Prepping For Spring // Backyard Edition

No matter where you live (but especially here in SoCal!) outdoor entertaining at your home becomes more appealing as the weather warms and the days get longer.

With the start of Spring and the much-rejoiced arrival of day light savings, now may be the ideal time to prep (or update) your outdoor living spaces! Thanks to Pinterest & HGTV, the design and decor ideas are endless… which may have you feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The key is not to take on too much – just remind yourself that your main goal is to create a outdoor space that you can enjoy being in. We have gathered the following guidelines to get the gears turning and the inspiration flowing..

• Be sure to create traffic patterns or designated ways to walk/move around. Due to the restricted lot sizes throughout most of the South Bay, this rule is especially critical if you want to make the most of a small or cramped space. This can be done in a variety of ways.. whether that be laying formal stone walkways or planting shrubs to help establish corners and borders.

• Add an outdoor fire source. Indoor fireplaces are great and all.. but when the mid-summer heat rolls around, you definitely do not want to be stuck indoors! Keep it low key with a portable firepit or firebowl (how cool are these!) or take things to the next level with a full fireplace. Just be sure to check your local building codes / fire safety rules… and to stock up on the s’mores supplies!

• Outdoor kitchens are an ideal way to extend your home’s living space into the outdoors. While detailed outdoor kitchens can easily become expensive, they don’t have to be! Remember, it is about creating an environment and the ability to eat outside, not necessarily buying all the frills and accessories. A charcoal grill and small outdoor dining table can be the start of your backyard dining experience.

Check out a few of the outdoor kitchens we are drooling over:

• Keep things practical and organized. Do not go over the top with accessories or details and have a designated area to put things (seat cushions, pillows, etc) when rain is in the forecast! Also, if you choose to incorporate an outdoor kitchen/dining area, be sure to have create a storage area for equipment to help keep the space cleared and available for enjoying.

• Try out vertical gardening! Blank walls, covered patios and fencing can all benefit from the addition of vertical gardens. Succulents work best, and when coupled with found wood are a easy, affordable DIY project. We love  this charming vertical garden our Neighborhood Spotlight Anaïs and her husband build!

• Lastly, remember that a roof extends usability.  Overhead structures like a gazebo or screened porch provide comfort and protection from the elements, ultimately giving you more opportunities to spend time outdoors. However, the roofing does not have to be a permanent structure – pop-up tent over your deck or out in the yard can be just as effective in blocking the sun or rain!

The main suggestion we can give (which applies to all home renovations and DIY projects) is to create a space that make sense for your unique situation. Whether that be the amount of physical room you have in your backyard, or the amount you think your family will use it. Have fun, be realistic and enjoy the efforts, as well as the rewards!

Women Who WOW Us

With today’s celebration of International Women’s Day and March’s designation as Women’s History Month,  we felt it was only fitting to highlight South Bay women whom we have found to be both influential and inspiring.

But first, a short background On International Women’s Day:  IWD has been celebrated for over a hundred years and has gained recognition in as an official holiday in a number of countries, including Uganda, Cuba, Russia and Vietnam. The United Nations began sponsoring International Women’s Day in 1975, designating a new theme each year. 2017’s appointed theme is “Be Bold For Change” or if you frequent social media, #BeBoldForChange

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We are honored to highlight five local women who we have had the privilege of getting to know over the past year. Each of these women have created a way to pursue their unique passions and seek careers that give them personal fulfillment. Their stories inspire us and remind us that we are capable of shaping our own futures.

Aaaaand here they are:

Amy Errett, founder and owner of E3 Vehicles – a custom Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (golf cart) retailer based in the South Bay. Amy is a passionate about living the ultimate South Bay Lifestyle, one consisting of jaunting around town enjoying the sunshine while going green and saving money. Amy and E3 Vehicles help people realize their dream lifestyle by offering  custom made-to-order electric vehicles that are substantially under competitors prices.

In Amy’s words,

“I am amazed and pleasantly surprised by the support I have experienced from all areas of the community, both businesses and city governments.  The local business people, in particular, are very supportive of E3V’s concept and mission.  They have all offered recommendations to help me spread the word and come up with creative ideas to collaborate in the future. I have a lot more work to do when it comes to connecting with more people and businesses, but it has been such an encouraging process, so far.”

