Here at Amber Ostrich Estate Sales, we have many shoppers who are business owners and come to our estate sales to buy for their businesses.

This shopper profile is part of installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

Realtor Courtney Oldham and I go back a long way. We met years ago before I started as an estate sale company owner, when I was working as a massage therapist. She was a client at the salon. She has followed Amber Ostrich Estate Sales from the very beginning and has always been a loyal fan.

Not only that, Courtney has a connection to my last blog post about Maureen Milligan, who bought the Fred Webster estate sale home. After I posted the last blog post, I chatted with Courtney and she said she actually represented Milligan in the purchase of the home! What a coincidence!

Oldham has a connection to another of our estate sales, she was the listing agent for our estate sale home on Waterline, our estate sale titled, “From the Bradys to the Eighties.” This was the red door home that everyone fell in love with. And the funny thing is, I have a great story to tell about the couple who bought that home. That’s coming in next week’s blog post.

One of the things I’ve noticed since being in the estate sale business is that Realtors are a special breed of people. A good Realtor likes to help other people. That’s what it really takes to make a good real estate agent. And Courtney Oldham has that extra special side to her. Being a Realtor isn’t just about helping someone find a home to buy or listing a house for sale, Oldham said, it’s about helping them transition.

“If you’ve got a servant’s heart, that’s what it takes to make a good Realtor,” she said.

Oldham sticks with her clients through time. One of her favorite client stories is about one client, Claire, who Oldham sold her bachelorette pad and her now-husband’s bacholor pad. Then she helped them buy their first home together. Once they had a child, she helped them sell that home, then buy a bigger home.

“That’s the role I like to play. I’m there to help you throughout your whole life,” Oldham said.

But she’s not just a Realtor. She’s an Amber Ostrich shopper too. Oldham happened to be at the Fred Webster estate sale and knew all about the home when she got the call from Milligan. Her sister was in town and loves birds. She said she knew they had to hit up that sale because of the flora and fauna aspect of the home. So when Milligan called her about the house, she said she knew all about it. Small world, eh?

There were multiple offers on the table, but Oldham knew just how to get Milligan that special edge and she asked her to write a letter to the sellers. She said that writing a letter is just one way to get that extra edge up above the competition in home buying, which is fierce right now in Austin.

“Selling a home is a very emotional experience,” she said. “The seller often wants to know that (the person who buys) they care as equally and deeply as they did (about the home).”

Helping buyers isn’t the only area of expertise Oldham has, she is also an aggressive seller. She says that many Realtors are leaving a lot of money on the table when home selling and right now in Austin, it isn’t uncommon to get much more than the asking price. She also sold Milligan’s former home and they received $20,000 over the asking price. Oldham says that the majority of her recent home sales have all gone over the asking price.

“That’s not an accident.”

Courtney Oldham is a Realtor/Broker for Keller Williams. You can check out her website here at: http://www.kw.com/kw/agent/courtneyoldham

The post Courtney Oldham, Realtor, Long Time Amber Ostrich Friend: An AO Shopper Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

Jonna Juul-Hansen, Realtor for the Fred Webster estate.

Here at Amber Ostrich Estate Sales, we have many shoppers who are business owners and come to our estate sales to buy for their businesses.

This shopper profile is part of installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

It’s fun when you get to work in the same neighborhood that you live in. That’s just what Jonna Juul-Hansen does, well, sometimes.

She was the Realtor for one of our clients home, where we hosted a recent Amber Ostrich estate sale, the home of author Fred S. Webster. Jonna also lives in the Shoalmont neighborhood, where she does a lot of business, although, not exclusively.

Shoalmont is one of the HOT neighborhoods in Austin right now.

With a lot of political diversity, as well as age diversity, the 50s-style homes in this neighborhood have both some of its original residents and many new families moving in. Juul-Hansen says she enjoys the neighborhood for many reasons: it’s friendliness, and the eclectic nature of the residents.

She also loves the neighborhood because of the styles of the houses. Ranch style houses with carports, she says, promotes a friendlier neighborhood.

“You have to get out of your car near the street. It makes for a much friendlier way of interacting with your neighbors.”

