Costa Mesa's Neighborhood Blog: Knowing Who to Call is at Least as Important as Knowing What to Do!

A blog about Newport and Costa Mesa with an emphasis on Costa Mesa Real Estate and Newport Beach Real Estate, written by a lifetime local resident of coastal Orange County whose knowledge of the area, combined with a strong background in mortgages, real estate and being an attorney, gives her clients many advantages.

Knowing Who to Call is at Least as Important as Knowing What to Do!

Knowing Who to Call is at Least as Important as Knowing What to Do!

 

 

Last week, when I was called by Nightline for an interview in just a couple of hours, I was in no way ready for primetime (or late night tv).  I was dressed very casually without much any makeup, flip flops, tank top, etc.  I didn't have any appointments and hadn't put myself together.

 

I could have done this myself, but knowing I had limited time, I also knew that I didn't have time to do it myself.  Sometimes doing it yourself (whether getting dressed up, making repairs, or selling a home) just isn't the best option.  Often it takes longer or isn't done as well.

 

Fortunately, I have a large list of experts to contact for many different needs.

 

That day, I contacted Lori Mazalewski, my Nordstrom Personal Shopper.  I quickly explained to her that I had very limited time to look my best, and I was at least a half hour away.  She calmly began to outline a plan.  She asked me to run home for a couple of items; she would take a quick lunch, have clothes and a makeup artist waiting for me when I got to Nordstom.

 

 (I thought about putting in a before shot, but Vanity just wouldn't do it. So, you'll get the finished product below.)

 

I arrived, and as always, Lori had the perfect outfit for me.  I didn't bring any jewelry, no problem.  She and her assistant, Kristin, handled that too.  They were clipping tags off of me and ringing me up in no time.  Dressed in my new outfit, I knew that I was headed for a smashing interview.  How could I miss feeling like a million bucks?

 

Lori, then walked me down to cosmetics and introduced me to Natasha Dressler of Smashbox.  This was a woman who had worked as a makeup artist in Hollywood!  How perfect was that?

 

Lori quickly explained to Natasha that I had very limited time to be in full makeup and on my way to my interview. 

 

Natasha asked me a few quick questions to get an idea of my personal style and then quickly went to work.  Thirty minutes later, my new look matched my new outfit.  I felt completely ready for my interview.  She had kept my look pretty natural in keeping with my personal taste and yet complemented my features and coloring.

 

 

 

Orange County Short Sales Nightline Interview

 

I'm sure that anyone who saw me come into Nordstrom just a little more than an hour before, would not have recognized the person who left.

 

Could I have gotten all of this done myself in the limited time frame?  Probably, but would I have done it as well?  Probably not, and probably without a lot more fuss and stress.

 

This was a good reminder to me, that the do it yourself method is not always the best whether it's getting ready for a big national televsion interview, home repairs or selling your home.

 

I'm fortunate to have gathered a great group of professionals around me who are available to help me and my clients in almost any situation.

So, if you are feeling the need to spruce up your wardrobe, please call Lori Mazalewski at 714.549.8300 and be sure to tell her Christine Donovan sent you.  If your makeup needs updating or you just want a new look, give Natasha Dressler a call at the same number.  And, when you walk out, be sure you have somewhere to go other than straight home because you're going to want to show off the new you!

 

If you need any other recommendations for other professionals in the Orange County area, please give me a call at 714.319.9751.

Click the link for more information on my Nightline Interview on Orange County Short Sales

 

 

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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Comments

So true...knowing who to call is very important...

Posted by Praful Thakkar - Real Estate Consultant Andover Homes For Sale North Andover (Keller Williams Realty) over 1 year ago

Absolutely right on knowing who to call. Did your part come on the west coast feed? I think I recorded this, but remembered something about a different version depending on time zone.

Posted by Scott Hayes Austin Real Estate Agency Austin, Texas ((512) 786-8300) over 1 year ago

Good morning Christine,

Great analogy! There are times you need to rely on the professionals to obtain the best results! Knowing who to call is the key..congratulations!!

Posted by Dorie Dillard RealtorĀ® Canyon Creek NW Austin TX homes for sale (Coldwell Banker United Realtors) over 1 year ago

Christine - Congratulations on Nightline.  Also, I love Smashbox.  Mostly it seems I love having it in the Drawer of Hope (you know, the contents of which I HOPE to use someday).  Your point about getting expert help and knowing when to ask for it is so true.  Good blog.  Thanks.

Posted by Valerie Zinger (House Proud Ottawa-Ontario-Canada) over 1 year ago

Christine....I love the look you achieved.   It is true that knowing who to call when you need something is of paramount importance.

Posted by Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Author, Speaker, Consultant, Second Homes AZ LLC) over 1 year ago

Congratulations on your Nightline appearance! I'm so proud of you!

Posted by Coleen Donovan Frisco Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Frisco) over 1 year ago

You look great, Christine.  I am sure you did a great interview also.  Let us know when it airs.  I thought you just did one?

Posted by Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate (310-473-6919) (Power Brokers Int'l) over 1 year ago

Christine, you did the right thing and the results were GRAND! Now, how did the interview go???? :)

Posted by Connie Harvey Realtor Nashville TN Real Estate (Pilkerton Realtors) over 1 year ago

Praful - It sure makes life easier.

Scott - As far as I know, it hasn't run yet.

Dorie - I sure think so.

Carra - Thank you.  There's only so much we can know in life, and then we need the help of others.

Coleen - Thanks, Sis.

Jane - I only did one.  I had told Lori and Natasha I would acknowledge their help, and I hadn't had a chance yet.

Posted by Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 (Donovan Blatt Team - Donovan Group Realty) over 1 year ago

Connie -  I think it went pretty well, but won't know until I see the final piece.

 

Posted by Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 (Donovan Blatt Team - Donovan Group Realty) over 1 year ago

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