California Property Tax Reductions

Dear California Real Property Owner:

We want to bring to your attention the fact that the Los Angeles Assessor’s office takes applications for 2011 decline-in-value property value) from June 1, 2011 through November 30, 2011.

Some homes qualify automatically, however it is a good idea to check and see if your property is on that list. Go to www.assessor.lacounty.gov and look for “Will my property be reviewed for a 2011 Decline in Value”. Once you click on that, it takes you to a page which says “Property Value Down”….then follow the directions. By entering your street address or assessor identification Number, you can check to see if your property automatically qualifies.

If you did not qualify automatically, and you think the assessed value is too high, you can click Decline-In-Value Review Application and fill out the application on line or print it out.

NOTE: You will need 2 comparable sales that sold as close to January 1, 2011 as possible, but no later than March 31, 2011.

For example of estimated savings: If your property value dropped $40,000, you could save as much as $500 for the first year.

For help with the 2 comparables you need, contact your favorite Realtor. If your one of my current, future or past clients, I would be happy to supply you with these 2 comparables. Just call, text, email or pony express your request.

Good luck!

#1 Real Estate Firm in Santa Clarita 2011

Gears working together in synergy...

July 8th, 2011 The Newhall Signal sent us a letter that stated: “Congratulations on winning the Newhall Signal Newspaper’s 10th Annual Best of Santa Clarita Awards. RE/MAX of the Santa Clarita Valley was voted “The Best Real Estate Company” in a recent Newhall Signal reader’s poll.

Just 10 days before on July 18th, 2011, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal published its list of Top Residential Real Estate Firms ranked by dollar volume of sales. The location of offices ranged from Beverly Hills to Simi Valley to Glendale to La Canada. RE/MAX of Valencia placed number #5. This means that only 4 real estate companies closed more dollars in sales than RE/MAX of Valencia. This is for the time period between July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. This business journal also determined that once again RE/MAX of Valencia placed higher than any other real estate company that is located in Santa Clarita.

This is amazing to be voted “best” by the readers of the Newhall Signal Newspaper for 2011 in addition to placing #1 in sales for the same years according the Business Journal. Congratulations to RE/MAX of Valencia. I’m glad to be a part of the winning team. Hoorah!

J.D. Power Ranks RE/MAX #1 in Overall Customer Satisfaction

RE/MAX Balloon just keeps on rising...

Recently, J.D. Power and Associates released the results from their Buyer/Seller study. They found out that buyers and sellers prefer RE/MAX over all other companies in terms of overall customer satisfaction. Last year, RE/MAX tied with one other company but this year was the sole winner. This was the fourth annual study of home buyer and seller satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies that was conducted by J.D. Power and associates. Four factors were considered for the home buying-selling experience.

1. Agent/Salespersons
2. Marketing
3. Office
4. Other

Details from the study indicate that on a scale of 1000, homebuyer respondents ranked RE/MAX with a score of 805 and home sellers put RE/MAX on top at 791. The 2011 study includes more than 4200 evaluations of respondents who bought or sold a home between March 2010 and April 2011.

In two other 2011 industry surveys of the countries top real estate brokerages, RE/MAX agents averaged more transaction sides than agents at the other national franchises. The RIS Media Power Broker Survey and the REAL Trends 500 both showed that RE/MAX agents averaged 14 transaction sides, more than double the average of many competitors.

I’m not surprised at how well our company has done. Being with the top rated real estate company has certainly contributed to my success! Thanks to Dave Linegar, our Chairman and founder and a huge shout out to John and Alice O’Hare, the CEO’s of RE/MAX in Santa Clarita. Just this week, I celebrated my 20th year with RE/MAX. What a thrilling 20 years it has been. Thank You RE/MAX and thank you to our many delighted clients!

