Styles of Southern California- Palm Desert

One of the greatest things about Southern California is the many different locations types and climates.  From the mountains that get blankets of snow to the mild temperature beaches that can often stay pretty cool, to the dry hot desert.  These different climates also give way to different house types.  I think we can all agree that looking at different styles of homes across the globe is a fun treat.  And while homes can be made with a particular appearance that is creative and pleasing to the eye, a lot of homes are designed with functionality aspects that are often overlooked by a lot of people.

You'll find some pictures of homes that I took from a neighborhood in Palm Desert.  For some people, these are homes they see everyday but for someone that may live in the midwest or East Coast, these may look like something they only see in books or movies.  And while everyone has their own taste with what they like, I find these homes to be very cool.  Here are a few things about them that make them suitable for the desert that other homes may not have. 

*Flat or low-pitched roofs.  The pitch of a roof AKA the angle the roof has or doesn't have on top is one of the most telling things about the climate where a home is located.  Most roofs that are very tall and pointy looking are located in places that are wet or may get snow. Rain and snow can damage a roof if it sits on it or weighs it down so the pitch helps it fall to the ground.  In the desert, however, most homes are made flat or have very little pitch because that extra attic space only traps in heat.  A lot of these roofs are also covered in small rocks that not only protect the layer below it from the sun but rocks easy take on then release heat.

*Pops of color.  Homes built around the 50's and 60's really brought on fun colors like orange and turquoise and you'll see colors like this throughout the desert. And while the colors are fun, they also come from the pops of color you see naturally in the desert.  When you look around, you can surely see a lot of browns, tans, and grey but there are a lot of dryscape plants that display bright purples, oranges and blues.  And the homes reflect what the area looks like in that respect.  The light colors on homes also have to do with the heat as well since light colors don't trap in heat the way darker ones can.

*Window placement and size.  You can see that these homes don't boast the large or panoramic windows some homes have. These home designers were thoughtful in knowing that the brutal sun can really bring in way too much heat through windows, especially at the time these homes were built.  So windows built up top near the roof, or tall but very thin windows allowed sunlight in without inviting the hot temps too. 

Utility Companies In The Valley

To start, stop, transfer or general inquiries regarding service here are some contacts in different areas. 

San Fernando Valley

Water and Power  1-800-342-5397  LADWP

Trash  (800)773-2489  LA City

SoCal Gas   1-877-238-0092  SoCal Gas

Burbank

Water and Power  (818) 238-3700  Burbank Water and Power

Trash  (818) 238-3800 Burbank City Public Works

SoCal Gas   1-877-238-0092  SoCal Gas

Santa Clarita Area

Power  1-800-655-4555 Edison

Water (661) 297-1600  SCV Water

SoCal Gas   1-877-238-0092  SoCal Gas

Waste Management Industries 661-259-2398 Waste Management Industries

Waste Management (Stevenson Ranch) 866-270-5370 Burrtec

Earthquake Preparedness List

I've compiled some of the best Earthquake Preparedness information from experts and people who have been through a major earthquake. Please save this and share it with loved ones and friends.

   

Things to Have Ready In Case Of An Earthquake

1.  Have a photo of every family member, including pets, stored on your phone or somewhere safe

2.  Put a notification to update your earthquake bag(s) every six months for growing kids and water/food expiration

3. Strap Furniture to the wall

4. Remove all glass from hanging picture frames if possible

5. "Baby proof" all kitchen cabinets that hold dishware, glassware and anything heavy so that the cabinets will hopefully stay shut during a major shake and not throw heavy objects at people and break on the floor.  Here is what I use Magnetic Locking system

6.  Make sure your home has an Automatic Seismic Shut-Off valve on the gas meter

7.  Make sure your hot-water heater is properly strapped to the wall.

8. Keep closed toe shoes near each bed.

9. Things to keep in your nightstand: Extra set of clothes, batteries, flashlight, phone charger cord and battery pack, blanket, socks, glow sticks, glasses if you wear them.

10. Don't store anything heavy over chest height

11.  Make sure your selves have lip straps

12.  Earthquake bag should include:  Medications needed, cash, food and water for a week, baby and/or pet essentials such as formula, food, Tylenol, Benedryl, epi-pen (and any other medical necessities)

13.  Camping materials would be great to have available.  Tents, sleeping bags, portable cooker and so on

   Some things to do and not do during an earthquake:

1. Don't run
2. Don't go upstairs (although I'll likely run to wherever my kids are to be honest)
3. Don't get under a door frame
4. Get away from the windows
5. Get away from heavy objects such as hanging mirrors
6.  If your AC is on your roof, keep a mental note of where that is in your home
7. Duck and cover your head/neck under something like furniture if possible
   
                                                                     

4th Of July Around LA 2019

From Skydivers, bull riders, carnivals, concerts and fireworks, here is a list of place around LA that will be having 4th of July events this year 

Avalon/Catalina

July 4th- Firework shows at sundown.

Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Buffett at Descanso Beach Club 

Gold cart parade down Crescent Ave starts at 1PM.

Fireworks start at 9PM over Avalon Bay

1 Casino Way

Avalon, CA 90704

(310) 510-1520

https://www.catalinachamber.com/fireworks/

Burbank

Starlight Bowl - July 4th An American Celebration

1249 Lockheed View Dr.

Burbank, CA 91505

Gates open at 5:30 pm show begins at 6:30PM

Concert includes Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Purchase tickets online or at the Community Services Building, located at 150 North Third Street http://www.starlightbowl.com/portfolio-item/july-4-2019-big-bad-voodoo-daddy-rumble-king/

Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach 3800 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731

For the Annual 4th of July Spectacular

Cabrillo Beach will host a FREE 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks show with music, activities and food trucks.

https://www.sanpedrocalendar.com/event/cabrillo-beach-fireworks/

Calabasas

Calabasas High School

Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Celebration includes live music, rides, crafts and games

Musically choreographed Fireworks Spectacular!

2855 W. Mulholland Highway

Calabasas, CA 91302

$10 admission price includes parking, entertainment and all activities

Tickets must be purchased in advance

https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/events/fireworks.html

Carson

StubHub Center

Soccer game and fireworks 

LA Galaxy VS Toronto FC

Game starts at 7:30 p.m. Last year's event had fireworks after the game, however this year it is not clearly stated on the website that there will be fireworks. Please call to find out if you are interested in going. 

18400 S Avalon Blvd

Carson, CA 90746

http://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com/events/detail/la-galaxy-vs-toronto-fc-3

Cerritos

Let Freedom Ring Celebration

Begins at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Cerritos Civic Center

18125 Bloomfield Ave.

Cerritos, CA 90703

(562) 916-1254

http://www.cerritos.us/_pdfs/lfr_flyer.pdf

Claremont

4th of July Festival & Contests 

Memorial Park

840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Claremont, CA 91711

The day will be filled with a festival of games, concert, food, fun, parade and fireworks

https://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/popup.php?op=view&id=133133944&crd=91711

Culver City

West LA College

9000 Overland Ave

Culver City, CA 90230

(310) 287-4200

www.culvercityfireworksshow.com

*Has been cancelled this year. Please check back next year

Diamond Bar

Music, food trucks and fireworks

 Diamond Bar High School

21400 Pathfinder Road

Diamond Bar, California 91765

https://culturela.org/event/city-of-diamond-bars-annual-4th-of-july-blast-3/

Dodger Stadium Fireworks and Game

Los Angeles Dodgers!

https://purchase.tickets.com/buy/MLBEventInfo?orgid=8&agency=MLB&pid=8648110&tfl=Los_Angeles_Dodgers-Schedule-Los_Angeles_Dodgers:_Schedule:_Schedule-na-x0-Desktop-Landscape

Downtown Los Angeles

4rth of July Block Party in Grand Park

200 North Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(323) 887-4427

Attendance is free, event begins at 3 p.m.

https://rove.me/to/los-angeles/4th-of-july-block-party

Hansen Dam

11770 Foothill Blvd.

Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

featuring music and other live entertainment, food, and fireworks.

10 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.;

Event is free to the public

(818) 891-9399

*No information can be found for fireworks in 2019

Hollywood

Hollywood Bowl

Nile Rodgers & CHIC
2301 North Highland Ave

(323) 850-2000

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/538/2019-07-04/july-4th-fireworks-spectacular-with-nile-rodgers-chic

Hollywood (2)

E.T

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Cost is $38. Doors at 7:15PM and Movie at 9PM

https://hollywoodforever.com/event/e-t-fireworks/

Irwindale Park

4th of July fiesta and fireworks spectacular

Fiesta begins at noon. Fireworks begin at 9PM

http://www.ci.irwindale.ca.us/documentcenter/view/861

La Crescenta

tickets are just $9 each pre-sale until July 3rd. They will be $10 at the gate. Children 7 and under are free.

Check website for advance ticket sale locations (recommended).

 Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave.