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Allison Gander, owner and principal of AGA Design – an architectural consulting firm, recognized early on that with her drawing abilities and aptitude for geometry a career as an architect would be the perfect fit. With over 12 years of experience in the profession to-date, Allison prepared for her career not just with a Bachelor’s of Science in architecture, but also with a year at Ecole d’Architecutre de Paris-La Villette and a Master’s of Architecture from Georgia Tech. Lucky for us, Allison relocated from Georgia to Los Angeles where she promptly began working as a Project Architect consultant for Levin & Associates. (If you have ever been to the Dodger Stadium or the John Anson Ford Ampitheatre – you have likely marveled at some of her work!) Allison’s next step brought her to creating AGA Designs, is a full-service architecture firm which allows her to stay involved with each project from start to finish.

In Allison’s words:

“I’ve always loved to draw and sketch.  Eventually I headed in the architecture direction because I could use those talents and couple them with my geometric brain and curiosity and find out how things should be put together. Meeting with clients, sketching out their ideas while assisting in some fundamental design approaches is my favorite part.  I bring along my roll of trace paper to every meeting because you have to document those brainstorming sessions.”

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You may have noticed this Jen Carpenter around the South Bay .. as shes is usually accompanied by 6-8 dogs she is hard to miss! Recognizing the busy schedules of South Bay-ers (not to mention the time spent in traffic for those of us commuting!), Jen founded Jen’s Dog Walking, a service that not only gives her furry customers their needed walks, but the love and attention that they deserve. Fueled by affection from her own three 3 dogs, Jen Carpenter is passionate about providing other canines with regular walks in order to ensure their health and happiness.

In Jen’s words:

“I have been a dog walker for 12 years and it’s a very personal small business. I am pretty close with my clients, as I am taking care of their babies! I enjoy being a small local business because I’d like to maintain that personal family like feel with my clients.”

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Growing up a harpist and a pianist, Anaïs de la Morandais eventually realized and decided to pursue her love for choral conducting. With a Master of Arts in choral conducting from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria and a Maîtrise of Musicology from the Université de Haute-Bretagne in Rennes, France, Anaïs has the education to match her passion. While she works primarily with children, Anaïs has taught men and women of all ages throughout her career. From leading workshops on physical body training in support of the voice, to teaching youth choirs the basics of rhythm, Anaïs has experience in all realms of the musical world. Since her arrival in California, Anaïs has founded Atelier Musical in an effort provide music education services to Santa Monica, Redondo Beach and all areas in between. She offers piano lessons and vocal technique lessons, as well as French language support for students.

In Anaïs’ words:

“Since I’ve created Atelier Musical, my goal is to be able to work in the area that I reside. I mostly bike to my clients and that is such a pleasure! I hope in the next months, I will be able to create a vocal group for the South Bay and maybe incorporate French and German into the music! Since I speak both languages fluently, this would be a great opportunity for singers to practice a language they learned at school.”

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With a Communication Design degree from OTIS, as well as experience as both a marketing director and an art director, Cat Landry is the independent graphic designer and owner behind Cat Landry Design. Beyond her impressive resume, however, Cat has also honed a skill set that helps her to evaluate and determine not just the needs of her clients, but also their personal style.  What stood out to us about Cat was her dedication to truly getting to know her clients and creating work that embodies who they are. She is especially passionate about working with local business and supporting the “South Bay Bubble.” What could be better than working with a designer who really knows the community your business serves and the audience you’re trying to reach?

In Cat’s words:

“In 1999, I decided that the best way for me to continue to enjoy my work was to do it my way… with a smile. I put in my two-weeks notice and left the corporate world to start my own business. Cat Landry Design was “born” on my birthday in July 1999. Although freelance design has its ups and downs (financially and logistically), I’ve never regretted the choice to enjoy my work every single day.”

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As always, it is quite humbling when we look back at the incredible women that we have had the opportunity to mingle with. We applaud Cat, Amy, Anaïs, Allison & Jen for following their calling, while also using their abilities to contribute to their community.

