Friday, July 1, 2016

Studio City Shuttle

Free Studio City Shuttle

Have you heard about the shuttle that will be running in Studio City starting this coming week?  What a great way to keep you from having to drive.  Check out the details below
--There will be an opening ceremony on Saturday, July 2 @ 9AM - to hear Councilman Paul Krekorian's opening comments on the FREE SUMMER SHUTTLE program in Studio City.

--It will be operating on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9am to 8pm looping from Radford Ave to Coldwater Canyon.

--Come out and enjoy this new service provided for your convenience and working is association with the Mayor and his clean Streets Initiative to get cars off the roads.




Wednesday, June 29, 2016

4th Of July 2016 Event Details In Los Angeles

Here is a great list for a ton of different firework shows and events across LA this 4th Of July 2016
brought to you by Amber Dolle the San Fernando Valley Real Estate Expert


Avalon/Catalina
July 3rd- Firework shows in 2 habors at sundown. 
Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino
Gold cart parade down Crescent Ave starts at 1PM.
Annual 4th of July dinner in the Casino Ballroom starts 6:15PM
1 Casino Way 
Avalon, CA 90704 
(310) 510-1520 
http://www.catalinachamber.com

Burbank
Starlight Bowl - July 4th An American Celebration
1249 Lockheed View Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. 
Concert includes Stones Soul and The Kings of 88 
Purchase tickets online or at the Community Services Building, located at 150 North Third Street. http://www.starlightbowl.com

Calabasas
Calabasas High School
Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Celebration includes live music, rides, crafts and games
2855 W. Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302
$10 admission price includes parking, entertainment and all activities
Tickets must be purchased in advance
http://www.cityofcalabasas.com

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
Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The day will be filled with a festival of games, concert, food, fun, parade and fireworks
http://www.thevillageclaremont.com/vilcal.html

Culver City
West LA College
9000 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 287-4200
www.culvercityfireworksshow.com
Date: July 4, 2015 at 4pm

Diamond Bar
 Diamond Bar High School
21400 Pathfinder Road
Diamond Bar, California 91765


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.
http://www.grandparkla.org
Gardena
Rowley Park (Baseball Field)
13220 S. Van Ness Ave.
(310) 217-9537
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. 

Hansen Dam
11770 Foothill Blvd. 
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Celebration includes gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and live entertainment
4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; 
Event is free to the public
(818) 891-9399 
http://lafestivalguide.org/events/4th-of-july-celebration-at-hansen-dam/ 

Hollywood
Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave
July 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
July 3, 2013, 7:30 p.m

JULY 4TH FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR WITH CHICAGO

(323) 850-2000
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com 

Irwindale
Irwindale Park
4th of July Fiesta and Fireworks Spectacular
Fiesta begins at noon, Firewroks at 9 p.m.
(626) 430-2224 
http://www.irwindaleca.gov/documentcenter/view/861

La Crescenta
Tickets are $7 pre-sale and $10 at the gate. It is recommended to buy them early
Food, rides and music by Stinky Felix. Gates open, 4 p.m.; fireworks, after 9 p.m. Admission $7 until July 3; $10; free for ages 7 and younger (first come, first served at the gate on July 4). Check website for advance ticket sale locations (recommended). Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave.
(818) 248-2271
http://www.cvfireworks.com/event.htm

Lancaster
Gates Open: 4pm
PBR: 7pm
Fireworks: 9:30pm tentatively 
TICKET PRICES (Reserved Grandstand seats):
Adult (12+):  $10/$15/$20/$25*
Children 2 yrs & under: FREE w/paid adult

https://www.avfair.com/index.php/calendar/80-city-of-lancaster-4th-of-july-fireworks

Long Beach 

Fireworks cruise:

Tickets $35 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,

Email: Harborbreezecruises@gmail.com

Visit tickets.harbor-cruises.com
and

The Queen Mary All-american July 4th                                                                                                                                       A day of entertainment for the whole family ends with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Event begins at 2PM. General Admission $44.  http://www.queenmary.com/events/july-fourth/ 


Marina del Rey
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are launched from barge across the Marina's main channel
9:15 p.m.
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
http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/July-4th-Flyer-2016-V.2.pdf

Pacific Palisades
Palisades Rocks The Fourth
Food trucks and upper stage performances in Pali High parking lot starting at 4pm.
Gates Open at 5:00pm
 Fireworks at 9:00pm
http://palisadesparade.org/Fireworks.php