Meticulous Home by 5 Freeway, $285,000

Imagine yourself and or your family in this nice home package. It is newer and in impeccable condition for easy maintenance living. It features 3BDR/2Baths and has 1522 sq. ft. The minute you walk in the front door, you see lush green landscaping that covers the high wall at the back of the patio yard. The kitchen boasts granite counter tops. The floors are covered with high end carpet and tile. The windows have plantation shutters on every window. The community pool and spa sit about 150 feet from this home. The house always shows meticulous and can be seen on a moments notice. This home sits on a cul de sac and has a county park just 1/8 of a mile behind the house on edge of mountain. Castaic Lake is just a 10 minute walk away from the house. There are multiple hiking trails near this house as well. Just 30 minutes north of this house is one of cross country ski areas which sit at the top of Mt. Pinots. This home is a true bargain at $285,000. It is a real sale not short sale. Hurry to see this before somebody else realizes just how great a package this is. Live in a nice area on the outskirts of Santa Clarita Valley. Whats to want? Lakes, trails, wildlife, shopping and easy access to ski mountains just 35 minutes north.

Top 5 Outdoor Runs in Santa Clarita

Looking for a place to run outdoors?

Running outdoors has been my hobby and joy for the past 25 years. When I first moved to Santa Clarita in 1985, I ran the same course every day which was up Sierra Highway and back, a total of 5 miles. This got boring after awhile so I started looking for new routes to enjoy. Here, 25 years later, I’m sitting down to write a blog about these exciting nature runs which have made me so happy. My list is in no particular order as I enjoy these outside running locations equally. Here you go
1. Vasquez Rocks: This is a great place to run and see the red and golden slanted rocks of Agua Dulce. Run through the boulders and cactus on your way to the Pacific Crest Trail which is connected to the trails here. Vasquez Park sits just 9 miles from the Sierra Hwy & Soledad intersection. The cost is free to get into the park. There is plenty of parking here and many places to picnic and jog. Take your camera and get some photos while your there. This place always has interesting nature lovers there hiking, climbing or running. The Santa Clarita astronomy club goes here a few times throughout the year to look at the stars.
2. College of the Canyon (Cross Country Track): This college has maintained a beautiful cross country track for years. This rambling running track straddles the hills between the freeway and the football stadium. This is a very challenging course that has many hills. The strong runners who train here will inspire you to give it your best. Try to find a free spot to park here or pay the nominal charge at one of the parking meters. The best way to find the track is to look for behind the football stadium.
3. Valencia Summit Paseos: There are 2 long semi rustic canyon which sprawl between Del Monte and Arroyo Park in Valencia. These long canyons feature two running tracks, one for each canyon that is connected by an inclined series of bridges and walkways that stretch over one of the large mountains which separate the 2 canyons. Run on the paved run tracks here along the creek, oak trees and wildlife. Large estate homes are perched majestically above your as you run. This is a quite scenic run with plenty to look at. If you need to run on the grass, there is a large grassy interior park which you can run around that is very soft. This is a good place to run with your dog as there are many dog lovers in this area. Best to park on Del Monte which is just a 100 feet west of Mc Bean Parkway.
4. South Fork Park Trail : Find Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Blvd and Newhall Avenue and park in the large lot by the South Fork Park sign. This place sits 200 yards away from Barnes and Noble and just across the street from the Honda dealership. This is a 2 mile stretch of trail which features and paced section and a dirt path section. These 2 paths are separated by a modern rustic pole fence. This trail sits just above the river wash which makes a beautiful backdrop for your run. This is also a good place to do time trials as it is long and flat and straight. This South Fork Trail also hooks up and is connected to the Valencia paseos in case you need more distance.
5. Stevenson Ranch County Park (Running Track): This huge county park sits in one of the highest areas of Stevenson Ranch. This park is gated and features softball fields, tennis courts and safe playground for the kids. There is a fenced off portion of the park which is like an unofficial dog park. The running track sits at the north end of the park just beyond the horseshoe lanes and basketball court. The running/walk track is about 1/4 mile around. It has a view of the area as well as a view of the Santa Monica Conservancy Mountains which are green, gold and filled with beautiful boulder formations. This is a good park for running when you have the family with you as there is something for everyone to do while they are here.

Well, there you are. This is my top 5 list for outdoor runs in Santa Clarita. Hope to see you out there hitting the pavement. Happy Running!

