Real Estate by Signal

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . R1

SCV Community Pride â&#x2DC;&#x2026; REAL ESTATE

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Community

PRIDE Real Estate

The Nicole Stinson Group Believes in Helping Families Find a Home to Grow In

Dan Watson/The Signal

Real Estate Broker Nicole Stinson at one of her listings in Santa Clarita.

R2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Real Estate The Nicole Stinson Group

Realtors with the Personal Touch

Dan Watson/For the Signal

Realtor Fiona Alvarez and Broker Nicole Stinson at one of their listings in Santa Clarita. By Jim Walker

here’s no doubt the Santa Clarita Valley is one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California. In 2006 the city of Santa Clarita was ranked by Money Magazine as 18th in the top 100 places to live in the United States. People are moving to the area in droves and The Nicole Stinson Group works tirelessly to be sure clients find the right home in the neighborhood that best suits their needs. Broker/Owner Nicole Stinson has been optimizing real estate transactions in the Santa Clarita Valley since 2008. When asked what sets them apart from other real estate companies, Stinson says she and her team pride themselves on providing a personal touch. “Although we are a high-volume company,” said Stinson, “our priority is the human element. Our goal is to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives. They are people whose lives will be impacted by the decisions they make. So whether they’re buying or selling, we handle them with care. Our clients become clients for life.” Stinson believes communication is the foundation of a good relationship. The first thing her Realtors do is listen to their clients. “When people talk about a real estate experience that didn’t go well,” she said, “the common denominator is often poor communication between them and their Realtor. At the Nicole Stinson Group we believe that establishing clear expectations from the start sets the stage for a successful transaction.” Every team member with The Nicole Stinson Group is updated regularly on every file so that each knows the details and particulars. “At any time,” added Stinson, “we have our clients’ best interests at heart. As partners in the transaction with our seller and/or buyer, we believe remaining close to the process is critical so that we can keep our seller and buyer informed along the way. Clear communication from the beginning is key.” The Realtors at The Nicole Stinson Group have extensive knowledge of the SCV real estate mar-

ket. They are always informed about what properties are available and they always know the most recent fair market values. They listen closely and take a proactive approach to each client’s needs. “This makes our team the perfect choice, whether you are buying or selling a home,” Stinson said. “Our knowledge, experience and dedication consis-

“The Nicole Stinson Group believes in helping families find a home to grow in, and in helping sellers get the greatest amount of money in the shortest amount of time.”

tently generate successful outcomes. We are committed to producing fast results while meeting all your needs.” Referrals are an integral part of the success of any business, and The Nicole Stinson Group has built strong relationships within the community, ensuring their stability. The team members have extensive experience handling sensitive property transactions. Because of this, attorneys and CPAs regularly refer The Nicole Stinson Group to clients who need assistance with challenging sales such as probate, divorce, trustee sales and wealth management. “The Nicole Stinson Group believes in helping

families find a home to grow in, and in helping sellers get the greatest amount of money in the shortest amount of time,” Stinson said. “And we also believe in reaching out to the community, to those in need. When our clients list or buy homes with The Nicole Stinson Group, we will donate five percent of our gross commission to the charity of their choice.” Nicole Stinson is a strong believer in volunteerism and has been an active supporter of nonprofit organizations within the community for decades. “I love giving back to my community, and try and help local nonprofits by volunteering or attending and supporting their events,” she said. She is founder and chairperson of what is now the 5th SCV Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off, scheduled this month. The event, which is one of the most popular in the SCV, was born of an idea scribbled on a napkin. The first year the event drew in massive amounts of community and corporate support and raised $5,000 for local charities. Since then the event has grown, raising over $40,000 in 2016. “We hope to raise $65,000 this year,” said Stinson proudly. Stinson is also Program Director for the Women’s Council of Realtors of the Santa Clarita Valley and sits on that board. This is her first term. She is now serving her fourth year on the SRAR (Southland Regional Association of Realtors – SCV Division) Council. Nicole Stinson makes no secret of the fact that she loves being involved on the back end and giving back to the board, saying, “I love helping add value to our members. I also enjoy fighting for the rights of homeowners.” The Nicole Stinson Group offices are located at 28100 Bouquet Canyon Road, #214, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. For information visit www.nicolestinson.com, email nicole@nicolestinson.com or call (661) 816-4234. You can learn more about the 5th SCV Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off at www.scvcharitychilicookoff.com.

