Southern California Home

Head off for Zuma Beach on the Calabasas Beach Bus. Operating Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays until August 22nd (closed July 4th), the Beach Bus offers various pickup points. These include: Calabasas High School, Calabasas Swim and Tennis Center, Round Meadow Elementary, Calabasas City Hall and Juan Bautista de Anza Park. The first bus leaves Calabasas starting at at 10am and the last bus leaves Zuma at 6:10pm. $1.00 each way, picture ID required. More information.

The data are out for May for home prices and sales. Here are the stats for Calabasas and Woodland Hills real estate:
91302: Calabasas Real Estate
Median sale price

• May 2007: $1,337,000


• May 2008: $1,205,000


• Change: -9%

• May 2007: 20


• May 2008: 11


• Change: -45.0%

• May 2007: $820,000


• May 2008: $630,000


• Change: -23.2%

• May 2007: 30


• May 2008: 25


• Change: -16.7%

• May 2007: $756,000


• May 2008: $689,500


• Change: -8.8%

• May 2007: 40


• May 2008: 27


• Change: -32.5%

Source: Dataquick Information Systems

Southern California's housing market took another beating last month as median prices fell an average of 27% from a year ago -- the sharpest drop in at least 20 years. The median home sale price in six Southern California counties was $370,000, down from $505,000 a year earlier, according to DataQuick Information Systems. DataQuick said that was the biggest annual decline it has recorded since it began tracking prices in 1988.

The last time the median was lower was in March 2004, when it was $364,000.

The dramatic price drop was attributed largely to sluggish high-end sales, more sellers dropping their asking prices and lenders selling off more of their aggressively priced, repossessed homes, according to real estate data provider DataQuick Information Systems.

original article by Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, 10:56 AM PDT, June 16, 2008

RISMEDIA, June 10, 2008-At a time when most news in the real estate sections of newspapers is of the floundering real estate market, it is great to tell an uplifting real estate story. Let's put aside the gloom and doom.
Toni Motte, a sales partner with Dilbeck Realtors GMAC, listed a home in Temple City, CA, recently. Now, this was not a million dollar mansion and it wasn't a fixer-upper, it was in fact a lovely little 3 bedroom, 2 bath traditional home on a quiet street in Temple City.
Motte took the listing and put it into the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that same week; then she pitched it at a local Board of Realtors caravan meeting. Immediately, the phone started ringing-everyone wanted to see this little home-and then almost as immediate-the offers started rolling in.
Realizing that when the phone didn't stop ringing, she had a special property, Motte suggested to her client that a deadline be set that all offers had to be in by. The date arrived and Motte sat with 89 offers on her desk. It brought back memories of the "good old days"-when just a few years ago, agent%

Peter Viles, writes in his blog, L.A. Land, that media listing prices fell just $100, from $450,000 to $449,000 from March to April in the greater Los Angeles area, and inventory is up slightly. Viles says this reflects "a listless market that is neither deteriorating nor showing signs of life."

It could be that a lot of buyers are holding back, waiting for sellers to let go of their unrealistic price expectations. Once they do, buyers will be jumping back into the market. Those buyers, however will have to contend with tight credit.

If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage payments, attend this free workshop. Credit counselors, loan servicers and lenders will offer on-site assistance and information on options available to help keep you in your home. Bring loan documents and other relevant financial information to the event.

Please call (818) 901-5588 for questions. More information at: www.yourhome.ca.gov. En Espanol: Cómo evitar la ejecución hipotecaria.

Sponsored by State and Consumer Services Agency
Business, Transportation & Housing Agency
Senator Alex Padilla
Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes
Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services
City of San Fernando

Today, The National Association of Realtors reported on January's home sale statistics. Regional markets varied widely. In the West, existing-home sales went down 2.1 percent from December 2007. Compared to January 2007, sales declined 28.5, and the median home price was down 6.7%.

Here it is! For a buyer wanting to get into the real estate market, this $399K charming Lake Balboa cottage features fresh paint inside and out, gleaming expanses of wood floors, and a large backyard with a covered patio and fruit trees. Click to see more photos of this Lake Balboa home for under $400,000. Contact Shelly Slovin at 818-887-3107 to take a look.

Savvy buyers looking for a tremendous opportunity in Woodland Hills should submit offers for this remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath (per owner) home in the highly desirable, woodsy neighborhood of Walnut Acres. The seller is proposing a short sale of $625,000. It's up to the bank. All terms and conditions are subject to the lender's approval. If the bank agrees, it's a chance to get into Walnut Acres at a price that hasn't been seen for a while. The lot boasts a circular drive, spacious lawns, plus pool and spa. You can see more photos at www.walnutacreshome.com.

