Orange Outlook

Write, Baby, Write

Carin Zimmer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:19:41 +0000

Jersey Girl in Newport Beach

“So what’s a little diabetes?” Funny how much of an advocate I am for my beloved seniors throughout the community, one thing strikes me: my own mother, at 77 years, silver hair, wrinkles a plenty, never look at her as senior anything. Ever. Even with her health failing, aches, pains, diabetes, clogged arteries – because of who she was, who she IS, Connie Arrigo was truly ageless. Still reeling from her untimely death January 31st, 2012, I have yet to speak of her in past tense. It is too soon for that. Perhaps I’ll always refer to her in the present. Probably so.

For those who have lost a parent, I’m right there with ya. I’ve read that no matter what age one loses a parent, the loss is just as great, if only at different times in each life. Like there’s a convenient time for death to begin with, when it happens, expected or not, pretty much convinced life will never be the same.

In honor of my magnificent mother, a woman I aspire to be, her radiance, humor, love of life, brilliant mind, sweetest and loving of smiles, I share my thoughts with you. In a series of different blogs, it helps to write. Some paint, dance, sing, roller skate, surf, made YouTube videos. It’s all part of the healing process. And healing is what I’m experiencing. The pain, ever so present, overcomes me hearing a song, talking to a friend, making a salad. Grief, itself unexpected, envelops one like no other feeling. Connie, a lover of language herself, inspires me to speak with the eloquence she speaks. Here’s to you Mamma…let us share, together, our passions, insights, sarcasm, love and disappointments right here. Think this may just be another version of walking on the beach. See you there soon.

Writing, WordPress & Life: Coming Together

Carin Zimmer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:28:23 +0000

It has been weeks, MONTHS since I’ve written here. So consumed with the back-end of things. Worrying about how my website looks, the aesthetics of it’s appearance, making sure all neat and tidy, easy on the eyes for viewing purposes. Speaking of which, let’s discuss this: analytics. Yes, must not ignore that. Who’s reading this blog post, right now, this minute? Are you? Never mind, no worries, I’ll Google that and find out later….But first, I’m STILL trying to rid the posts (mind you, NOT pages, please, that’s completely different!) of the title “Property Description.” Can’t a girl just plainly delete this ONE title with a mere click?

I lament with purpose. Instead of waiting until all plugins are properly installed, links are correctly set, photos are in sync, what I write about today takes precedence above all things WordPress.

Simply put, my dad-in-law, this man I’ve grown to know, not just as his daughter-in-law but as his caregiver, is dying. Dementia, yes – ugly, horrific and hateful. And yes, one with his rare disease, Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy, is not expected to live long, or certainly as long as he has, so this news is to be expected. What is not expected is this: my heart, so full, completely immersed, this one experience unlike anything else in my life, the transformation, unfolding of feelings, and now I am here, years later, transformed myself.

I love Robert Landes Zimmer. I say this without frivolity or obligation of any sort. I truly love him. He is a gift – a gift of such proportion, I have yet to wrap this experience around my own head. He is dying now. His mind, it ceases, his breathing, shallow. I hold his hand, tears hitting his frail arm, smiling, telling him how much I love him. The tears, my heartfelt reaction as I gently stroke is still-soft silver hair. I am looking at reality. His, mine, both us knowing, understanding each other, no words necessary.

As the next days pass, so shall I keep living. Today is the day I begin to write. Again. My words, I share with you regardless of mere mechanics, social media practices, SEO or the language of HTML. Language is bliss. As are you.

Thanks for reading…..

OC Sizzling Senior Resource Fair!

Carin Zimmer — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:30:12 +0000

Please join our 2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair brought to you by the lovely people of OC Senior Roundtable. Yes, you too can be apart of and meet those who are passionate and truly care about assisting seniors. With resources such as assisted living, home health care, aging in place, legal information, real estate and financial services, organization and moving, EVERYTHING ALL ABOUT SENIORS – please come learn and get educated! This is a great opportunity to understand and learn what resources are available to seniors and their families.

2nd Annual OC Sizzling Senior Resource Fair

Friday November 4th, 2011

8:00am – 11:00am

Orange Senior Center, 170 S. Olive St. Orange CA 92866

For more info please contact Carin Arrigo-Zimmer at 714.290.2192 or email carinarrigozimmer@gmail.com

ALL proceeds benefit our awesome Orange Senior Center

You Ask, I Fix…with Boundaries

Carin Zimmer — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:57:15 +0000

Walking away from people I care about in my business is never easy. Nor am I flippant about doing such things. Yet I did just that, my very first time, when I walked away from a listing a few days ago….

My reasoning is quite simple: I value what I do. I believe my character, integrity and honest approach, along with the one-on-one time I spend with each client of mine is worth something. What I provide is of value.

We, us real estate minions, are an unruly lot. Many of us, what we do, how we serve, is gravely misunderstood by consumers. Some agents get argumentative, defending their position; an attitude of entitlement for the mere fact there’s an open house or two, Internet exposure of your listing and local postcards sent with “New Listing!” Big deal. There is no entitlement in service, only truth and due diligence. And fixing problems by offering solutions.