(818) 248-2271

http://www.cvfireworks.com/

Lancaster

4-7:00 p.m.   Entertainment and food outside of Grandstand area

7:00 p.m.      Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division

7-8:30 p.m.   Entertainment in grass area outside grandstands

9:30 p.m.      Free Fireworks Show*

https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/about-us/departments-services/parks-recreation-arts/special-events/4th-of-july-fireworks-extravaganza

Long Beach 

Fireworks cruise:

Tickets are about $45 dollars ages 3 and up; Boarding approximately 7:30 pm. Cruise approximately 2-2 1/2 hrs. in length. To purchase tickets please:

Call (562) 983-6880,

https://tickets.harbor-cruises.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=44

The Queen Mary All-American July 4th  

   A day of entertainment for the whole family ends with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Prices are $49.00 per adult (ages 12+) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th.
On July 4th at the door the price is $59 per adult (ages 12+)Prices are $29.00 per child (ages 4-11) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th.
On July 4th at the door the price is $39 per adult (ages 4-11)

Best Dressed on 4th of July Contest

https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/july-4th/home/

Marina del Rey

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are launched from barge across the Marina's main channel

Parking is limited and local street closures (see “Road Closures” below) are planned to commence as early as 1 p.m. in some areas. We recommend that you arrive no later than 1 p.m. and stay for the day. See “Getting Here” section on the website for alternative ways to get around the Marina once you have arrived in town; use these methods for transportation to kayak/paddleboard rentals and other water activities to enjoy while you wait for the show.

Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations

Parking fees range from $7 - $15

(310) 305-9545

https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-marina-del-rey

Moorpark

July 3rd!! Fireworks

Arroyo Vista Community Park

https://www.moorparkca.gov/578/3rd-of-July-Fireworks-Extravaganza

Pacific Palisades

Begin your day with the 41st annual 5k/10k cross-country run. 

4Pm: Food/Concert Gates OpenKid’s Activities 

Openers  Featuring:Arielle Martinez Cohen and Skull Rock

6pm: Main Stage Concert Featuring Palishades

9PM: Fireworks

http://www.palisades4th.com/

Pasadena

"Americafest 2019" at Rose Bowl Stadium

1001 Rose Bowl Dr.

Pasadena, CA 91103

12:00 PM – Parking Lots Open

2:00 PM – Family Fun Zone- Area H Opens 

5:30 PM-Doors Open

7:00PM- Performances Begin

9:00 PM – Fireworks Begin

Tickets: $15 - General (5 and under free), $35 - Reserved

(626) 577-3100

https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/america-fest

Pomona 

Pomona Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley

It's the annual fireworks spectacular at Fairplex.

Motor cross, Monster trucks (with rides) and Quad wars! 

Pit Party 5:00- 7:30PM 

Honor Guard and National Anthem 7:50PM

General Admission starts at $18.50. Kids under 2 are free. 

 http://www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom

Porter Ranch

Shepherd of the Hills Church

19700 Rinaldi Street

Porter Ranch

A variety of free inflatable jumpers and obstacle courses until 8:30PM.

Free face painting until 8:30PM

Flyovers by US Air Force 146th Airwing and skydivers

Lots of food trucks! 

Event is FREE

https://www.shepherdchurch.com/4th

Redondo Beach

100 Fisherman’s Wharf Redondo Beach 90277

http://www.redondopier.com/event/redondo-beach-fireworks/

Rosemead

Rosemead Park- 4343 Encinita Avenue, Rosemead, CA. 

Parade, carnival, and Fireworks 

http://www.cityofrosemead.org/news/what_s_new/4th_of_july_celebration

San Pedro -

7-10 p.m. Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water!

 Tickets are $75 for adults, $25 for children.

https://www.lamitopsail.org/community-calendar/

Santa Clarita

festivities kick off in Newhall with the Independence Day 5K and 10K around 7:00AM

Fireworks will be on display at the Westfield Valencia Town Center

24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355

https://calendar.santa-clarita.com/event/city_of_santa_clarita_fourth_of_july_fireworks_show#.XRBCxtNKhQI

l

Santa Clarita (2)

Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Coca Cola July 4th Fest

July 2, 3rd and 4th

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/july-4th

Santa Monica

No firework shows are happening in Santa Monica however, there is a great parade starting at 9:30am. 

https://www.santamonica.com/fourth-of-july-in-santa-monica/

South Gate

4900 Southern Avenue

South Gate, CA 90280

Dazzling Fireworks Display starts at 9 pm on Baseball Diamond #1. For more information please call 323.563.5479

https://cityofsouthgate.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=947&month=7&year=2018&day=4&calType=0

Stevenson Ranch

*Have been canceled this year

Studio City

This year Studio City will not be having fireworks but check back next year as things may change.

http://www.studiocitychamber.com/

Sunland Tujunga

I could not find any information out about fireworks this year in Sunland. 