Military Veterans Choosing Santa Clarita

Serious Soldier Saluting

Military veterans seem to be flocking to safe areas to buy houses after their time overseas Recently,at my open houses, I have met many women and men who have just got out of the military and desire an affordable and safe area to raise their children. It seems these veterans are looking for good schools, safe walk ways and easy freeway access. In addition, many of these people are in need of outdoor activities to stay in shape. It is easy for me to help these folks as Santa Clarita has good schools, paseo walkways and lots of mountains and lakes. Santa Clarita was voted last year to be in the top 10 of places to live in America. It has also been awarded as being in the top 10 for safety by the FBI. They have made the top 10 list for safety many times over the last 15 years. In summary, Santa Clarita is a intelligent choice for those getting out of the miliatry. It offers, safe neighborhoods, good schools and much in the way of “free” outdoor activity.

Is Valencia of Santa Clarita the Jewel of Los Angeles County?

Located along gentle canyons surrounded by green and gold forested mountains, Valencia is the epicenter within the city of Santa Clarita. Valencia can be spotted because of its rolling plains of green with diverse varieties of trees, giving it the name of “city of trees” by people around the world. Valencia is one of America’s planned modern city designs that’s growing in a smart way, and seeks to be an area that aesthetically compliments the naturally photogenic topography. Many of the people who relocate to Santa Clarita and Valencia do so because of the distinguished school system which includes 3 colleges.

In the early 1900’s, its “original city”, Newhall was the home of more than one famous silent screen movie star. William S. Hart, one of the first well known cowboy actors kept ranches here and there is even a famed “Cowboy Walk of Fame” in old town Newhall as well as other western heritage memorabilia. His ranch and museum are a landmark here.

Santa Clarita was awarded one of the top ten of places to live in America, and the 6th safest city with populations over 100,000. You must see the 50 miles of scenic artistically designed paseo walkways that connect most neighborhoods in Valencia. The city of Santa Clarita has more than 100 miles of protected bike paths which roll along the river washes and mountainsides. There are 17 natural parks for recreation. Abundant recreational opportunities abound, when you are less than one hour from some of Southern California’s best known tourist attractions! For instance you can drive 60 minutes north to a cross country ski lodge at the top of Mt. Pinots or take a leisurely drive south to the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica. Santa Barbara is just 90 minutes north while Disney Land is just 90 minutes southeast. Ventura Harbor is just 60 minutes west.

Santa Clarita and its planned community, Valencia are often the backdrop for many motion pictures and popular T.V. shows. It is home and host to the Santa Clarita Marathon and the Amgen California Bike Tour. There are several prominent golfing tournaments here each year at one or more of our many golf courses. This sparkling city is kept meticulous with regular street cleaning crews that always seem to keep everything pristine. Much of the vegetation in Valencia is indigenous and fire retardant, making Valencia especially safe. In the summer there is variety of free concerts in the park as well as the state of the art “Town Center Mall”. The “Town Center Mall” is architecturly designed to have an exterior shopping space reminiscent of an artistic outdoor promenade. On the west side of town sits the exciting Six Flags Magic Mountain with rollercoaster’s and other family style amusements. The water park sits adjacent to this. Drive 10 minutes north to Castaic and relax next to the large tree lined lake highlighted by many white sand beaches and coves and perfect for boating and fishing.

The mountains around Valencia are popular with racing bicyclists and off road enthusiasts. A dramatic portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, spirals through the mountains, which includes unique points of interest such as the rock formations called Vasquez Rocks. Valencia, Santa Clarita is unique and a high quality place to live. With so much to experience here, there’s no reason to leave!

Realtors are Dressing Up Again!