Calabasas Realtor Shelly Slovin's Castle listing was featured in the LA Times Hot Property section on November 4th. This amazing property, oringinally listed at $2,949,000 and owned by Disturbed lead singer, David Draiman, was showcased with full color photos in the Times Sunday Real Estate Section. Slovin, who specializes in Calabasas Real Estate, says that the property is currently in escrow and scheduled to close this week.

In September, sales of single family homes in the San Fernando Valley reached the lowest point ever, according to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. This fact, coupled with increasing inventory of available homes to buy, confirms that the region has entered a buyer's market.

362 homes closed escrow last month, down 55% from the same month a year before.

Looking for the perfect home at an affordable price? Don't want to live in a condominium with no backyard? Take a look at this freshly redone two bedroom home in Lake Balboa, now available for only $449,000. The large backyard has a large lawn, fruit trees, with a covered patio.

The City of Calabasas is offering a free drive-thru flu shot clinic on Sat, Nov 3rd from 8:30am-11:00am. The clinic will be located at A.E. Wright Middle School. For a map, more information, and to download a consent form, go to http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/flu.html.

The woodsy Woodland Hills neighborhood of Walnut Acres is known for its country ambience, large flat lots and soaring trees. This exquisitely remodeled three bedroom, two bath home represents a tremendous opportunity for the savvy buyer.

The gated lot of over 1/4 acre and a deep setback offers welcome privacy to its owners. Perfect for entertaining, the circular drive offers generous parking space. Spacious lawns invite lingering in the shade under the trees.

Inside, a open floor plan makes the most of the light and the space in the best California ranch home tradition. The home features wood floors, custom paint and recessed lights. The bright kitchen has stainless appliances. A breakfast bar offers eating space in addition to the warm dining room.

Oversized sliders lead to the pool and spa area. The view of blue water, visible from the living room, the kitchen and the master bedroom, lends a resort feel to the property.

The master bedroom retreat has high ceilings, french doors and a peaceful sitting area. A room adjacent to the master is perfect for an office, a media room or a nursery. Offered at $699,000. Contact Shelly Slovin at 818.887.3107. Go to http://www.walnutacreshome.com for more information and pictures.

My new listing is a beautiful 3 bedroom house south of Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills. It has a guest unit, with kitchen, bath and its own paito. The main house is light and bright, with an open floor plan, high ceilings, wood floors. It is located above the street on a flat knoll and is shielded from the street by lacy pepper trees. Woodland Hills Elementary is located down the block. You must see this. Go to www.sanfelicianodrive.com to see photos and details. Or call me at 818.887.3107. Or, click here for Woodland Hills Real Estate Information.

One of the most important elements of my job as a Realtor is architectural and interior photography. High quality photography makes all the difference in presenting a home for sale. I use a Nikon D70s with a SB 800 speedlight to make my photos. For quick photos of exteriors to email clients, I carry a Fujifilm Finepix F31FD digital camera. It takes gorgeous sharp photos even in low light conditions.

For the Fuji, I got a nifty 2GB XD Type H (for high speed) memory card from memorysuppliers.com. I just ordered an additional card today. My previous order came quickly, for a good price. A recommended vendor.

A tradition since 1961, the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest is a unique Southern California pleasure. Outgrowing its Topanga roots long ago, the event features over 100 contestants of all ages. As you stroll around the western town movie set, studded with oaks, you'll find musicians in every corner taking part in informal jam sessions. On the main stages, you'll see contestants and professional bands alike. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy. Fee. May 20, 9am-6pm at the Paramount Ranch. More info: http://topangabanjofiddle.org

How do you know the mover you are hiring is reputable? A government web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, offers information on how to avoid mover fraud, moving checklists, a complaint hotline, and a way to check a moving company's FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) registration.

The short answer? Absolutely. A home inspection is a visual exam of both the physical structure and major systems of the home It is not an appraisal to validate the value of a home, nor a pass/fail exam. A third-party inspector will give a report on the physical condition and suggest repairs. You definitely want this.

Update: This home is now in escrow. See photos at www.northridgehome.com. This lovely ranch home has been reduced to $589,000. Call Shelly to see this one ASAP.

Just listed!

I think this gorgeous ranch home is just about perfect. I can picture holiday dinners around the table in the dining area. The living room has a large bay window that looks out to the back yard.

The large family room the an inviting fireplace and a bar will be the gathering place for friends and family. French doors lead to the brick patio outside, covered with a pergola. A lemon tree, roses, and a lawn beckon.
It has wood floors, smooth ceilings, a remodeled kitchen with stainless appliances granite countertops and recessed lighting. Three bedrooms, 1.75 baths in 1720 sq ft. Offered at $629,000.

More information and photos can be found here: Northridge Real Estate.

The Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® reported slower homes sales in the San Fernando Valley during January. The Association attributes the decrease to the holidays and the end of year. 569 single-family homes closed escrow in Jnnuary, a total that was down 2.2 percent from a year ago and, following seasonal patterns, 29.4 percent below the December tally.

In addition, condominium sales last month were 8.3 percent below a year ago and 29.0 percent lower than the December total.

Association president Winnie Davis stated, “Typically, January is the slowest month of every year as closed sales are, for the most part, escrows opened from mid-November through December, the holiday season.

“The decrease in sales from last year is consistent with the trend we saw throughout most of 2006,” Davis said.

Friday, February 16th, 7-9pm. The Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve (formerly Ahmanson Ranch). Information 310-454-1395 (ext 153). At the Victory Trailhead. Enjoy a ranger-led evening hike through oak-studded rolling hills and learn more about the evening sky. Rain cancels.

Mortgage insurance will be tax-deductible in 2007. For some homeowners, the new law means it will cheaper to get mortgage insurance instead of getting piggyback loans.

The 109th Congress passed the tax law in its final hours. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners will save a total of $91 million when they file their tax returns in 2008, according to estimates prepared by the mortgage insurance industry.

"This is really going to help close to a million Americans who will buy a home next year using mortgage insurance..." MORE.

Note: Southern California Home does not give tax advice. Information furnished by third party. Information from source considered reliable, but information not warranted or guaranteed. Please note caveats at bottom of article.

The data show what real estate professionals in the West Valley already know--2006 median home sale price are down from the year before. The drop in Calabasas prices has been steep: -32.7% from December 2005. The price in Woodland Hills has been much less precipitous: -.3.2% in 91364, and -4.1% in 91367.

Southern California Home has a guest today, Joeann Fossland, Coach and founder of Web Women Giving Circle. Joeann is here to tell us more about the WWGC fundraising campaign to benefit CARE.

Web Women Giving Circle Founder Joeann Fossland steams into town on her historic whistle-stop virtual tour right here on Southern California Home Friday, December 22, 2006. Fossland will promote the Real Estate Premiums Package and the Shopping Alliance and Book Club for CARE. CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.

Joeann has a fundraising goal of $100,000 and has already reached over $20,000...

December 15th, 7-9pm. The Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve (formerly Ahmanson Ranch). Information 310-454-1395 (ext 153). At the Victory Trailhead. Enjoy a ranger-led evening hike through oak-studded rolling hills and learn more about the evening sky. A telescope will be available.

If the San Fernando Valley was its own city, separate from Los Angeles, it would rank just behind New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston in population, according to the Los Angeles Times in an article published last week.

The LA Times had a good article in the Sunday Real Estate Section by Diane Wedner this week. Anyone who is thinking of putting their home on the market right now should 'read it, learn it, live it,' to paraphrase Judge Reinhold in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The article's subtitle says it all: "The first step on the fastest route to 'sold' is setting the right listing price." It goes on to say, "Savvy sellers take note: It's all about pricing, pricing, pricing. Not last year's. Last month's."

This is key advice, advice that some sellers resist. As Syd Leibovitch, a broker in Beverly Hills says, "When you've done everything to make the house desirable and it's accessible to buyers, but they aren't choosing it, then we know what the house is not worth. It's time to lower the price and make sure you out-compete others in the marketplace."

Of course, that price reduction comes after the house has sat on the market for a while. Reducing the price can be considered a salvage strategy. But if you want to get your house sold quickly, a far better plan is to study the very latest sold comparables, and then price your home a bit lower. The article makes the point to price your home close to amount you are willing to accept. Want some advice on Southern California real estate. Feel free to give me a call.

It is December and it's time for myriad productions of The Nutcracker. This year, why not forgo the drive to downtown and take in the holiday perennial at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park? Featuring the Rozann Zimmerman Ballet Company, It runs December 8th through the 17th, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays, and matinees Saturday and Sundays. Tickets $20.

November 28th. The Georgia rocker has been touring the country with his friends and he's coming to Agoura Hills. Get more information from the Canyon Club.

Offered at $429,000. This airy and bright West Hills townhome has two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The home's highlights include a fireplace in the living room, plantation shutters, and lush carpeting. The remodeled kitchen has newer appliances and recessed lighting. The bonus room could be an office, a studio, a playroom, or...? The two car garage has direct access to the home, and the laundry area is in the unit. There is a lovely landscaped pool and spa area, and the recreation room includes a sauna. More photos of this home and West Hills real estateinformation can be found here.

"We now have the most favorable market for home buyers in several years, and most sellers -- who've been in their home for a normal period of homeownership -- are still seeing very healthy returns on their investment," says David Lereah, the chief economist of the National Assn of Realtors. He goes on to say, "Home sellers are becoming realistic about current market conditions and are now offering more competitive pricing, in addition to some incentives or concessions -- especially to help first-time buyers."

