As Americans downsize in the aftermath of a colossal real estate bust, at least one tiny corner of the housing market appears to be thriving. To save money or simplify their lives, a small but growing number of Americans are buying or building homes that could fit inside many people’s living rooms, according to entrepreneurs in the small house industry.
Some put these wheeled homes in their backyards to use as offices, studios or extra bedrooms. Others use them as mobile vacation homes they can park in the woods. But the most intrepid of the tiny house owners live in them full-time, paring down their possessions and often living off the grid.
“It’s very un-American in the sense that living small means consuming less,” said Jay Shafer, 46, co-founder of the Small House Society, sitting on the porch of his wooden cabin in California wine country. “Living in a small like this really entails knowing what you need to be happy and getting rid of everything else.”
Imagine a time when horse draw carriages and covered wagons carried hopeful pioneers to the gold country and dreams of striking gold became a reality for many. The vision of that Victorian Era was for a life of rustic elegance and ease surrounded by majestic pine trees, raging rivers, wide open spaces and picturesque ponds.
The path to such a life wasn’t always paved with the gold they dreamed of, but rather with the vision and leadership of many hard working pioneers. Stephen and Clara Smith were among the first to invest in this boom town known today as Grass Valley. They built the Adams Express Office and the Golden Gate Saloon which sadly, were destroyed by fire in 1855 along with most of Grass Valley. The Smiths rebuilt the popular saloon as a one story field stone building with a brick facade, making it safer from the threat of another fire. The Golden Gate Saloon is oldest, continuously operated saloon west of the Mississippi River. In 1862 a relative, Charles Smith, built the current structure and named it the Exchange Hotel.
It was noted for it’s convenience to the local Gold Exchange. When the Gold Exchange closed, 18 ounces of pure gold were found in the carpeting. Like other local buildings that were constructed, the hotel was fortified against fire damage with heavy iron doors and the roof was covered with a 12 inch layer of dirt and brick.
In 1879 the hotel was purchase by Ellen and Daniel Holbrooke and was given its current name. Daniel Holbrooke passed away 1884, but Ellen Holbrooke continued to manage and operate the hotel until 1908.
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) recently launched a new program that allows home sellers to purchase mortgage protection coverage and offer it as an additional incentive to home buyers who purchase their home.
The “Home Payment Protection Program” (HPPP) is available through California REALTORS® who offer it to sellers at the time the property is listed. HPPP is optional, is paid for by the seller, and costs either $200 or $275, depending on the amount of coverage the seller elects to purchase.
The program covers both first-time and repeat buyers for 12 months from escrow closing. If the home buyer loses his or her job as a result of a layoff during the qualified time period, HPPP will pay the buyer up to six monthly payments of up to either $1,000 or $1,500, depending upon the level of coverage the seller chose at the time of the listing.
The payment for HPPP is made at the time of closing, per the seller’s escrow instructions. HPPP remains on the property for as long as it is listed with the REALTOR® under the original listing contract. The buyer cannot renew, extend, or enhance the coverage under the HPPP, nor purchase it independently.
Sellers who would like to offer the Home Payment Protection Program should ask for an application from their REALTOR®. REALTORS® can find information about the program and an application at www.cynosurefinancial.com/car.
They are all parts of marketing “clichés” that could skyrocket your sales.
“It takes ‘seven touches’ to turn a prospect into a client.”
“Know me, like me, trust me, buy from me.”
“The money is in the list.”
What do these sayings have in common, and what do they have to do with your business? The answer to both questions is that they’re all true, and that understanding how to make them work for you could boost your bottom line exponentially.
In my previous post about marketing (before the one about rescuing cats from trees), I talked about simple, inexpensive marketing tools. Now I’m going to expand on one of my points—the opt-in box. The opt-in box, remember, is where people enter their name and e-mail address and click “submit,” or words to that effect. This little box could literally bring in 90% of your sales; if you have one, you’re in a good position to capture the lion’s share of your market niche.
It’s what happens after they click “submit” that really matters. Using an automated messaging system, you’ll send them a series of messages called “auto responders.” This accomplishes several things.
First, it keeps you top-of-mind. If one of the people who opt in (known as your “list members”) suddenly has a need for your product or service, and you’ve been sending him or her interesting information for weeks or months, you’ll be the obvious choice over your competitors.
Second, it establishes you as an expert. You see, you’re not sending them constant sales messages—although sales messages certainly can be part of the plan. You’ll mainly be sending them useful, valuable information that they’ll feel indebted to you for—and possibly forward to friends.
Third, it’s an inoffensive way to stay in people’s faces. The automated system includes an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of every message, so if people get tired of hearing from you, they just click and you’re gone. No angry phone calls, no returned mail, no enemies.