When I first got in the real estate business in 1991, the trend was to dress casual. Our office managers and brokers fought this trend by asking agents and brokers not to wear jeans or shorts in the office. Most of the agents who dressed casually were making many sales and so the rules were not enforced in the name of much business. The last 3 years has seen a shift in dress standards as the agent work force has a younger median age who have to compete against more experienced agents. These young lions are setting the trend by out dressing their older agents. In addition, consumers are much more picky about how who they do business with. Thus, agents are dressing up and even competing to be the sharpest dresser in the office. There are very few agents that wear jeans or shorts in the office at our company of several hundred agents. The trend is to be smart, sharp and focused on the client. To do that, one must look like they have taken care to present themselves in a professional manner. It seems us older agents have something to learn from the younger agents after all.

Memories of 20 Years in Real Estate

As I enter my twentieth year in real estate sales, memories flood my brain from all the different situations and issues that arose during my career. I met many nice agents and clients and only had a couple of people that were ever not nice. The hours were long a grind but there was always satisfaction knowing that I worked for myself. I learned much about people, economics and negotiation during my years. The biggest thing I ever learned was that people don’t care what you know, half as much as whether they like you in the first place. I have seen many agents who weren’t that organized or attractive make more sales than other well equipped, talented and attractive agents. I learned that being nice to other agents over the years got more deals accepted on behalf of my clients than any negotiation talent I ever had. Giving and sharing information with clients and other agents was far more profitable in the long run than being greedy and trying to take more of a cooperating commission. There are so many memories, mostly warm and fuzzy that I have accumulated. As I set down today to look through some old pictures of my my “mug” over the last 20 years of marketing, I thought I would write a brief blog of my thoughts.

Mr Realtor: More Land, Less House, Pretty Please!

More Land...Less House...please!

I’ve noticed a trend in the last year where home buyers are asking for more land and less house. Certain home buyers are now wanting more land and less house in order to become more independent. The “more land concept” brings privacy and room for organic gardens, solar energy panels and collector tanks for rain collection. I’ve noticed this renewed trend among professional individuals in the creative fields. I see this trend expanding as more and more artists flee the city to live a more interdependent life with nature.

Is the Santa Clarita Market Thawing Out?

Hello and Happy Springtime!

Can you believe this market has finally started to turn around! For the 11th consecutive month, sales of existing single-family homes have “surged” in the Santa Clarita valley.

Santa Clarita Valley has 719 resale homes pending in escrow. A total of 665 resale homes have SOLD and closed since January 1, 2009. There are only 1117 homes left on the market while there were at least 2500 homes on the market a year ago. There appears to be a shrinking of the inventory to say the least.

There are still many foreclosures coming, however, many buyers are coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of low prices. Many buyers are taking advantage of the current seller concessions mentality and the Federal Reserve lowering the interest rates. I see multiple offers as being more the “norm” now, than the exception.

We are predicting the second quarter of 2009 to pick up steam with the second half of 2009 being very busy. The interest rates will probably drop to 4.5% as some point which will make the market go crazy.

Plus, I’m predicting slight price appreciation by the 4th quarter of this year for many neighborhoods in Santa Clarita.

” Who do you know today, who could benefit from our services?”

Until next time…

Warm Regards!

Mark Bolender, CRS
RE/MAX of Valencia
661-714-0510

Short Sale or Loan Modification?

Should You Short Sale Your Home or Complete a Loan Modification?

The market is just beginning to stabilize but short sales and foreclosures will be with us for a couple more years. The options for many distressed home owners are the following:

(1) Do a loan modification with subject lender.

(2) Complete a short sale of mortgage.

(3) Just walk away mortgage obligation altogether.

Obviously, the loan modification is the best choice for most people. The government is pushing banks to offer loan modification programs for home owners who are current on the mortgage payment but still in trouble with the resetting of the loan’s interest rate.

Although the loan modification process will take time to complete, this tool will help get the payment down far enough which enables most homeowners to stay in their home. Not everyone will qualify for a loan modification however.

If a borrower doesn’t qualify for a loan modification, then the short sale is the next best option. In a short sale situation, the bank agrees to lower the mortgage payoff so that homeowner can sell without bringing in any money to close escrow.

There may be tax consequences for doing a short sale but in most cases, the debt relief would not bring on taxes because of the government’s debt relief law that we are currently operating under. Always check with your CPA before doing a short sale.