The average size of a new home in 2004 was 2,349 sq ft, up from 2080 sf in 1990. In 1950 the average homes size was 983 sf. Quite a jump! The growth is across the board, in terms of the number of stories, bedrooms and bathrooms. In 1950, 96 percent of homes had one and a half baths, or fewer, and in 2004 only 4% of homes had 1 1/2 baths or fewer. Interesting, no? The statistics come from the National Assn of Home Builders.

This lovely Indian Summer we've been enjoying turns our thoughts to the pleasures of Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas. The weather is fine, and dining outside at the Sagebrush sounds quite inviting. They are offering an early bird special of 25% off food only Mondays through Fridays between 4pm and 6pm.

The L.A. Times reports today that a majority of home sellers in five Southern California counties sold their homes for double of what they paid. The median profit in Los Angeles County was $266,000. Less than 6.5% of last month's sellers lost money when they sold their home. The data suggests that for most, declining prices doesn't pose a huge problem. Those who haven't owned their home for long may have trouble if they are forced to sell soon, but the majority stand to make handsome profits if they need to sell. You can search for Woodland Hills homes for sale without registering here.

The LA Times reports today that a quick-witted kindergardner caught a California condor with his digital camera. Experts say that it may be the first sighting in a hundred years!

Sunday, November 5th, 10am-5pm. Join Main Street Canoga Park for their 6th annual festival. There will be altar displays, a classic car show, international foods, arts and crafts, sidewalk chalk art festival and live music. The Madrid Theatre will feature live perfomances including folkloric dance companies. free. More information.

The median price of single family homes in Woodland Hills rose in the last the 12 months. Homes in the 91364 zip code rose 2.1%, whiles homes in the 91367 code rose 5.4%. So while the days of double-digit increases appear to be over, these figures give perspective to the doom and gloom of recent headlines. It is interesting to contrast the small gains with the drop in median value for Calabasas single family homes (see entry below) in the last 12 months. The disparity probably is because Calabasas experienced a faster and higher run up in prices the last few years and prices are now adjusting. Stats from Dataquick. If you are curious what that home up the street is selling for, seach the MLS with no annoying pre-registration at www.woodlandhillshome.com.

According to DataQuick, the September median price of homes sold in Calabasas (91302) has dropped 25.6% from Sept. 05. Now might be the time to benefit from a correction in the run up in prices over the last few years. You can search the MLS for Calabasas real estate with no registration requiredat www.calabasashome.com.

Don't miss the school's annual Fall Festival! Come in costume and be prepared for lots of spooky fun! More information and times: 818.347.9220 or http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Woodland_Hills_EL/events.htm.

Saturday, October 28th at 8:00 PM
The Madrid Theare in Canoga Park presents 60's singing sensations THE DRIFTERS in concert. Go from Up on the Roof to Under the Boardwalk. Get more information here.

Thursday, October 19th from 11:30am until 2:30pm. Oxnard Street between Owensmouth and AMC Place in Warner Center. Sample food from Kate Mantilini, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Poquito Mas, Warner Center Marriott, Starbucks, Milano's, Maggiano's, Baja Bud's, and many more! Also, there will be a dunk tank featuring local firefighters, fire truck displays, and fun for the whole family.

This is a little off the blog topic, but I found a great program for managing the myriad of account numbers, passwords, user names that just seem to pile up. It's called Password Agent, by www.moonsoftware.com. You can use it for free with 25 or fewer passwords, or purchase the unlimited version $24.95. I'm not affiliated, I just think it's a great little program that has made my life a little simpler.

This adds up to a major reduction for this Deer Springs home in Calabasas. It has four bedrooms, three baths. One of the bedrooms is downstairs. The home is light and bright with high ceilings, skylights, and shutters. Wood floors, family room, and more. Las Virgenes School District. I'm holding open houses Saturday and Sunday October 21st & 22nd, 2-5pm. 4038 Lost Springs Drive, stop by if you can. You can see more pictures at calabasashome.com. Give me a call 818-887-3107 if you'd like more info.

The Halloween Harvest Festival takes on a more sinister persona after dark as the FrightFair Scream Park comes to life, featuring: both the "Factory of Nightmares" Haunted House, Sinister Dreadfords Mansion of Lost Souls" Haunted House and the "Creatures of the Corn" Haunted Trail. Not for the faint of heart. Information. Corner of Desoto and Victory Blvd in Woodland Hills.

Through October 31st. Get lost in the Corn Maze, go on a hayride, find the perfect pumpkin and more! Climbing wall, bungee bounce, haunted trail. Corner of De Soto and Victory Blvd, in Woodland Hills, right near the Orange Line. Information and hours.