Juul-Hansen says that one of the great things about older Austin neighborhoods, a reason many of them are so popular, and what makes them so unique is a mix of the type of residents. They are diverse, politically and in age, with a nice mixture of long-term residents and new families moving in, giving a stability to the neighborhoods.

The Webster house sold late last year, right after the Amber Ostrich estate sale. In fact, it sold to an estate sale shopper who happened to come to the sale and fall in love with the house. But Juul-Hansen said she got several offers from people who, “wanted to buy a piece of history.”

 You May Recognize Jonna Juul-Hansen from the Big Screen

One of the fun parts about being an Austinite is that the people here live interesting lives. By day Jonna Juul-Hansen is a Realtor, but she is also an actress. You may have seen her in movies like Oliver Stone’s W, where she played Jan O’Neill, a friend of the Bush’s and in a local film, Mars, she played Kinky Friedman’s wife.

Because of her ties to the creative community Juul-Hansen says she often works in eclectic neighborhoods. And her attitude from working with many creatives allows her to keep an open mind with all types of neighborhoods.

“I work intuitively to guide people to make choices that align with what they want to create with their life…. I enjoy aligning people with their higher purpose with the planet. That is what inspires me.”

You can visit Jonna Juul-Hansen’s website here at www.jonnajuulhansen.com

The post Jonna Juul-Hansen: An AO Shopper Business Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog about a vintage sofa purchased by a shopper who designs her own textiles. That sofa was bought at our last AO estate sale in Shoalmont. Then it was redesigned. And it is now for sale on a trendy new Austin store on S. Lamar, Mockingbird Domestics.

Featured prominently in the front of the store, Spaniola’s lovely sofa is selling for $3,750.

The store has been opened for about a year and a half. Owner Laura Daly says she is thrilled with Spaniola’s work and already has a few chairs in the store that she designed.

Spaniola, owner of Bunglo, upcycles vintage furniture with new material that she designs herself.

Mockingbird specializes in repurposed vintage furniture. All the furniture in the store is either vintage redesigned or made in Texas. Many of the artists they work with are in Austin.

They also hold artist-run workshops, so be sure to check out the website… and the store! It’s filled with treasures. And while you’re you’re at it, be sure and say hi to Laura.

Mockingbird Domestics website

The post Follow the Vintage Sofa appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

This shopper profile is part of installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

Have you ever wondered just what dealers or buyers do with the stuff they buy at estate sales? Shaylene Spaniola, owner of Bunglo, a textile design company, is just one of those buyers who takes the old and makes it new.

At our last estate sale Spaniola bought this vintage sofa, designed a fabric for it and will be selling it at Mockingbird, a local Austin home furnishings store.

Here is Spaniola on the sofa on the day she bought it at the estate sale:

And here’s what it looks like now:

Bunglo, is a textile design company. As an artist, Spaniola works to create fashionable and modern designs on vintage furniture. She also designs linens and bedding.

She trys to keep her work as green as possible. She said that by using vintage furniture it allows her to keep her company’s footprint low.

“I like to take a beautiful product and bring it back to life.”

Keep an eye out for more updates on this vintage sofa’s life. We’ll be following it to the store and letting you know all the details!

The post Shaylene Spaniola and Bunglo: An AO Shopper Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

with Chef Massi Mori

From
Siena, Italy

Hosted by Deborah Larsen of
Italy Unfiltered
www.italyunfiltered.com

With Chef Massi Mori
From
Siena, Italy

In South Austin
Near Manchaca & Dittmar
Just South of Wm Cannon

It is all about

The FOOD

Monday
February 17th
7-9 PM

RSVP Required

Cost for food is $10

Come and Taste a sampling of items brought back from Italy

Attention Foodies and Lovers of all Things Italy

This is truly a unique chance to taste the real flavors of Italy here in South Austin. 

Not your typical pairing event

Come and Taste the Way it is Done

Italian Style with a Real Italian Chef

Chef Massi Mori will present pairings from Tuscany

Including:

Wines

Cheeses

Meats 

and More!

Let’s pour the wine and start the conversation about your dream vacation to Italy!

Cheese from Tuscany region.

Come be curious! Visit my travel blog.

Monday
February 17th
7-9 PM

RSVP
Cost for food is $10.00

RSVP 

Brunello di Montalcino, Casanova di Neri
Rosso di Montalcino, Casanova di Neri
Barbera d’ Alba, Franco Rocca
Barbera d’ Asti, Rocco dell’ Olmo

Buon Appetito!