While these women give us plenty of reason to celebrate today and look forward to the future, this Forbes article provides 7 (More) Reasons To Be Optimistic This International Women’s Day!

Bringing The Sunshine Inside

With one of the grayest, rainiest winters the South Bay has seen in years behind us (hopefully!) the forecast shows blue skies ahead! This weather has us feeling inspired to bring the sunshine inside and give our own living spaces a spring makeover.

We are also pulling inspiration from this Avenue C listing (3 Bed, 3 Bath, 6,084) which perfectly exemplifies a light and bright style, while still remaining the ideal blend of comfortable and stylish.

 

While it may be hard to completely capture a newly constructed house’s fresh feel in your home, we have gathered a few tips to help brighten things up this spring! Some are simple and some are more detailed, but even just one or two subtle changes can spring-ify your home!

• Mirrors aren’t just for checking your hair! Place a large mirror directly across from a window to reflect light all around the room.  Or hang a few small ones on a wall perpendicular to the window to subtly bounce light around a room.

• Just add white..or off white.. or eggshell. A fresh coat of paint around door frames, stair case banisters and window paneling will do wonders! Hack – If you aren’t up for painting, just give frames, banisters and paneling a good scrub down to get rid of finger prints and accumulated dust. 

• Change out those curtains. Get rid of any heavy or insulated curtains that you were using during the winter and replace them with light-colored airy ones. This can be applied all around your home – from the kitchen to the living room and even your bedroom (lighten up your bedding colors and fabric for a full transformation!)

• Raise the roof (not literally). Many homes (especially those in the Golden Hills) have vaulted painted ceilings or even wood paneled ceiling applications. While these higher ceilings do create a larger feel in the room, without the correct lighting and appropriately located windows they can leave a room feeling dim. Recessed lighting fixtures or commonly referred to as “can lights” help to brighten up the ceiling without being obtrusive to the eye. Some options even include a dimmer switch to allow for flexible lighting control.

• Keep it low. According to Designer Blair Gordon “Streamlined furnishings with low-slung profiles help rooms feel more spacious.” While you are at it, opt for white furniture, rather than dark colors. Think white bookcases, cream couches, and white tables… especially if you have dark wood floors!

• While it would be nice to put in a few windows or a sky light, it is much easier to add some artificial lighting! Try Bright White LED bulbs to maximize the brightness coming from your lamps. Or add a table lamp to your current decor to help add a bit more brightness.

• Bring in the Green! Indoor plants (whether flowers or green leafy plants) bring a breathe of fresh air into your home. Just be sure to water them regularly so you don’t end up with brown, wilting plants 🙂

Have any other simple “home-brightening” tips? Please share them with us! info@weberaccetta.com

We are excited to Spring Forward in a few weeks and wish you all a very happy March!

 

Valentine’s Day in the South Bay

 Not sure what to do with your boo this Valentine’s? We have selected a few romantic AND fun events that are taking place nearby….

Sweetheart’s Stroll in the Botanic Garden:

Sunday, February 12, 2017 – 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Event is FREE for Garden Members!  General Admission rates apply for non-members.

  ($5-$25 – depending on package)

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or chairs and enjoy music by VOX DJ  on the Upper Meadow.  Beer tastings will be provided by Red Car Brewery and Restaurant and wine from Plough/Wooden Valley Wines.  The Foil Place will be onsite to provide a complimentary, personalized engraving with the purchase of a wine glass. A photo booth will be on site and food can also be purchased from Richeeze Grilled Cheese Truck.

Valentine’s Day | Upstairs & Downstairs at R10 Social House:

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

R/10 Social House provides ideal settings for both singles and couples on Valentine’s Day with an Upstairs & Downstairs event. R/10 turns its upstairs bar and lounge into a singles party with cocktails and a DJ from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (No reservations required)

Meanwhile, the downstairs portion of the venue will feature an intimate 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu with wine-pairing option available from 5:00 p.m. to close. To make a reservation call ahead at (310) 798-2500.

Hoppy Valentines Dinner by Primal Alchemy Catering & Brouweij West:

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMr

 Primal Alchemy Catering is hosting a farm to table Valentine’s dinner with Brouwerij West Brewery Beers for an unforgettable romantic celebration.