Photo Dan Watson/For the Signal

Dan Watson/For the Signal

Broker Nicole Stinson, left, and Buyer Specialist Meg Bellissimo discuss a property at the Nicole Stinson Group office.

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . R3

Green Thumb Nursery Maintains Strong Roots in Santa Clarita Valley By Cully Schneider

trolling down the aisles of Newhall’s Green Thumb Nursery you quickly become enveloped in all that is gardening. From potted French Lavender to supplies for garden koi ponds, Green Thumb has plenty to keep an avid gardener busy. Started in 1947, Green Thumb planted its roots with its very first store in Canoga Park. The nursery was founded by Dale Bergquist, who decided to move to California after serving in the Army during WWII. Bergquist had been working at a seed company when he convinced his co-worker Errol Newton to purchase a nursery with him. Decades later, Green Thumb is still family owned and operated and has grown to a total of five stores, with the Newhall location opening in 1970. According to John Windsor, Garden Shop Consultant for the nursery, Green Thumb’s employees and Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal years of residence in SCV John Windsor, Certified Arborist and Horticultural Consultant at Green Thumb, tends to flowers and plants in the garden. help it stand out among the crowd of local nurseries. “The quality of help and the quality of the in. Of course, as the seasons change the nursery drip irrigation has been very popular over the last employees and the fact we’ve been here [since] outside changes, so you see different plants and few years…a little bit of everything you can find here. And one of the best pottery selections you’ll 1970, so we’re the oldest nursery here. We’ve got things,” says Windsor. As far as what customers are looking for when find anywhere,” Windsor said. The nursery recently good roots here in the community; most of the employees are from the community,” remarks Wind- they come into the store, Windsor says over the doubled the size of its pottery section and has new years there has been a rise in popularity for edible selections in the store regularly. sor. A regular occurrence for Green Thumb Nursery Green Thumb Nursery keeps its involvement gardening with vegetable gardening and fruit tree in the community fresh with its support of local gardening topping the list of sought after nursery involves customers coming in after work and takgarden clubs and by offering free seminars each items. Even customers with limited space in their ing a relaxing walk through its large outdoor area month at the store. Some of the seminar topics in- backyards can pick up a dwarf fruit tree – a smaller where they can find fruit trees, cacti, herbs, flowclude education on fruit trees, vegetable gardening version of a full sized fruit tree that produces full- ers and much more. There is definitely a serene feeling from walking through the nursery’s open air sized fruit. and succulents. “We’re a full service nursery. We sell plants and and exploring the various plants and flowers. It is Another draw for customers is the store’s variety of plants throughout the year. “It’s always chang- soil amendments. We have patio furniture. We no wonder that customers want to bring that feeling. There’s always something new when you come have a gift section. We sell irrigation supplies – ing back to their own backyards.

Green Thumb Garden Center’s

n i v n e r A s a 7 4 Serving Santa Clarita 1970 - 2017 ry Spring Opening th

Saturday, March 25, 2017 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Come celebrate with us Saturday, March 25th • Refreshments • Hand Tool Sharpening by Accurate Edge (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) • Hourly Drawings • Vendor Demonstrations • Seminar - Garden Design (9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.) • Special one day pricing throughout the store (3-25-17)

Green Thumb Garden Center 23734 Newhall Ave., Old Town Newhall (661) 259-1072 • OPEN DAILY 9-5:30PM

R4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Nicole Stinson Broker Associate CalBRE#01854096 Estate Realty Group 661-816-4234 Nicole@Nicolestinson.com

Fiona Alvarez

“Trusted” Realtor® CalBRE# 01888712 Estate Realty Group 661-644-3494 Fiona@Nicolestinson.com

Meg Bellissimo

“Trusted” Realtor® CalBRE# 01132983 Estate Realty Group 661-645-9604 Meg@Nicolestinson.com

Our Approach is Unique We pride ourselves on being a company who provides a personal touch with every transaction. We are not a scripted or number driven company. We prefer the human element and like to communicate with each client on a personal level. We are professionals dedicated to perfection with an out of the box way of looking at things.