• Here is the only site I could find about a July 4th event 
• https://www.facebook.com/pg/Sunlandrotary/events/?ref=page_internal

West Covina

*I could not find any information about fireworks in West Covina for 2019

https://www.westcovina.org/what-s-new/events-calendar

Woodland Hills

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

Warner Ranch Park

21820 Califa St.

Woodland Hills, 91367

PARKING: $20 – Park in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard. Over 20 food vendors, arts and crafts booths and a children’s play area for your enjoyment. COME EARLY!

General admission if FREE but there is a VIP treatment you can find our more about. 

Concert is Ryder Green

http://valleycultural.org

                                                                         

I Lost Out On A Great Listing...And Here's How

Last week I lost out on a great listing with a top executive at one of the world's largest companies. It happens, right? Well, yes...but I walked out of this knowing I had the best marketing strategies, the highest level of professionalism, the most competent knowledge of the market, his house and our industry. I have combined a top level of understanding of the technical side of real estate matched with the intimate side of the sale of a home. So How did this happen?

This same week I lost out on this listing I went to a class offered by Compass that goes over different personality types. They teach you what your personality type is, and how to discover what someone else is. In learning this, you find that some personality types simply can not hear what the other type is saying. It's not because the information is wrong, bad or incomplete. Rather, it's not delivered in the best way to communicate effectively so that the other person can hear what is being said. Months ago, I met Chris Voss who was the Top FBI hostage negotiator for many years (and you thought selling real estate is all about where to point your open house signs and cute bus bench photos) He spoke with me and touched on something I hadn't thought of before. He said "Amber, you seem very competent and direct in your communication. I'm the same way. But is the person you're speaking to able to hear you or do you need to communicate with them in another way?" That was the first light tapping that got me thinking. Then I took this course last week that hit the nail on the head. Some people simply have a way that they take information in and process it. And while all the great information I have may be good for some, others may not hear it the way they need it to be delivered. And I had just left a listing appointment with the CFO of a world-wide company thinking what a great job I had done. I mean, I really went into that meeting giving him all the information I had, with my background in real estate and every top notch marketing piece mixed with technological advances my company and I had in our pockets. Yet, I got the call two days later that they went with another agent. What?! I didn't see that coming. At least before I had taken this class through my company about how to deliver information to different types of personalities. And believe it or not, after I had completed this class and before I got this seller's phone call, my mind had changed on what a great job I had done during our meeting. See, I still believe I left him with everything any top executive looking to sell their home would want from a Realtor. What I didn't leave him with, was the best way he could have heard what I was trying to deliver.

So, lesson learned. And I'm always excited about good lessons. I don't believe I can do my job at a top level without being able to step back and see where I could make improvements and putting that to work.

How Much Personal Information Does Your Real Estate Agent Know?

Buying and Selling a Home is a very intimate process.  The people you work with have an up-close POV to a lot going on in your life.  And of course, there are many people who work with a friend who is an agent.  So how much personal information does your agent find out about you?

When I go to meet a new client or someone I know who is going to be selling or buying, the questions I ask are:
--"Why are you selling or buying now?"
--"When do you hope to move?"
--"If you are buying, Have you been pre-approved with a lender?"

Once a client has been pre-approved, here is what I find out:
--"What budget a client would like to stay within"
--"How much down payment a client has to use for a purchase."
--"What a client's FICO score is." (sometimes I don't even know this)
--"If a client is being given money to help in the purchase. This is called a "Gift" and is usually from an immediate family member"
--"The amount of proceeds a client may be receiving from the sale of a house."


Here is what I don't know and can't find out unless a client chooses to tell me:
1. "What a client's salary is."
2. "Any bonuses a client has received from an employer"
3. "What taxes they paid or their tax returns" (sometimes if a client is renting a landlord may ask to see this)
4.  "Any debts, or credit card bills a client has."
5.  "How much money a client has total in savings, retirement, stocks or any other investments"
6.  "If a client has been previously married or divorced" (unless the home you are selling still has a previous spouse still attached to the title or loan.
7.  "How much and on what a client spends for personal use each year."



I write this blog because so often I am helping a personal friend/acquaintance to buy or sell a home as many real estate agents do.  And no matter how close we are, there is still information that most people prefer to keep private.  I completely understand and am actually the same way, especially when it comes to some of these financial pieces of information.  The lender is the one who finds out most, if not all, of the very personal financial information a client has. The lender is not allowed to share these things with me and it is a good idea for every buyer/seller to talk with their lender about what information they share and with whom do they share it.  A client can also just tell the lender (even though it is already this way) to not share any extra un-needed information with anyone, especially just for the piece-of-mind of saying it out loud and letting it be known that you want to keep things private.
                                                                           

If you are looking to make a move this year, call me. I would love to help you make a move.