Set in a 1940’s warehouse, you will arrive to aphrodisiac appetizers paired with a complimentary tasting of 5 Brouwerij West beers to start off the evening.  Sway to the French-Gypsy swing music of Hedgehog Swing and capture the memory with a picture in our Lovers Only photo booth, before enjoying a seasonally selected dinner.

Ticketed event with limited seats – offering individual tickets, couples tickets and group tickets.

1FUR1’s Cupid & Canines Valentine’s Benefit | Zoom Room, RB 

Sunday, February 19, 4-6 pm

Join 1FUR1’s Cupid & Canines Valentine’s Benefit at the Zoom Room Redondo Beach for fun activities to enjoy with your 4-legged best friend by your side.

Celebrate the holiday with tasty treats, awesome giveaways, doggy body art, DIY clay paw prints, smooches in the photo booth, food, drinks and lots of of mingling with fellow dog lovers. Enter your dog in the high jump competition to win big prizes and meet the Zoom Room trainers who will answer any training questions and share tips. For more details and tix, visit https://www.1fur1.org/events

Congratulations to the Rubergs!

Congratulations to the Ruberg Family – this fun-loving family of four (daughters not pictured) recently closed on their first home!

 

We have such a great time getting to know the families that we work with! Each family dynamic is unique and we really appreciated how well the Rubergs work together as a team and their ability to take some stressful moments and be able to laugh at it with their fun sense of humor.

(We were also impressed with their two adorable daughters!)

The Rubergs started their journey a bit unsure of exactly what area they wanted to live in, but were dedicated to the process and soon zeroed in on their ideal neighborhood. They ended up with a bit of a compromise: they purchased a home that needs a little work, but is in their dream location. These first time home-buyers impressed us with their ability to look at the long-term picture and with their willingness to confront every concern head-on!

As issues arose with their home inspection, they met each stressful situation with an optimistic attitude. Rather than becoming exasperated with the challenges, the Ruhbergs communicated directly with the city permit department and are now well-versed in the requirements for the work they intend to do. They took all the necessary steps to make sure they knew exactly what they were buying, and what it would take to make it exactly how they want it!

Fun-loving clients that are also logical and dedicated are our most favorite kind. We are so thankful that we were along for the Rubergs’ home-buying journey and look forward to watching them create their family’s dream home!

 

(Not So) Extreme Fireplace Makeover

Nothing beats a warm, roaring fire on a snowy winter’s night!

But with winter weather in Redondo Beach hovering around a sunny 60 degrees, that cozy fire may not have the same appeal. For some SoCal families fires are a novelty saved for Christmas day and the fireplace goes unused the other 355 days of the year.

Luckily, there are many creative ways to transform that otherwise unused space and turn it into a focal point for your home. Here’s a look at some “fireplace makeover” ideas we are dying to test out.

1. Use your fireplace to freshen up the room! Artfully arranging flowers and other potted plants inside your fireplace can add color, dimensions and scents to your living space. A fireplace garden can satisfy your green thumb..without having to go outside. Succulents or ferns are hearty, low-maintenance options that will make your room come alive!We also love the idea of adding seasonal plants during the holidays, such as holly branches or poinsettias.

 

2. If you love the flickering effect of a fire, as well as that alluring wood scent, an arrangement of candles inside your fireplace can help you achieve a similar feel. Home goods stores offer a wide range of candle scents, from Campfire Smoke WoodWick Candles  to Tory Burch’s Cedarwood Candles. The beauty of this option is that you swap out scents and holders to keep the arrangement appealing and smelling heavenly! It also mimics the romantic fire vibe without generating the smoke, mess or hassle of tending a fire.

3. Create more storage by adding shelving into your fireplace. Beyond giving your another place to store books or trinkets, this option adds a focal point to the room. This is an easy way to add a mini library to your home or to display those family photos that never quite got hung up. To jazz things up, consider painting the backdrop of the fireplace a bright color or line it with patterned tiles!