Pasadena
"Americafest 2016" at Rose Bowl Stadium 
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103 
2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
Festival begins outside the stadium at 2 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies begin at 7PM
Americafest fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $13 - General (5 and under free), $25 - Reserved (2 and under free)
(626) 577-3100
http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/america-fest

Pico Rivera
El Rancho High School
6501 S. Passons Blvd.
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Gates open at 6 p.m., live entertainment begins at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Parking and admission are free
(562) 801-4430
http://www.ci.pico-rivera.ca.us 

Pomona 
Pomona Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley

It's the 30th annual fireworks spectacular at Fairplex.
 Parking is $10 at Gate 17 on Fairplex Dr. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
Combine your fireworks with a buffet - priced $28 to $58
FOR TICKET PRICING & TICKETS, visit:

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

Porter Ranch
Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi Street
Porter Ranch
The Free festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors; all capped off with a twenty-one-minute aerial fireworks display.
July 4, 4:00 p.m. – 10 p.m., Gates open at 4:00
http://www.theshepherd.org 



Redondo Beach
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach
The event will be alcohol free
http://redondofireworks.com

Rosemead
Rosemead Park 4343 Encinita Ave. 
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 569-2100 
http://www.cityofrosemead.org

San Pedro - Cabrillo Beach
3800 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro
For the 66th Annual 4th of July Spectacular
Cabrillo Beach will host a free 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks show.
http://www.lawaterfront.org/events.php

Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Old Town Newhall. 
Santa Clarita Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Westfield Valencia Town Center, starting at 9:15 p.m
http://www.santa-clarita.com/city-hall/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/events/fourth-of-july

Santa Monica
2016 4th of July Parade
Begins at 9:30 a.m. 
Parade route travels down Main Street, starting at Pico Boulevard, turns right on Marine Street, then right on Barnard Way
Parking available at Civic Center garage, Santa Monica Place and parking meters west of Main St.
http://www.opa-sm.org


South Gate
South Gate Park
9615 Pinehurst Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
Carnival begins at 5 p.m. at Tweedy Blvd. and Hildreth Ave. and runs through entire weekend
Fireworks display at 9 p.m. 
(323) 563-5479 
http://www.sogate.org/

Stevenson Ranch
Dr. Richard Rioux Memorial Park
26233 W Faulkner Dr.
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. 

StubHub Center
Soccer game and fireworks
Game starts at 7:30 p.m., fireworks to follow
18400 S Avalon Blvd
Carson, CA 90746
http://www.stubhubcenter.com/events/detail/la-galaxy-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-3

Studio City
CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, CA 91604
This is a fun-filled family festival featuring exhibits, music, food, fireworks, a children’s fun zone, and a business exposition in a back lot at CBS Studios.
July 4, 5:00 – 9:30 p.m., gates open at 4:30 p.m. (2016 details to be confirmed)
Adults $20, Children 6-12 $10, add $20 for rooftop viewing access or pay $100 for VIP tickets.
Free parking
www.studiocitychamber.com

Sunland Tujunga
Parade on Foothill Boulevard at 10 a.m. 
Starts at Mt. Gleason and proceeds down Foothill Boulevard to the Sunland Park
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Verdugo Hills High School
Fireworks display at 9 p.m.
10625 Plainview Ave.
Tujunga, CA 91042 
(818) 352-3420 
http://stnc.org/news_details.php?news_id=288

Van Ness
Van Ness Recreational Park
5720 2nd Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 296-1559
947thewave.cbslocal.com

West Covina
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hurst Ranch & Edgewood Middle/High School
1625 W. Durness Street
West CovinaCalifornia 91790
http://www.westcovina.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1122/404?curm=7&cury=2015

Woodland Hills
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Warner Ranch Park
21820 Califa St.
Woodland Hills, 91367
Concert begins at 6 p.m., fireworks around 9 p.m.
http://valleycultural.org

Where Is The Market Headed With Everything Going On In The World?