The photos speak for themselves!

Click here for photos of Italy.

Address:  Will be provided upon payment through Paypal.
Event hosted in private home located just South of  Wm. Cannon.
Near Manchaca & Dittmar in South Austin

See you there! 

–Deb 

The post Tuscany to Texas, A Sensual Food Experience with Italian Chef Massi Mori, Monday appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

I’ve been on vacation, taking the much needed time to re-charge and refuel for the upcoming busy estate sale season. I usually take time off around the holidays and in January, since it’s typically a slow time of year for estate sales.

I want to tell you about my vacation and how it’s turning into a small, side business for me!

Don’t worry, Amber Ostrich isn’t going anywhere!

In fact, I’m working on a few upcoming projects and will be announcing them soon enough. So it won’t be long before you’ll be heading on over to an Amber Ostrich estate sale. I am holding down my corner of the Austin vintage and antique market.

But more on my new side business venture.

As many of you may know, I love Italy. I mean I really LOVE it.

I visited Italy for the first time a few years ago and simply fell in love with the people, the food, the views, and of course, the history and culture.

When I travel to Italy I become transformed and learn to love life and the way of life in Italy.

I want to share with you my experiences, and if  YOU need to re-charge, or re-fuel, then come to Italy, and I will show you how YOU too can fall in love with yourself all over again.

I have set up a new website  for customized travel with an emphasis on personal enrichment. I am available to begin helping customers plan for their 2014 Spring/Summer/Fall Italian Experience.

While in Italy, just a few of the fun activities I’ve been up to:

Eating lots of delicious food:

Visiting with friends: with Bill, Lynore, Lliam and Siena Soffer hiking Mt Etna in Sicily.

Truffle hunting:

And enjoying the beautiful countryside: fresh crisp air and views

There is so much to experience in Italy. And you can see more on my new website, Italy Unfiltered. Let me be your personal guide during your travels in Italy. Please get in touch if you’re interested!

Contact Deb for travel to Italy.

The post To Italy and Back: New Side Business appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

This shopper profile is part of installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

You may recognize this dress. She bought it at our Pflugerville estate sale!

Melinda Ledbetter is joining the forces of people who take something they love and start blogging about it. About six months ago, she took the plunge and started Austin Vintage Blog where she blogs about her local vintage buys and her general love of vintage.

A former wedding planner, Ledbetter said she loved the vintage weddings the most and still had a collection of antique and vintage wedding items when she quit that business after suffering from back problems.

Ledbetter was no stranger to thrifting even before her wedding planning days. As a child she and her mother shopped at garage sales. And growing up in Victoria, TX, she and her mother shopped antique and vintage stores all the time.

“I’ve always been so addicted to it,” she said.

At one point, Ledbetter’s scouring of thrift and antique stores turned up a major

score. She found a Wavecrest opal vase, which she bought for a mere $2.50. It turned

Wearing the UT dress found at the Amber Ostrich Pflugerville estate sale.

out to be worth about $350.

At that point, she said, she knew she was hooked and needed an outlet to tell other people about her finds.

Wedding planing and antique vases aside, Ledbetter’s passion for vintage is in the clothes.

“(Vintage) clothing is my passion,” she said. Her favorite being, “the roaring 20s.”

You can visit Austin Vintage Blog for more info. The blog will begin to feature monthly “recycled  rewards” where she will feature local venues and give away cool stuff she finds.

Read more Amber Ostrich Business Profiles here. If you are a business owner who shops our sales, email deb@amberostrich.com to be profiled on our blog!

The post Austin Vintage Blog: An AO Shopper Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

Regina Henderson of Sunny Day Real Estate sold one of our recent estate sale homes.

Here at Amber Ostrich Estate Sales, we have many shoppers who are business owners and come to our estate sales to buy for their businesses.

This shopper profile is the first in an installation of a new blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

Selling a home turned Regina Henderson into a brand new estate sale shopper. Henderson is the realtor who sold the home on Texas Avenue, one of our recent estate sales.

Home on Texas Ave. Sold by Regina Henderson of Sunny Day Real Estate.

