndham Residence, Arroyo Grande
• The Yellow Rose Inn, Paso Robles

Is Central Coast California a good place to retire?

San Luis Obispo County is a great place to retire.

Is Central Coast California a good place to retire?

Deciding where to spend your golden years is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, from cost of living and employment opportunities for retired folks to crime rate and climate.

If you are looking for a tranquil and low-stress environment, arguably one of the most important considerations is how relaxing the community is. As a resident of the Central Coast, I've visited some of the best small towns and cities for retirement in California.

These places for retirement are some the best places to kick back, relax and enjoy a stress-free lifestyle. In addition to being friendly to older residents, these cities have excellent climates, strong communities and many opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities. If you're looking for a little peace and quiet with opportunities to enjoy cultural events and spend time outdoors, see my top retirement destinations below.

Best places to retire on the Central Coast

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

This college town is in the heart of the Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It has just about everything a retiree could want. The town is a quaint fusion of Spanish haciendas and Queen Anne homes that are walking distance from a vibrant downtown. It's home to Cal Poly and has the extra benefits of living in a college town, from the performing arts to lifelong learning. Outdoor activities like biking, hiking and trips to the beach will keep you busy. There are also first class assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo for when you reach the later senior years. Two hospitals with top-notch care are located in SLO.

Cambria, CA 93428

Cambria is called "Pines by the Sea" and it lives up to its name. Cambria is a seaside village located between San Francisco and LA. The population of the hamlet is just over 6,000. Majestic Rocky cliffs and beaches make Cambria a popular spot for tourists. It has a variety of artists and a large retirement community. Activities include walks on the beach, cycling on Highway 1, hiking the nature preserves along the coast and fishing.

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Retirees are drawn to the idyllic hills of Paso Robles for its wine country, laid-back style, car shows, festivals and warm climate. It's a sleepy city that is starting to wake up, thanks to a growing reputation as an up and coming wine region. It was originally known for its therapeutic mineral hot springs and was once a favorite resting stop for outlaws Jesse and Frank James. In addition to 55 and over neighborhoods there are a number retirement communities, assisted living facility and senior care centers. Twin Cities Community Hospital is located a few minutes away in Templeton.

My wish for my retired parents

As my parents get older, I think about where I will want mom and dad to live when they are ready to retire and will need extra care and attention from the family. I hope they choose to be nearby in our of wonderful retirement communities. The Central Coast has some of the best assisted living facilities, health care providers and comfortable towns to live.