In a matter of a couple weeks we've seen a lot of news making stories.  And you're not alone in this feeling of being unsettled by it.  And as an expert in real estate here in the Valley, I get asked all the time where things are headed.  I hear "my friends say the market is going to stabilize" or "my co-workers say we are headed for another crash".  But let me be very clear on something...if your friend or co-workers knew these things to be true, then they would be buying, selling or what-have-you to back up their predictions.  Fact is, no one knows where things are going.  And anyone who says they do is giving you lip service.  But we can talk about what we know and what that means.  We know interest rates are incredibly low.  We've all been waiting for them to rise and that hasn't happened YET.  And of course I put that in caps because it will...that is one thing that is for sure.  We also know that here in LA we are still in a seller's market.  But things are starting to shift a little.  And here's what we are seeing.  If seller's price their home just barely too high, the house will sit.  If the house is priced very well, their will be multiple offers but seller's aren't in a position to play high-and-mighty with buyers because buyers are willing to walk away and wait.

So, if you are looking to buy...get out there and find your home.  Interest rates are superb and that won't last.  Also, the horror stories of the past couple years with insane multiple offers and requests from sellers are slowing down.

If you are looking to sell.  We don't know what the future holds.  Or how the election or any other major event may play a roll in the real estate market.  So if you would like to walk away from your home with a good price and get into something you're hoping to stay in for a while, this may be the right time for you.  If you are more of a gambler and want to wait, or this just isn't the right time, then there is the chance you may not sell your house for what it is worth today.  Or you may have to stick with living in your home for a bit longer than you thought if the market does dip.

Again, no one knows where things are headed.  But I would love to talk with you about what we can do now and what your house would be worth today.  Give me a call and let's set up an appointment.  I'm always here to help.
                                                                           

Thursday, June 23, 2016

8 Reasons Your House Isn't Selling

You've seen my name in the LA Times, you've seen me on HGTV and this time I was lucky to be contacted by a writer from Trulia to talk about reasons your house isn't selling.  Check out the article here http://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-sell-a-house-8-reasons/

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

7 Best Tips For Navigating the School Systems In LA

Selling Real Estate is my career.  But when I'm not in the office, or at my open houses, I'm a Mom. And I work with many families who are looking to sell their home or buy a first home and move into an area where they think the schools will be best for their children. So naturally, the subject of buying a home close to a good school is a topic I work with a lot.  But frankly, it's not for me to answer that question. And the reason is, that what is a good school for one, may not be best for another.  So last week I hosted an event for parents in the Valley who wanted to learn more about the schools here in LA.  We have neighborhood schools, charter schools, magnet schools, public schools with magnet programs, and private schools.  And in LA, we aren't pushed into only having our local neighborhood schools to send our kids.  This is a great thing. But at the same time, it leaves our choices being confusing for most.  So here 7 of the best tips I learned from the speaker at my workshop Amy Walia-Fazio who is the director of P.E.L , Parent's Education League.

1. Don't assume your neighborhood school is not good or, at the other end, the best for you.  
Looking schools up online and going by a ranking of 1 to 10 is not the way to solely judge a school.  Call the school and schedule a tour.  Go to their website and read about what the school's mission statement is and see if that seems like it fits with what you want.
2. Make sure you have an idea of a few things that you think will be important for your child and keep them in mind when looking for a school.  
Does your son need a strict curriculum? Is your daughter a very shy and smart girl who needs someone to work a little extra with her? Do you want your kids to have a lot of diversity in their school?
3.  Just because private schools cost a lot of money doesn't automatically exclude you from keeping it as an option for your child. 
There are financial aid plans available and, from what I understand, you should really look into whether you can qualify for one rather than assume you might not qualify within the income range necessary.
4.  A magnet school can be a whole school or just a program (maybe a few classes) that are within a public school.  
Magnet schools, or programs, are more focused on a certain area such as math/science.  Here is a website where you can see more about Magnet Schools
5.  There are certain areas that may allow your child to attend a school based on your work location and not just your home address.
Check into whether that applies to you.
6.  A Charter school is a public school and requires a lot of the same things that a LAUSD school does but there may be more leniency as to how the teachers and school work to help their students reach their goals. 
7.  There is a method to the madness when it comes to the points, how you get them, who is eligible for more, and how they are used. 
While there are resources out there to help, Parents Education League is a non-profit one-stop-shop for learning all about our LAUSD school system.  I will continue to hold workshops that will be paid for by me but free to parents that are interested in learning about entering their children into the first few years of school here in LA.  If you are interested in attending one of these workshops, please email me directly and I will let you know when the next one I will be hosting will be.  You can also join P.E.L and attend any of their workshops or receive one-on-one consultation for your family's needs.  See their website for more information.