The short sale option will not look as bad on a borrower’s credit as it will show the borrower cooperated. It will be much easier to qualify for a mortgage in 2-3 years providing the short sale option or loan modification is used. Don’t forget to check with a CPA or real estate lawyer first.

The third option is to just walk away from the loan altogether. This is really a last resort. The reason why this is the last resort is a foreclosure will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years. That’s an awful long time to have bad credit.

I don’t recommend this option ever, unless the mortgage holder bank will not cooperate on a loan modification/short sale. Only then should a home owner consider walking away and only if the home owner has tried every other option to afford the home.

8 Surefire Ways To Save a FHA Down in 180 Days

It seems like most buyers these days are trying to save a down payment for an FHA loan. The minimum down payment for borrowers who qualify for a $300,000 house would be $10,500.

I will use this price and down payment for an example of how one could save a down payment should they qualify for an FHA loan.

That means a borrower would have to save $1750 per month. How can a person do that? Here are some surefire ways to make this a snap.

1. Groceries: Eat at home and save big bucks. When buying groceries, skip the large corporate grocery stores. Instead, shop at Smart N Final, Costco, & 99 Cent Stores. Buy everything in bulk. It’s cheaper that way. Example: So you like corn chips with your salsa. Try buying the 5 pound bag at Smart n Final for $3.79 versus $4.99 for a one pound bag at the large grocery stores. This is one example of hundreds. The 99 cent store or dollars stores have many basic food items, produce and other household goods which cost a dollar verses the $5-$10 per item at a regular store. Remember, we all eat the same things over and over again. Buy large quantities and save at least $750 a month.

2. Coffee & Tea: Take a break from all the fancy coffee places or fast food places. Buy a thermos and take your own hot drink to work. If you miss the waiting in line for coffee and all the people watching you drinking your coffee, try this. Take your thermos of hot drink and spend 10 free minutes at the city park or other natural area where there are people. You will easily save $3 per day which is $75 over a month.

3. Clothes: Make it a habit to frequent thrift stores, garage sales, and Ross Stores. Be picky on what you buy and never pay more than what makes you glow, in getting a really good deal on some recycled quality clothes. Save $150 per month.

4. Bottled Water: Quit buying bottled water. If you live in Los Angeles County like I do, you have some of the cleanest water in the country. Do your own research on this to satisfy yourself but if you use tap water for your coffee, tea, pasta and workouts, you will save $125 per month.

5. Music/Movies: Do not buy or rent CDs or DVDs for 6 months. Instead, listen to music from Pandora.com. You can listen to it from your computer or cell phone. On Pandora you make your own radio stations to listen to in 3 easy clicks. This is my favorite web site of all time. For movies go to the best free movie site in the world…Hulu.com. This free movie site is my second favorite site in the world. Save $150 per month.

6 Cable or Satellite TV: Cancel TV services for 6 months and watch movies and or news programs on your computer through broadband or DSL. Save $70 per month.

7. Lunch: No restaurant lunches for 6 months unless someone else is buying or your company reimburses you for the lunch. Take a health lunch from all the bulk groceries you have been buying. Save $250 a month.

8. Transportation: Insist that each member of the household take a bus, carpool or bike to work at least 1 day per week. This will save gas, wear & tear and the average household will save about $180 per month.

Implement these 8 steps and save that down payment. Buying a house at the bottom of the market will be your key to success over the next few years.

The Home Buying Trend: Women Between 24-54

The average homebuyer for many decades has been families with the adults being an average of age of 37 years old. The new demographic is that unmarried females are starting to overcome the previous statistic. Females from the ages of 24-54 has started to overtake the previous demographic in many locales across America. There appears to be a new trend taking shape.

Young Couples Debate Buying a Home Longer

Even though interest rates are low and listed houses aren’t as plentiful, buyers are really doing a more in depth analysis before pulling the trigger on a home purchase. This is a good thing as this will help prevent another run up on prices. Younger buyers these days are much more educated than in previous decades. These new buyers have been trained in college to do basis financial analysis. The advent of the internet has made it easier for buyers to do their own research.