Autoresponders are particularly useful if your product is a one-time or occasional type of purchase or a seasonal item. People don’t buy a washing machine, a computer, or a Christmas tree, or get their windows washed or their gutters cleaned, every week. You don’t want your prospects to forget about you between that first visit and when they actually need what you offer.
The messages can be created around any of a variety of themes. They can reflect current trends or news themes; they can be based on case studies or testimonials; they can each focus on a particular product or service you offer, or announce sales or specials; they can be “seven tips for…” or “ten ways to…” types of messages.
Let me give you a first-hand example of a missed marketing opportunity by a local business owner.
I’d won a free session with a particular type of service provider. It was a new experience for me; I found it enjoyable, and my curiosity about this service was piqued. I told the service provider that I was a marketing writer, yet strangely, I never heard from her again! Apparently she didn’t have a website, so she certainly didn’t have an opt-in box or an autoresponder series. So she missed two great opportunities—to sell additional services to me (far easier and cheaper than finding new customers), and to take advantage of my ability to market her services to others.
Now, there are a few keys to making your opt-in box a success. First of all, your website has to be good enough that people will stay long enough to even notice you have an opt-in box. Second, the words on the box need to be compelling. (Hint: “submit” isn’t: no one likes to submit.) Third, offering an enticement, or “ethical bribe,” increases your opt-in rate dramatically. Enticements include a free e-book, report, white paper, informational message they can listen to or download, or free sample or consultation. How often you mail to your list depends on several factors, including the nature of your product or service.
Let me emphasize that you don’t want to try to keep your own list and send the messages manually. Yes, the automated system costs money (contact me for the name of the one that 95% of Internet marketers use); however, not only is doing it yourself a lot of work, you’ll eventually get labeled a spammer and blocked from most people’s e-mail systems.
Lisa J. Lehr is a writer and copywriter living in Grass Valley. She can help you promote your business with a full range of online and offline marketing pieces. A member of Empire Toastmasters, she’s available to speak to your business or professional group. Visit her website www.justrightcopy.com for more information, opt in for a message series, and receive a free Marketing Guide.
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Lisa J. Lehr
I write words that make you money–just ask me how. www.justrightcopy.com
Visit my website and sign up for my fr~ee marketing tips.
New! No~cost Marketing Guide now available at my website.
Snow storm came during the night and decided to have a seat.
Friday night, November 19 2010, it started snowing and by Saturday morning I had about six to eight inches of snow. Just as I started to go to work on my computer, the power went out. With no power, I have no heat so I figured… I’d better leave for the weekend. On the way out, there was a pretty good size tree branch in the road. I managed to drive around it but I could tell this was going to be a bad storm.
The leaves are still on the trees and the snow is very wet, resulting in trees and tree limbs coming down all over the forest.
Looking up the road away from my house Saturday morning
Checking on my house Monday, November 22, 2010, there still was no power. The road I live on loops, and I came up the first turn to my road and went up to my house. Everything was fine until I decided to continue out the other end of my road. Guess what? There is a tree lying across the road. One wire has fallen off the power pole and is lying across the road also. If you look closely at the picture I took, looking up the hill, you will notice the wire on the right hand side of the pole is not there.
Look at the right upper side of pole, wire has fallen offNotice the tree and power line across the road - Monday evening
PG & E called me on my cell last night and informed me that there would be no power until Tuesday. At this point there are about 7,000 homes without power. Tonight, I received another friendly call from PG & E and they said there would be no power until Wednesday. (my house is at 3,700 foot elevation)
For many prospective buyers, the thought of going through the home-buying process is often filled with a lot of stress. From finding a qualified real estate agent, to narrowing down your choice of homes and then packing your belongings and moving across town can be an overwhelming process.
-Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and along with the finances come emotions. When you are choosing a real estate agent to work with, be patient and take the time you need to find an agent that you connect with. Finding a highly-skilled agent who fits with your personality is crucial.
-Every home buyer and seller is in a different situation, so it is important that you don’t compare your timeline and decisions to anyone else’s. As you make your way through the home buying process, remember that there is no right time to buy, just as there is no perfect time to sell. If you find a home that fits your needs, don’t let it slip out of your hands by waiting for interest rates to drop lower as you run the chance of losing out on the home of your dreams.
-It is natural to want to get opinions from those you trust before you make your final choice, but too much input will ultimately make the decision process much harder. Remember to focus on what your immediate wants and needs are so that everyone will be happy with the final decision.