                                                                   








Wednesday, May 4, 2016

5 Things Buyers Need To Stand Out To A Seller In This Competitive Market

Have you heard your friend's talking about it? Or read it in the paper? LA is in a highly competitive seller's market right now.  And if you are hoping to buy soon, there are some things you will need to be a competitive buyer in this market and make your offer more appealing.
1. Get with a lender.
Not only can you not have your offer taken seriously without a pre-approval from a lender, but you don't even want to start looking till you have a solid idea of what your can afford. And in this market, Direct lenders are preferred. So ask your lender if they are a direct lender and if not, maybe consider calling a couple others to see about working with them.
2. Work with a really good agent.
I know, I know...I shouldn't be selling myself on point #2 but it's true.  You don't want to work with someone who is difficult to work with, difficult to reach, not experienced, or doesn't give you straight forward helpful advice. Believe me, our reputation as agents go far with other agents and when we are known for being professional and hardworking, that goes far. And the opposite is true as well that when an agent is known for being (how to I put this?) well...a less desirable person to work with, that goes even further and it can actually hurt you.
3. Before you find the house you want to put an offer in on, talk with your agent about what makes an offer more desirable to the seller.
It can be like playing a card game and some hands that you show can be more appealing as a good player even though the rest of the cards may not make a good hand.  And there are ways to do this so talk about it.
4.  Get your offer in as early as possible.
If the house comes on the market Saturday and you see it at an open house Sunday, try to get it in the very next day.  No sense in waiting..it can only create more competition that may come in.
5.  And then there is a personal letter you may write to the sellers.
  There was a recent case where a letter was considered evidence that a seller chose a buyer because of family status, marital status, age or race so the advice to write a letter has been looked upon by our companies as not-a-good-idea.  And from a legal standpoint, I get it. After all, we live in California where people practically sue over bad weather, right?  But then there is the compassionate side of people that just like to know the buyer is a decent person who's going to love their home when they sell it.  So, that may be something to think about with your offer.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about buying or selling your home, or you are just curious what your home may be worth, call me. I'm always here for you.
                                                                                   

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Did You Know? Interesting Facts About Owning and Renting a Home In LA

11 Fun and Need-To-know Facts About Owning And Renting in Los Angeles


1. If you own your own condo in LA, your HOA can not tell you that you can't own a pet.  However, they can restrict the type of pet, size and number of pets you own.
2.  When buying a home you must show some type of proof that you have liquidable funds in an account to cover the down payment and closing costs at the time you make the offer.
3. If you buy a home while single, then get married, your spouse may automatically be half owner under our state's community property law.
4. If you are a renter, you may be legally required to obtain renter's insurance and provide a copy to your landlord.
5. When buying a home, the previous owner is suppose to not only disclose is someone passed away in the home in the past three years, but they may also be required to disclose if they have experienced any paranormal activity in the house.
6.  Here is California, home inspectors are not legally required to carry insurance, hold a license, or have any real background in order to perform a home inspection.
7.  If you are a renter, it can be considered a violation to smoke in or in close proximity to the home you are renting.
8.  When buying a home, just because you've been approved for a loan, does not mean they are going to give it to you when you put an offer on a home.
9.  If you are a certain age and live in LA, you may be able to transfer your current property tax amount to a whole new home in LA.
10. If you own your own home, you may be eligible to upgrade your doors, windows, roof, add insulation and solar panels and then attached that cost onto your property tax bill which will be spread out over many years.
11.  If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, you should work with someone who is in the know of real estate laws and regulations.  Call me today if you have any questions about these facts or would like to find out more about buying or selling your home.

                                                                                 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

What Can $1 Million Get You In LA's Valley Today?

From Burbank To Agoura Hills, 
Here is what $1 Million will get you in today's market. 


This Burbank home is turn key has lots of style. The home is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,800 sqft.  It also has, what we consider, an average size lot which is about 7,000 sqft. 



Valley Village is the cousin of Studio City and North Hollywood.  It has some great neighborhoods and good schools and this is what one million gets you here.  3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2,100 sqft.  It may need a little work on the inside, but here in SoCal, we spend a lot of our love on the outside space of our homes. 





This home is in Studio City, which along with Sherman Oaks, can be considered the pricier areas of the Valley for what you get.  3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2,100 sqft.  






This is in the hills of Sherman Oaks.  This particular street may not have great street parking options or much of a yard, but you will get a great view. This house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and about 2,000sqft. 