The #1 Reason Why I Love Valencia

The number one reason why I love to live and sell homes in Valencia is this. We have 50+ miles of semi private paseos which link up all the neighborhoods. There are trees, bushes and flowers along the routes. There are water fountains, monkey bars and exercise equipment along the way. There is an abundance of wildlife on the paseos which makes it like a mini safari when you go for a walk. The dogs love to be walked down the paseo so many animal lovers meet up and make friends. There are many city parks and tons of trees of every kind. I have extra paseo maps in my office if anyone needs a copy.

Educated Girls Investing in Real Estate Market

Is it possible that educated women will hold off on getting married and having babies by personally buying a first time residence? Buying at the bottom of the real estate market would be certain way of building a nest egg over the next 10 years for one who doesn’t want to tie the knot so fast. Then, a few years down the line, an equity rich woman would have the means to find the perfect someone without having to worry about the finances. Another emerging trend.

Surfers Asking For Stategic Home Locations

When I started selling homes back in 1991, I used to get the usual golf questions. Questions that asked me about the local golf courses and homes which were near them. Over the last 5 years, I have noticed a trend where more and 30 and 40 something homebuyers are asking for locations which have the quickest access to a good surfing beach. In some cases, the closest house to a surf beach might be 45 minutes. I’m finding that the more I know about surfing and beaches for surfers, the better I’m able to help those homebuyers who require specialized help in getting a well located home to the surf. “Surfing is the new golf”

Generation Y Migrating To City with Urban Farming In Hand

I’ve noticed that many currently adults in the 19-29 year range have migrated back to the big cities to be closer to work, entertainment and public amenities.

However, this new generation, more so than the Generation X group is very conscious of the food they put in their mouth. With the sudden rise in food and more importantly organic food stuffs, many of these Geration Y’s have taken their educated food consciousness with the as they nomad back to the city.

Perma culture and organic gardening has started to be noticed more and more in downtown housing courtyards, patios and even in some public parks. Landlords of upper end artistic grottos have even encouraged their renters to get creative and plant their seeds.

The world is a changing before our very eyes. The advent of the new generations may save us after all, with this new generation taking the lead in nutrition and frugalness.

As these same adults begin to have kids, many will eventually head back to the suburbs to be safer and nearer better schools. It is safe to assume that this at home organic farming trend will spread from the city back to the outer areas so the next generation will have better food choices.

2012 is not End but Beginning of New Boom

2012 is not end of world but the birth of America’s new real estate boom. The Generation Y group is twice size of the Generation X group. The Y’s are the new baby boom generation. http://tinyurl.com/yldxfwz

View & Pools: Most Requested Amenities 2010

Homeowners are staying in their homes longer than ever before. New homebuyers tell me that they will stay in their new homes for many years and don’t plan on switching houses every few years like the homebuyers did in the first 5 years of this century. (2000-2005)
I’ve noticed that this new breed of homebuyer who we call the Generation Y group wants more amenities as they will be staying in their home longer. The Two main amenities are that of a view from the home or a backyard pool with a side yard for growing organic food. This is an amazing trend which will make homes with amenities more valuable than homes without substantial extras. It seems that when homeowners begin to “cocoon”, they want and need more comfort which can be found in homes with views and or pools.

Visualize The Big Picture During Hard Times

Many people from different walks of life are feeling the pinch of the economy. It seems that many people are stressed out and worried about their future standard of living. One of my well to do clients informed me that we should get used to living like students again in terms of simpler housing and our consumer buying habits. We should also dream as though we are students again as we all will have to make some personal changes to improve our future. Many of us have learned much about ourselves in the last couple of years due to the many personal sacrifices we have endured to survive.

One effective way in dealing with a world that has been turned upside down is to visualize and really crystallize where we want to be in the future so the universe knows exactly how to help us. One way of doing this is to clearly see and dream about where we want to be in the future. Visualize exactly how we want to prosper. Then, put it in perspective and see the big picture. Sure things are troublesome in our economy but it always bounces back. Everyone is having a hard time and all of us want a better life. Dream, visualize and plan for a better tomorrow while seeing the whole picture of our life. As a philosopher once said. “The storm clouds seem dark and ominous now, but this too my friend shall pass”.