28100 Bouquet Canyon Road #214, Santa Clarita,

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . R5

Helping You Move Forward

“Thank you for the wonderful job you did for us. Considering today’s market we never thought we would have such a great outcome! I’ve never seen an agent work as hard as you did, you are excellent! I would recommend your services to my closest friend and family. Many thanks!” — Ralph & Deborah Sellers

The Nicole Stinson Group believes in making a difference in the lives of our community. “Nicole Stinson is truly a rare find these days in the real estate world. She’s absolutely the best realtor out there! She is professional, extremely organized, honest, ethical and always keeps her word.” - Betty Z.

CA 91350 | www.nicolestinson.com

R6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Century 21 Troop Real Estate Serves Its Clients On a Global Platform By Cully Schneider

ocated near Santa Clarita’s City Hall, and with additional offices all around Ventura County, Century 21 Troop Real Estate has made a name for itself in the real estate industry. The company continues to serve its customers’ needs with the addition of a globally recognized brand. The decision to merge Troop Real Estate with Century 21 has given this local business the opportunities and brand recognition that will help better serve its clients. George Morris, CEO and founder of Utah’s Century 21 Everest Realty Group since its inception in 2009, brings years of experience operating a successful Century 21 independently owned brokerage. His partnership with his best friend of 23 years John Ciet and Troop Real Estate’s founder Brian Troop to co-own the Santa Clarita office under the Century 21 brand was a perfect match. “We were looking to obviously get our horizons a little further out of state from the Utah standpoint and looking for an owner/operator who had the same integrity, values, belief systems – the way they treated a client from a client centric standpoint, also from an agent standpoint how they were treated, how they were trained and how they were coached, the environment, the culture, the leadership, and we found that Brian Troop and Troop Real Estate had those same components; almost it was as if we were looking in a mirror,” explains Morris about the merger. In April of last year the merger was complete. Morris describes it as “an extraordinary experience at the highest level.” He remarks, “Our organization, although it is a real estate company, is ultimately a personal development company…as an owner in the organization our job is to develop our agents so that they can then be the very best they need to be for their client or the people in which we serve in Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas.” Clients benefit from the Century 21 collaboration by having access to a globally recognized brand with excellent tools in the real estate industry. Paul Gonzales,

Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal

Group photo of the staff at Century 21 Troop Real Estate. the Santa Clarita office’s branch manager further explains, “Being a part of the Century 21 brand for clients is very advantageous because of the corporation’s ability to virtually give technology that’s second to none on a global platform.” An additional benefit for customers is the care Century 21 Troop Real Estate takes with developing and nurturing its agents’ abilities to serve the client. “What really kind of makes us different is we’re also the only company that has life coaches in our management team…so we are a personal development and sales company that happens to do real estate. We coach each and every one of our employ-

ees, our Realtors, in their personal development as people and realtors.” According to Gonzales, his office does the standard training found in most brokerages, but also tries to ensure that employees have “a balanced wheel of life.” The company’s unique approach to cultivating its 33 full-time Realtors along with a commitment to superior customer service has earned them the JD Power and Associates Award in buyer recognition and customer and seller satisfaction for the last three years. The award is just another example of how Century 21 Troop Real Estate works hard to exceed its clients’ expectations.

Courtesy photo

George Morris, CEO and founder of Utah’s Century 21 Everest Realty Group.

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . R7

Poseidon Pools:

Part of the SCV’s ‘Back Yard’ for 16 Years By Jim Walker

oseidon Pools is a full service pool construction and maintenance company, specializing in creating beautiful backyard environments. Owner Jason Stauffer, who has been building pools in the Santa Clarita Valley for 16 years, said, “The first thing that sets our company apart from others is really our attention to detail and working closely with our clients. I am involved in all stages of our projects from design to completion, and I’m frequently on the jobs myself, making sure things are being done as per plan and to my clients’ expectations. “I also work closely with my clients throughout the project, including making decisions on materials that suit their specific design needs. So we are not only the pool builder, we are the architect, the designer and the client’s assistant in making tough decisions for a beautifully finished project.” Stauffer added, “The other thing that sets us apart from other companies is that we not only build pools, we cater to all aspects of a backyard environment, such as fire pits, barbecue islands, decorative concrete, synthetic turf and drought-tolerant landscaping. We’ll also do the front yard. And we don’t just build it. We also offer pool service once your project is done.” He explained that Poseidon Pools uses American-manufactured Hayward pool products. “They are backed by a three-year warranty when we build your pool, and there is a four-year warranty on the industry’s most electrically efficient, variable speed filtration pump, the TriStar VS 950. This is the longest warranty in the industry,” he said. Stauffer added that the Hayward line has the latest technology when it comes to controlling your pool, spa and related features, such as waterfalls and color-changing light shows, utilizing any web accessible smart device. “You want your spa heated and ready to use when you get home from a long day’s work? Done with the touch of your fingertip,” he said. He explained that the Hayward line includes the most intuitive remote control system available, called the OmniLogic (www.thepow-