Henderson understands the value of reviving treasures from the past. For years while she raised children, she put her career on hold. Then last year she dusted off her realtor’s license and began selling houses again.

Henderson is no stranger to real estate though. Working for her  family’s business, she and husband owned rental properties and some of her family has gone into similar business. She sells homes and her son, Reed Henderson, brokers the sale.

“Our whole family loves real estate,” she said.

Her other son is a web designer and her daughter is an acupuncturist. They all share office space in a refurbished home at 45th and Duval.

Henderson said that family is what drew her to real estate, especially for clients who may need estate sales at the end of life.

“I like working with older sellers,” she said. It’s wrapping up a life phase.”

Henderson said she had never shopped at an estate sale until the Amber Ostrich Estate sale we hosted for her property listing on Texas Avenue. Regina bought two bracelets and she’s now hooked on estate sales.

In a nod to Amber Ostrich, she said she had worked with another estate sale company during a previous sale and knew that she would need a different company this time around. A personal recommendation and positive Yelp reviews helped her find Amber Ostrich.

You can find Regina Henderson at Sunny Day Real Estate.

The post Regina Henderson of Sunny Day Real Estate: An AO Business Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

Rebekka Adams, owner of Bloomers and Frocks, stands next to a vintage Don Loper, currently being sold on Etsy.

Here at Amber Ostrich Estate Sales, we have many shoppers who are business owners and come to our estate sales to buy for their businesses.

This shopper profile is part of an installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

Rebekka Adams fell in love with vintage at an early age.

At 12, Adams watched her grandfather tinker with old televisions and helped her grandma sell costume jewelry in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Laughing she said, “That’s what I did every summer. I hustled with my grandparents at flea markets.”

Fond memories of childhood have turned Adams into an online entrepreneur. After a job loss, she turned back to what she knew, vintage and hustling. She opened up her Etsy store, Bloomers and Frocks.

While attending a wedding in New York last winter, she came across a bargain. An estate sale being held by a grandmother and granddaughter, she watched a potential young saleswoman, much like her childhood self, haul her grandmother’s vintage clothing down from the attic.

“I said, I’ll take it all,” when they offered the bargain price of 25 cents for each item.

She shipped 10 boxes back to Texas, stocked her inventory and hasn’t stopped since.

A storeroom filled with vintage items await you at her Etsy store. Items are stored in Austin, but stocked from estate sales around the country.

You can see her website here: Bloomers and Frocks website

And her Etsy shop here: Bloomers and Frocks on Etsy

The Don Loper showed above is here: Don Loper Dress

The post Bloomers and Frocks: An AO Business Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.

Here at Amber Ostrich Estate Sales, we have many shoppers who are business owners and come to our estate sales to buy for their businesses.

This shopper profile is part of an installation of a blog series about our shoppers who are also business owners.

Monica Boeckman is an artist who is inspired by inner pain. Merging the inner world with the outer world of dead flesh and zombies, Boeckman attempts to paint pain on flesh.

Sketching out her next project, inspired by a flesh eating bug.

Her art consists of paintings and photography. In her “Dead Flesh” series she starts with a painted human then eventually takes photos, which become the art, rather than the paint, which is only a means to an end in this series.

Her “Living Dead Women” series was inspired by George Romero horror movies. Although her zombies do resemble movie zombies in some manner, she says that her greatest desire is to portray the inner pain of the human behind the gore.

“I wanted to paint the people’s inner zombie…. Show the beauty of sadness.”

One of the ways Boeckman uses estate sale shopping in her art is by picking up antique photos and vintage frames. In her “Family Portraits of the Living Dead” series, she used old photos and scratched them with an ink-filled needle for the initial process, then eventually put them to canvas and framed them with old frames.

Boeckman says the reaction to her art ranges from amused to horrified. Whatever the reaction, she says she will plow ahead toward her goal of making peace with pain.

“What I really want them to feel, is to see the art, see the soul of the person and know they are not alone. Everyone feels dead inside sometimes. But it will pass.”

You can check out Monica Boeckman’s artwork on her website: monicaberniece.com/

She will be having her next show at Wake the Dead coffee shop in San Marcos in October.

The post Artist Monica Boeckman: An AO Shopper Profile appeared first on Amber Ostrich Estate Sales.