Sound Healthy Sleep Insurance

Common sense tells us that the best insurance against health care cost is for us all to live simpler and healthier lives. All of us have stress. All we can try to do is control it and build our body’s immune systems up so we can handle the stress load. The two best ways to tackle that according to most doctors, physiologists and shamans are to set up a restful, peaceful area for our sleep environment and then to choose carefully the foods we eat so we sleep soundly and ward off disease in our rest. This resting we call sleep is the best medicine. A nice sleep area with healthy foods that we grow ourselves is the key.

In that vein, I have noticed a trend in that buyers are choosing homes more carefully and eliminating homes that have street noise or bright street lights. Buyers also turn down houses that don’t have a door separating the master bath area from the master suite or sleeping area. Plantation shutters are in big demand as it helps to shutout light and noise.

Another trend that I have written much about is the homebuyer request for a private yard or specious patio in order to grow organic and sustainable produce for economical and nutrition reasons. Many of these homebuyers happen to come from the Generation Y group that is demanding these types of amenities in contrast to the baby boomer generation who concentrated on RV areas, pools, jaccuzzis and large balconies. I believe that even in the bible, it says that the “young will lead them”. Maybe it’s time to learn from our younger generation some of their inclinations so we can sleep better, eat better and reduce our health costs, both to our pocketbooks and physical bodies.

Videography, Universal Language of Real Estate

For many years, homes were sold the traditional way. You had to go the local area where the home was for sale and after meeting with a real estate salesperson, you got go see houses. For most people, this was a long confusing way to find a home and many hours, days and weeks were wasted. A few years ago in the early 1990′s we still didn’t use pictures so much to market homes but from 1994-2007, color pictures of homes flooded the market. At first, there were blurry pictures of homes, cheesy pictures of real estate agents and some badly edited video. I’ve noticed in the last couple of years that the pictures are getting better and the virtual tours are being replaced with high definition video. This high definition video is changing the accessibility of real estate purchase for the average time constrained homebuyer. A high quality video of a home doesn’t have to be in any language as you can just play music behind the edited reel. You know what they say…a picture tells 1000 words. If that is true than video can speak a million words. Welcome to the new future of real estate. Who knows…after we get used to selling homes with high definition video, we will someday probaly be showing houses by use of holographic camera equipment that places a buyers 3 D image in a 3 D holographic representation of the particular home. A virtual reality showing if you will. Can’t wait for the future.

Top 7 Outdoor Yoga Spots In Santa Clarita

More and more yoga devotees in Santa Clarita are taking their yoga practice outdoors. It seems that the most natural combination for yoga is nature itself. We have interviewed a few of these people and produced a list of some of the most aesthetic natural spots in which to practice yoga outside the classroom. Here is our Top 7 List in No Particular Order:

1. Valley Glen Park: Large flat empty fields with high trees for shade. There are eagles, raccoons, squirrels, and skunks around this place. Very shady, green and perfect for yoga….dawn to 10PM. Located off of N. Mill Valley and Orchard Village in Valencia, 91355

2. Towsley Canyon: Amazing tree lined hikes between sheer vertical mountains with creeks and mini waterfalls. Step back in time to feel and see what Santa Clarita looked like before houses and people. Very tranquil and relaxing. Pure nature. Many different varieties of trees and flowers. Located just south of Calgrove and the 5 freeway on the Old Road. Just across the street from Calgrove Kennels.

3. San Francisquito Dam Ruins: Located 7-8 miles north on San Francisquito Cyn Rd from Copperhill in Saugus. The old washed out San Francisquito Cyn Rd is blocked now for good since the new road went in a few years ago. This closed off portion of the road is overgrown with trees, bamboo and with singing frogs along the roaring creek. Stand and do yoga above the waterfall on the edge of beautiful fragments of the old dam. It’s totally quiet here and perfect for an hour or two of yoga.