Encino is home to cheesy 80's movies like "Encino Man" and also is home to the famous Jackson house where Michael grew up.  It really has everything from multi million dollar estates to small fixer-uppers. But this is what you could get for your million dollars here.  The house has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 1,854 sqft and lies North of the famous Ventura Blvd. 


Van Nuys has long had a stigma with the locals here.  But don't be too quick to judge...this home is in  what is called the "Midvale Estates".  This area is known for it's large lots and beautiful All-American looking homes. In fact, TV shows seek out homes here to do their shoots on since the neighborhood has such a clean, classic look.  We do have a little bit of touch up work that needs to be done on the neighboring major streets though. 




This home is in Woodland Hills.  This area is growing leaps and bounds over the past few years and when the more central valley areas become to costly, people like to look at Woodland Hills. This home has 5 bedroooms, 4 baths and 3,298 sqft. Quite a difference what a million dollars can get you here. 




This is a home in Calabasas. There are a large amount of homes in this area that were built around the same time and have a similar look to them.  This is a great example of what a million dollars gets you here.  The home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 1,931 sqft.  The lot size here is just over 5,000 sqft. 



This Agoura Hills Home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2,347 sqft. You can see from the photos it needs a little TLC.  But the lot is just under 30,000 sqft which is where the value lies in this home. 





As the San Fernando Valley Expert, I can help you find your perfect million dollar home here. Call me anytime. I'm always here to help! 






Monday, March 14, 2016

Choosing The Right Realtor

Ok, so you've met or already know a few Real Estate agents.  And you're not sure which direction to go in when it comes to who you want to work with.  Start with the basics and make sure the agents you have in mind seem to be good at their jobs and knowledgeable about any questions you may have for them regarding buying or selling.  Then, your next step is to follow your instincts.  Ask yourself, "Is this someone I want to spend the next 6 months working with?".  Yes, this can be a long process so make sure you are up for spending that much time with them.  Then just get a feel for how professional and responsive they are to you. After you met with them, did they follow up with you?  Did they call to thank you for your consideration or sent you a nice note?  And this is important because, not only is it a kind and professional thing for an agent to do, but you want to work with someone who wants to work with you too, right?  Do you really want to be calling them a week later to see if they remember who you are?  Probably not.  Fact is, I've met with a lot of different people and personalities types myself and not everyone I meet is right for me either.  It's not a good idea to work with someone because you either feel it's your only choice or you somehow feel pressured or guilted into it.  After all, buying and selling your home is going to be a big move that can bring on stress. So make sure you are comfortable leaning on, being with, and communicating openly with the person you've chosen to work with.  As always, if you have any questions about buying and selling your home in LA, feel free to call me.
                                                                         

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Shedquarters

Every heard of the term "Shedquarters"?  Well, it's not a new concept here in LA where we've been adding space to our homes and converting garages for the longest time.  But this is a new twist on adding much needed space.  They are prefab structures that you can buy to add office space of even a guest house in your backyard.  With the concept of working from home on the rise, Shedquarters are going to be a term you will be hearing more and more of. Check out this article on Shedquarters and a little about a couple companies that have made their mark in building them http://lightersideofrealestate.com/real-estate-life/cool-stuff/shedquarters-new-trend-for-home-based-businesses

                                                                         

Monday, February 29, 2016

I've Been Quoted In Another Article About Real Estate

A writer from "New Home Source" contacted me and wanted my expert opinion on the advice I give my clients when they are looking for a new home.  Read the article here... New Home Source












Sunday, February 28, 2016

Two Great Reviews From My Clients

I'm so lucky that I enjoy what I do for a living but I must say that I really love my work when I get to work with people that are just a joy to work with.  And both of the people from these two reviews were just terrific people and I was happy we found each other and that I got to find them both their first home.  




                                                                   

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

What Does This Year's Real Estate Market Look Like?

This year is starting off hotter than ever, and I'm not just talking about the weather.  People are out wanting to buy with the interest rates so very low.  And sellers are taking advantage of this time knowing that the ball may be in their court if they play their cards right.  The stock market's mood swings have not taken much effect on LA's real estate market.  And developers are still coming out of the wood-works for the opportunity to make a profit on this growing market. So as a home owner, what does this mean?  Well, have you thought of taking your equity and buying investment property?  Or how about selling to finally get into something bigger?  Or perhaps paying rent has you turned you into someone who's just paying another person's mortgage and you're ready to pay your own?  Let's talk about all these possibilities and what it means for you.  And is this the right time for you?