-You probably aren’t going to find a home that is 100% perfect, so it is important to make a list that includes your top priorities that you can’t live without. Be sure to stick to the items on your list and let go of the minor things.
-Negotiation is an important part of the real estate buying process, but be sure you don’t take your negotiating too far. Trying to get an extra-low price or refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home in the end. Successful negotiation depends on give and take, so make sure you are being fair in your requests.
-Don’t get too caught up in all the physical aspects of a home and forget about the more important issues. While the size of the rooms and the layout of the kitchen might not be exactly what you expected, be cognizant of issues such as noise level, location to amenities and other aspects that will have an impact on your day-to-day life.
-Getting approved for a mortgage should be taken care of well before you find a home and make an offer.
-Create a budget before you move into your new home and be sure to include maintenance and repair costs. Even if you buy a new home, there will be extra costs, so it is important to not come up short and let your new home deteriorate.
-After purchasing a home, a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable, but it will pass. Buying a home is a big financial commitment, but it also yields big benefits. If you are feeling remorseful after buying your home, remind yourself why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with your new property.
-When choosing a home, buy it because you love it. A home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live, so don’t get bogged down with thinking about your home’s appreciation.
For all of your real estate needs
Call John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
DRE # 00669941
Telephone 530-263-1091
Youth, community organizations provide services to Faire-goers
The Northern Mines Girl Scouts will offer free babysitting services at this year’s Country Christmas Faire, held November 26 – 28 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. This benefit is provided by this youth service organization so that parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping. Free babysitting will be provided in Ponderosa Hall at the Fairgrounds; hours for babysitting are the same as the Faire – Friday and Saturday from
10 am – 5 pm; and Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm.
Errand elves will be available to assist Faire-goers throughout the event. The Errand Elves, provided by students from Clear Creek School, are available to carry packages for shoppers or patrons may use their “Will Call” service and leave their packages in the elves’ care as they continue shopping. Clear Creek students will also be offering mistletoe to Faire-goers. All donations received for the elves and the mistletoe will go towards these young students who are trying to earn money for an outdoor science education camp.
Additionally, Nevada County 4-H clubs will provide volunteers to serve as the trash clean-up crew for the Faire; Will and Paulette Snyders of Empire Horse & Carriage Company will provide wagon rides around the grounds; and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet children. A photographer will be available to capture the special moment with Santa.
The 26th annual Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 26, and runs through Sunday, November 28. Admission is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Artisans from across California – and as far away as New York, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Utah – fill the Fairgrounds exhibit buildings with quality hand-made crafts and unique gifts. Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, and a community bon-fire.
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
By:
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com
Houses that will sit empty through the winter need attention to avoid frozen pipes, reports Long Island American Water, which is part of American Water, the largest investor-owned U.S. water and waste water utility company.
The company offers these tips for ensuring that pipes don’t burst:
· Search for pipes that are not insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces such as crawl spaces, basements, or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation.
· Wrap really vulnerable pipes with electric heating tape with a built-in thermostat that only turns heat on when needed.
· Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations with caulking to keep cold wind from pipes. Look for areas where cable TV or phone lines enter the house, to be sure holes are tightly sealed.
· If hot-water radiators heat the home, bleed the valves by opening them slightly. Close them when water appears.
· Before really cold weather sets in, make certain that the water to outdoor hose bibs is shut off inside the house and the lines are drained.
· Drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes.
· Wrap the water heater or turn it off.
· Make sure gutters and downspouts have been cleaned to remove debris that could freeze and cause clogs during cold weather.
· Know where the main water shut-off valve is located in case it needs to be shut off during an emergency.
Donate a can of food on Sunday, November 28, and receive $1 off admission
The Nevada County Fairgrounds and HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) in Nevada County are teaming up to help feed those in need in Nevada County.
Bring a can of food (or two or three) to the Country Christmas Faire on Sunday, November 28, and the Fairgrounds will give you a coupon for $1 off general admission to the Christmas Faire on that day. Volunteers from HOPE will collect the cans at the food collection bins at the Fairgrounds from 10 am – 4 pm at Gates 1, 3 and 5, which is also where you’ll receive your coupon.
With the help of HOPE, all food collected at the Fairgrounds on Sunday will be used to help feed those in need in Nevada County. HOPE in Nevada County is a program established through the Grass Valley Elks. Through this program, the Grass Valley Elks partner with the Food Bank of Nevada County to feed those in need, as well as working with the organization on a school snack program. HOPE distributes food once a month to anyone in the county in need of food and emergency food every Monday. Call Lari at (530) 263-4753 to volunteer or donate.
The Country Christmas Faire is happening Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 – 28, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Cost is $4, and free to children under 12. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.