4. Placerita Canyon Trail: This wooded area with a creek is full of trees and wildlife. There used to be an old horse ranch here and if you climb to the top of the Walker Saddle, you can see parts of Pasadena on a cloudless day. This is a very spiritual place to practice as there is a waterfall hike that goes up gradually for an hour. Located east of 14 freeway on Pacerita Canyon.

5. Woods below Cal Arts: Just beneath Cal Arts is a woodsy area with signs that say your are welcome as long as you follow the no bike and dog rules. I’m not sure who owns it but it is a very natural place with creeks, fallen trees and a high hill with a large shade tree for practicing yoga when you want a view. Listen to the jazzy and minimalist music that trickles out of Cal Arts most afternoons. Located just below Cal Arts on Tournament Road.

6. Southfork Trail: This combination walk, bike and horse trail straddles San Fernando/Newhall Avenue and the homes behind Granary Square. This quiet place sits just above the Santa Clara river wash. Apparently you are allowed to venture down into the wash and hike or spend some time alone among the trees. This place is perfect if you’re in a hurry but need a quick place to practice yoga. The north entrance to this place in on Magic Mountain Parkway just south of Barnes and Nobles bookstore.

7. Valencia Paseo System: There are 48 miles of paved walk paths that wind through most of Valencia’s neighborhoods. Almost very cul de sac in the 91355 zip code area of Valencia has access and most Valencia parks are adjacent to the paths called Paseos. There are many quiet places under the trees to practice asana. Most residents don’t venture out to use the paseos so it’s easy to get some quiet time in while practicing.

Well, this is our Top 7 for outdoor yoga in Santa Clarita. The best part is that none of these places charge or have a fee. All paid for with our city, county and state taxes. Enjoy!

Traditional Tip To Selling a House in Any Market

Homemade Bread & Jam

It doesn’t matter what market you are in, you still have to stage a house to sell it. The secret is to put yourself in the place of the homebuyers who will be looking at the home and then appeal to the five senses that we all share. The sense of smell brings back memories of being at home when we were children. Almost all people are reminded of their childhood when they smell cookies, milk, cinnamon or vanilla. It’s a fact of life that these smells bring back memories and images of yesteryear. For the past 50 years, some sellers have baked cookies, baked bread or put jam and bread for homebuyers as they go through the home. I have seen many buyers make an on the spot offer after being fed some “comfort food” which always tends to make people feel more comfortable. In this age of social networking and multi-tasking to get homes sold, this time proven idea may be the best idea yet. Bake some bread or cookies just prior to your showings by agents and home buyers and let the offers roll in.

New Listing: 3BDR/2Bath for $50,000 in Canyon Country

This is sustainable living at its best. Although this home is mobile, it boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has rich, dark wide plank flooring which looks like mahogany but is actually laminate. This home is within a short walk to the grocery store and other markets and restaurants. This neighborhood sits just 5 minutes from the famous walk trail that straddles the historical river wash. This home has a long covered car port and has both a small backyard and side yard for your flowers or garden. This home is priced at $50,000 with land parcel rent of just $550 per month. The following is the multiple listing verbiage that we are using to market this home.

MLS Verbiage:
Immaculate! **Outstanding 2001 Champion Double Wide! **Flooring Installed in 2010**Luxurious High-end Dark Laminate Floors! **FRESH Paint! **Crown Moldings! **Vaulted Ceilings! **Formal Dining Room! **Breakfast Bar! **Light Cabinetry & Plenty of it! **Brass & Ceramic Pulls! **Kitchen has Double Stainless Steel Sinks! **Skylight in Livingroon **Walk-in Closets in Master & 2nd Bedroom! **Wood Blinds in Master, Living room & 2nd Bedroom! **Laundry Room! **Covered Patio & Covered Porches! **Enclosed Yard! **Grassy Area! **Shade Tree! **Community Pool! **Convenient to Excellent Shopping, Parks & Support Facilities! **E-Z Freeway Access! **Senior Park! **Includes Washer n Dryer!**Wide Oval Tub Featured in Master Bath**