 

4. Showcase an art piece or family heirloom. When properly cleaned, the inlay of a fireplace creates a perfect place to  display a singular item. This tactic works best with a sculpture, but could also be used to feature a framed piece of art. The simplicity of this setup will add a sophisticated, museum-like feel to an otherwise unused space!

 

5. If you are one of those “we use our fireplace once a year” families, then completely transforming your fireplace may not be the best ideas. (We don’t want to see those books caught on fire!) However, one easy way to transform your fireplace and achieve a rustic, homey ambiance is to stack it neatly with firewood. Use logs that are the same length but have varying diameters, and be sure to pack them tightly to fill the whole space. And hey, when that “one day a year” rolls around you will already have firewood on hand!

The beauty of owning your own home is that you can transform it into whatever you want it to be! You can take each space and make it into something functional that works for your family and individual style. With a little creativity (and the help of the internet), your  fireplace transformation could be the start of a complete home-make-over!

 

Joe & Taryn: Home For The Holidays!!

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we are excited to announce that our clients Joe and Taryn will be home for the holidays! We were functioning on a strict time-line, but were able to help these newly-weds find a home they both loved in under a month!

These two were dream clients and are the perfect example that finding a home can be done fairly quickly if you follow our home-finding process. Immediately after meeting with us for a buyer’s consultation, they completed their “driving homework”and were able to identify exactly which neighborhoods they did and didn’t like. Simple steps such as this help us to eliminate homes from the get-go and ultimately save a lot of time when it comes to finding ideal homes for our buyers!

 

Joe and Taryn decided to make an offer on a new construction home, which is a different process from purchasing a standard resale home. Knowing this, they were extremely thorough in reviewing the 100-pg purchase contract (much more intricate that the standard RPA!) and we were happy to discuss all of their concerns! They brought a lot of great questions to the table, but in the end they felt comfortable with moving forward and knew the source of every fee and cost!

We are thrilled that we got the chance to assist Joe and Taryn in this huge life step! They made our jobs easy by not only following our advice, but also by communicating clearly and giving us regular feedback. They remained involved and attentive throughout the entire process – there is nothing Realtors like more than responsive clients!

Our recent transaction with Joe and Taryn reminded us of the difficulties that could arise with new construction and we are happy we could be there to help smooth out the kinks and negotiate on their behalf. This article by NOLO provides an extensive pro-con list when it comes to purchasing new construction, but here are few Weber Accetta Certified tips for purchasing new construction homes:

1. Get an inspection! Although no one has formally resided in the home, new homes have problems too. We recommend hiring an inspector to make sure everything is safe and up to code – for peace of mind and to protect you from future headaches!
2. Check future plans! This is especially important if the home you are purchasing is in an underdeveloped area. Be sure to check with the city to see what is planned for the surrounding area and/or neighborhoods.
3. Hire your own agent! Often-times model homes will be staffed with an agent who has a relationship with the builder, so it is important to hire an uninvolved agent that has your best interest in mind.
4. Get pre-approved! It is still essential to have your finances in order and to get pre-approved by a bank or mortgage lender. This helps prove your validity as a buyer during the negotiation process and helps ensure that escrow moves smoothly and closes on time!

If you are in search of a NEW home for the holidays, consider letting the Weber Accetta Group work alongside you and help expedite the process! Shoot us an email or give us a call anytime of day to help discuss your needs!

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Lauren@WeberAccetta.com

310.387.4693

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Michelle@WeberAccetta.com

  310.293.1883

 

 

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Pumpkin Patch Appreciation Party – The Experience.

 

At the Weber Accetta group, we are passionate not only about about guaranteeing success for our clients, but also about building a community that supports and encourages each other. Whether it be featuring Redondo Beach listings on our social media, highlighting monthly Neighborhood Spotlights or hosting a networking group, we continue to search for more ways to redefine real estate from a transaction to an interaction.  We are huge believers in the power of a strong community and feel incredibly lucky that our jobs allow us to facilitate the growth of new relationships and partnerships. 

One of our favorite ways to reflect our gratitude to our clients, friends and family is by hosting “Appreciation Parties”.  While these gatherings are primarily geared towards having a great time, they also create a platform where our South Bay neighbors get a chance to mingle and create new meaningful relationships! We have both worked with and networked with so many inspiring individuals and feel responsible for helping them all to intermingle and share their awesomeness!