I find myself wavering back and forth between giving of my time and when to stop. One assumes consumers understand how we agents’ achieve a paycheck, that we see nothing until a home is sold. As for me, my character, I’m quite aware I give more (time, energy, etc) than I probably should. Problem lies in too much service. With my would-be client, an older gentleman, his situation as different and unique as the next seller, filled with anxiety about selling his home he’s had for so long. Not trivial in the least. Anxiety is something I greatly respect, no matter what age. For seniors, it’s another matter entirely. Without sensitivity, astute listening skills and a fierce sense of advocacy, many seniors will be taken advantage of. Therein lies my dilemma: where to set boundaries. Perhaps giving must have its own limits.

After working with the older gentleman for months, building a relationship, earning his trust, by the time we entered into signing the listing agreement, it came as little surprise he would not negotiate much on fees. Explaining the why’s, quite fruitless at that point, I quietly suggested he look up a company like Help-U-Sell, where they offer fee based services, more a la carte, if you will. Asking why I did not partake in this model, I simply shared that with me, one gets the entire package. Risk is great, greater than every in a real estate transaction these days. Above that, trust in one’s abilities serves most consumer’s well.

And with that, gathering all documents, I stood up, politely shook his hand, sincerely wished him the best and told him I’d always be available if he changed his mind. And that is true. I’m always available, ready to serve. And fix things. That’s what I do.

Seniors, Summer & Rummage Sales

Carin Zimmer — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 19:40:21 +0000

Hey, kids, it’s that time again!

Come on over to the Orange Senior Center and check out their annual Rummage Sale!

As always, Rita & Company, welcome the community to partake in all the illustrious goodies and items at the center. And please remember that ALL proceeds go directly back into the Orange Senior Center! If you have any items you’d like to donate, please feel free to call the center. Things needed include: clothing, household items, glassware and whatever you’d like! Here’s the skinny:

Friday July 22,2011

8:00am to 1:00

The Orange Senior Center

170 S. Olive St. Orange 92866 (Corner of Olive & Almond in Old Towne Orange)

714.538.9633

Please come join the Orange Senior Centers’ 13th Hearts on Carts Annual Golf Tournament!

Carin Zimmer — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:06:24 +0000

Say hello to Walgreens this Saturday – Again!

Carin Zimmer — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:12:40 +0000

Love ‘em or not, for many of us, pharmacies are part of our daily lives. More than that, the people behind the counter, pharmacist or tech, manager, or assistant, a pharmacy becomes a place where trust is the operative word. In tandem with a doctor, assisted living facility or board and care, a team approach is necessary when managing a loved one’s medication. Through my own personal experience, I’m fortunate to have found a team of professionals at a little well-known place called Walgreens. And now that Walgreens bought Watson’s pharmacy (which recently closed), the big branded pharmacy is lucky to have Scott Parker join their team. Scott knows how to hold on to a job. Forty years at Watson’s, he’s learning to reinvent himself in the world of a bigger pharma than he’s probably used to. (More about that another time) For now, please come by Walgreens to welcome Scott and say hello to Merianne, pharmacy manager, Tom, and some of the other wonderful people behind the counter! Even within the big brand of Walgreens, based on the people involved, one can always be a part of a community!

WALGREENS GRAND RE-WELCOMING CELEBRATION!

Corner of Tustin and Chapman in Orange

Saturday, March 26th

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Free blood pressure screening
Free Gifts
Great Sales
BBQ Hot Dogs
Root Beer Floats
Raffles

Open House in Orange Friday, Feb. 11th

Carin Zimmer — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:04:20 +0000

Lovely 3 bdrm, 2 bath located one mile from Old Towne Orange!

Friday, February 11th, 2011
1106 W. Cherry Drive Orange, CA 92868
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
1,250 Sqft
6,175 Lot
Asking Price: $405,000

Please come on by, take a look at this great house and just say hello!

Carin Arrigo-Zimmer (714) 290-2192

First Team Real Estate DRE #01464802

Cul-de-Sac Listings in Orange, Oh, Boy!

Carin Zimmer — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:53:18 +0000

I see here on the good ol’ MLS there are 2 new listings in Orange, in a great neighborhood (close to each other in proximity) both located on cul-de-sacs AND well priced! Went on walk, took a few pics via iPhone. .No interior pics, as appointment is requested for showings… check them out here!

HOUSE #1

Listing Price: $400,000
4 Bdr 3 Ba
1672 Sqft
6983 Lot
SHORT SALE

HOUSE #2

Listing Price: $390,000
3 Bdr 2 Ba
1,153 Sqft
8,800 Lot
STANDARD SALE

View of cul-de-sac from HOUSE #2

Quartermania: Quarter Auction!

Carin Zimmer — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:19:30 +0000

The Orange Senior Center is hosting their first Quarter Auction! What is a Quarter Auction? The event includes 10 vendors (i.e., jewelry, candles, etc) who each bring 10 items to auction off. Each item will NEVER be more that 4 quarters! And each participant gets their own auction paddle. How cool is that? A 50/50 drawing and raffle as well! As always, thanks for supporting our Seniors in Orange!

Quarter Auction

Saturday, January 15, 2011

11:00 am – 3:00 pm at Orange Senior Center

170 S. Olive Street Orange, CA 92866

(714) 538-9633

Entrance Fee – $10.00 includes lunch, dessert and auction paddle.

All Proceeds will be donated to the Orange Senior Center