Courtesy photo

Jason Stauffer, owner of Poseidon Pools and his Bobcat Excavator. erofsimple.com). Over the years, Poseidon has become an integral part of the SCV community. “I have been building pools in the Santa Clarita area since 2001,” Stauffer said, “which made me fall in love with the city. I moved here in 2002 and have been here ever since. I have quite a bit of family that live in the area, where we sponsor school and sporting events. We also sponsor and participate in the SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off. I involve my clients that we’re working with when we’re trying out different recipes by bringing them samples and getting their opinions. So it’s a joint effort by Poseidon Pools and its cli-

(855) 661-POOL (818) 430-6661 Locally owned and operated • Lic. #838031

Swimming Pool and Hard Scape Design Construction, Repair, and Maintenance Facebook.com/SCVPoseidonPools

ents to make the tastiest chili out there.” He noted that the event is coming up this March. “So come down and try it out,” he said. In summarizing, Stauffer emphasized, “Our company is big enough to handle the demands of our clients’ needs but still small enough to get the one on one attention from myself, so the construction project runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish.” For information call (855) 661-POOL (7665) or email info@poseidonpools.us. The website is www. poseidonpools.us and the Facebook page is www. facebook.com/scvposeidonpools. Stauffer said the company has a Five-Star rating on Yelp.

R8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride ★ REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Valencia Custom Shower Doors Strives for Customer Satisfaction By Kateri Wozny

t Valencia Custom Shower Doors, the mission is clear and simple: to treat every customer fairly and offer the best service and product. “We love helping our customers and want to offer friendly and fair pricing,” said Christy Crawford, owner. The family business has been operational since 2004 and is also owned by Crawford’s husband, Stuart, managed by Clayton Stovall and has 13 employees. The company prides itself on the values of being honest, prompt, careful, comprehensive and professional, according to the website. Stuart has been in the glass making industry for more than 25 years and when it came time to open a business, it was a natural progression. Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal “We want to treat evThe crew at Valencia Custom Shower Doors, from left: Brandon Thorne, Clayton Stovall, Stuart Crawford and Christy Crawford. eryone like family since we are a family owned remodeling project include placement, size, light, and want to pay for it,” Crawford said. business,” Crawford said. entry and ventilation. The process begins with the The employees also stay active in the commu“My number one source of pride is our employ- team showing the customer a variety of enclosures nity by volunteering their time to Mommy’s Little ees, they are special to me.” and performing a free measurement estimate to Monsters: Exotic Pet Rescue and Educational PreValencia Custom Shower Doors offers custom determine the best scenario. Once the customer sentations. glass solutions for storefronts, walls and parti- approves the plan, the product is installed within “I originally went to school to be a zookeeper and tions, tabletops, mirrors, residential doors, re- two to three days, according to Crawford. I wanted to work with reptiles, so this is my way of placement windows, window repair, office and Crawford also says that a shower enclosure giving back,” Crawford said. gym, and pattered glass. Shower enclosures are serves a purpose. In the future, Crawford says she wants the busiwhat the business is most known for. “When you spend all of your [design] money on ness to expand by focusing more on window instal“We do shower enclosures as well as retro-fit tile and fixtures, the shower enclosure is supposed lations. windows,” Crawford said. “The showers are the to be invisible,” she said. “We are really trying to grow with windows and majority of our business. There’s a reason why our Prices range from $445 for a shower sliding door we want to add another installation crew focused customers say, ‘My shower is better than yours.’” to more than $1,000 for a customized enclosure. “The sky’s the limit if you have an imagination on that,” she said. Factors to consider when tackling a bathroom

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