Most recently, we hosted a “Pumpkin Patch Appreciation Party”- both to celebrate the fall season and to familiarize our clients and friends with our new office. We worked hard to provide a smorgasbord of tasty treats, seasonal drinks and festive decorations.. but the vibe was truly set by the participation and enthusiasm of everyone who attended!  

 We asked for some feedback from one attendee who commented,

“What a great vibe it truly was, so many people came through from all different walks of life and yet everyone interacted as if they were already friendly and acquainted with each other.

 From an outside perspective, you can tell that Lauren and Michelle really nurture the relationships with their clients to not only have great transactions, but to create friendships. The wonderful turnout showed that.” 

One of the most exciting aspects of the night was the introduction of our pumpkin carving competition! We gave each attendee a pumpkin of their own and encouraged them to tag us on our Facebook in order to compete. We are thrilled to announce the Nishihira family as the winners. We did have other amazing submissions – so thank you to everyone who participated!

In the end, a picture is worth a thousand

words so take a scroll.. (and try not to die of the cuteness!)

We look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate our clients, friends & family (and hold all their adorable children)! Thank you all!

 

Congratulations Jill and Hiro!

What a huge honor it is to help family with their Real Estate needs. When Jill, Lauren’s cousin, and Hiro, Jill’s fiance, first approached us to help with their home search we were a bit taken back knowing that Hiro is a practicing commercial agent. However, the world of commercial Real Estate in many ways is quite different from residential Real Estate. It was quite interesting to see the differences in the standard protocols, timelines, and negotiations. When it came to terminology and some of the contractual portions of the process Hiro, of course, was well versed which made for easy communication.   Jill, being a previous home owner was also no rookie to this process. She stayed hands on and insightful throughout the entire process, asking great questions and paying close attention to detail. Together they were the ideal client!

We are so grateful to have been a part of this journey with both Jill and Hiro. It was very impressive to see their work ethics, sometimes things you don’t get to see in family environments. We always knew they are hard working and very intelligent people, but this experience has magnified how talented they both are and we now have a better understanding of why they both excel in their careers. To no surprise, the biggest inspiration that we will take away from this experience is from witnessing how well they work together as a team. It is so heartwarming to see how much joy they get from knowing the other is happy. They were always respecting the other’s opinion and checking in to make sure they were making decisions together that benefited the other’s happiness over themselves. What a selfless relationship and a true testament to their love for each other. With a wedding on the way, we know that this couple will go on to build an amazing life together in their new beautiful home.

To Jill and Hiro, thank you very much for this opportunity to represent you. Congratulations on a well deserved achievement and best wishes for many more success together. We love you!

Congratulations Jeremy and Val!

It is always such an honor to congratulate our clients upon the purchase of their new home and an even bigger honor to get to know them through the whole process of working together. With each client we get the privilege of working with we also learn so much through the way they work to accomplish their Real Estate goals. Jeremy and Valerie were of course nothing short of impressive and inspiring.

From the moment we met them we could tell they were not only very smart but also good people and a loving family. At our next meeting we discussed what they were looking for, taught them our search methods, and set them off with some homework in hand. They went above and beyond with creating spreadsheets and really following through on our advise on how to begin their home buying journey. This allowed them to hone in on where they wanted to be in the South Bay, which was initially their biggest challenge, and made the next step that much easier.

It only took our first home tour to see first hand how well they worked together. Between caring for their two young kids, to taking videos to remember the different homes, it was really inspiring to see how they communicated, respected one another, and work so well together. We especially love how they talk to their children and interacted with them during all their home tours. Once we entered escrow it was even more evident how amazing of a team they are. Their family was always a number one priority, but they made the time to get business done and stay on top of everything as well as be fully involved and engaged in the process.

We are so grateful to have met Jeremy and Val and to have represented them in this important time. We don’t take lightly how lucky we are to meet such amazing people and we will carry on all the things that they have taught us in their work ethics and lifestyle. Thank you to Jeremy and Val for allowing us to get to know you and your family and trusting us to be your Real Estate agents!