Blog News January 19, 2015

How The Real Estate Market Is Expected to Change in 2016

According to http://www.inc.com/, change is the only thing you can rely on in the real estate industry. It should therefore come as no surprise that we’re in for some changes this year!

Here are the changes expected to happen in the real estate industry this year:

1. Already high rents will go even higher

Already busting your tail to pay rent? Unfortunately, this will not get any easier in 2016. In fact, it’s expected to get worse. If people come to the conclusion that buying is favorable to renting, they’ll quickly start looking for homes to buy. This is not very promising for the residential real estate investors out there.

2. Mortgage rates are expected to go higher

By the end of 2016, mortgage rates are expected to go higher than the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate which currently stands at 4.05 percent. Just as in 2015, the rate is also expected to swing this year.

By December, the rates are expected to hit 4.5 – 4.6 percent. The rates will drive the mortgage payments higher, which will slow down the sales of luxury homes. People will be looking for less expensive options as a result of higher rates.

3. Millennials will continue to drive sales, but not as much as in 2015

According to http://www.inc.com/, millennials bought close to two million homes in 2015 making them 32 percent of the homebuyers.

Although recent college graduates are not living in the lap of luxury, they have a high average income which makes them able to afford mortgage payments in addition to their student loan payments.

Still, the Millennial market is projected to slow down in 2016.

4. Gen-X will make a comeback

Although the Great Recession took it’s toll on the Gen-X’ers, they are what is called “financially recovering.” Many Gen-X’ers are expected to sell their homes in order to move to a nicer neighborhood or sell so they don’t have to pay rent anymore.

5. 2016 will be a sellers market

The real estate market is expected to see a jump prices this year. As the demand overshadows the supply, buyer’s will feel forced to pay more for what they want.

To summarize, the outlook for the 2016 real estate market is strong!

Read the original article HERE.

Blog News January 19, 2015

Get The Most From Your Square Footage

interno casa

How To Maximize The Space You Have In Your Home

If you have been feeling cramped in your home lately, you may feel your appreciation for your home diminishing. It can be challenging to live somewhere you do not feel you can spread out and decompress. Protect yourself against falling out of love with your home by using this checklist to get the most out of your square footage.

  • Implement A Juliet Balcony: If you are feeling cooped up in your home, opening up to the outdoors can go a long way towards making your space feel larger. Consider adding a Juliet balcony for a connection to the fresh air and extra light the outdoors has to offer without actually adding square footage to your home.
  • Minimize Cabinetry: If you have a small kitchen, nothing will make it feel cramped quite as quickly as adding heavy cabinetry above your counters. Let the room breath by opting for open shelving or—if you are not short on storage—windows.
  • Make Your Own Foyer: You do not need to have an expansive foyer to create space for shoes, jackets, keys, etc. to call home. Add a bench and even a half-height wall to define the space in front of your door as a small foyer. Make sure the changes you implement include ample space for storage, and you will happily find the front room of your house clutter-free, making it feel more spacious.

You deserve to see the best California luxury real estate properties before buying your next home. To connect with an agent who will ensure you see every premier property in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Conejo Valley that could be a fit for you, contact Betsy Dittman today.  Betsy  is the real estate expert that will help you get into your dream home in 2015. Call her today.

 

Blog News December 31, 2014

The Latest In Luxury

 

moderno soggiorno con porta finestra aperta sul giardino

Keep Up To Date On The Latest High-End Real Estate Trends

As the New Year approaches, it’s time to look back on 2014 and appraise the transformations in the real estate market. Whether you are designing a home, working on renovations with plans of selling, or just curious about the latest in luxury homes, agent Betsy Dittman is here to keep you ahead of the curve.

On The Rise: With more listings opening up in metro areas and an increasing emphasis on natural, open light, a few notable trends are on the rise. Listings featuring marble baths increased by a notable 78 percent and roof decks by 63 percent. Who doesn’t love an evening cocktail on the roof followed by a lavish bath before bed? Here are the top five features on the rise according to Trulia:

  1. Marble Baths
  2. Roof Decks
  3. Oversized Windows
  4. Storage Space
  5. Terraces

Dipping Down: Though no feature has been significantly on the out (the lowest any luxury has dropped is by 16 percent), it is still worth looking at the features about which people are caring less. Save yourself the trouble of putting hard work into an improvement that’s going out of style. Trulia reports that the following luxuries trended down in 2014:

  1. BBQs
  2. Hardwoods
  3. Plantation Shutters
  4. Covered Patios
  5. Lush Landscaping

If you’ve put in a down trending feature or missed a luxury that’s increasing in popularity, fear not. With years of industry experience, Betsy Dittman can find the right buyer for your home.

To learn more about the latest Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica and Los Angeles luxury real estate trends, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to be your liaison in the ever-shifting real estate market, keeping you current to ensure you are always getting the best out of your home. I dedicate myself to offering you the highest level of service so you will know you’re getting what you deserve—the best.

Blog News December 24, 2014

Los Angeles’ Must-See Hotels

 

HotelFor A Week’s Getaway Or A Night Out, These Are The Places To Be in LA

Los Angeles is noted worldwide for its luxurious hotels. Conjuring up images of cocktails poolside and socializing at lavish bars, LA offers a multitude of hotels worth seeing. Curbed recently released its list of the essential hotels to visit in Los Angeles whether you are traveling in for a week or just planning on staying for an evening’s worth of drinks. Here are the top five places to visit the lap of luxury:

  1. Château Marmont: This 63 room and suite building was modeled after the French Château d’Amboise. Built in 1927, this hyper-luxurious establishment offers a world-class restaurant and glamorous bar scene.
  2. Beverly Hills Hotel: Over a century old, this hotel was named a historic landmark in 2012 and celebrated its centennial with updates to the rooms, lounge and lobby.
  3. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suite: Looking for a new spin on dinner? Visit the hotels revolving BonaVista Lounge for cocktails, followed by great views and a delicious meal from LA Prime, located on the 35th floor.
  4. The Standard: To fulfill the common poolside-with-a-cocktail Southern California fantasy, check out The Standard’s famous rooftop lounge.
  5. Shutters On The Beach: Bringing East Coast vibes to the West Coast, this Santa Monica establishment is located only a block from the city’s famous pier.

For the inside scoop on Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, and Conejo Valley, contact real estate agent Betsy Dittman. With past experience working with luxury brands Chanel and Giorgio Armani, I care deeply about offering you the highest-end service in the real estate industry. Contact me today for a deeper look at the luxuries Los Angeles County and beyond have to offer. I can find you your dream home.

Blog News December 17, 2014

Holiday Hosting Made Easy

 

ChecklistUse This Quick Checklist To Get Your Home Party-Ready

Between holiday shopping, baking, and events, hosting a party can be the straw that breaks the busy camel’s back. With a quick and easy cleaning checklist, getting your home ready for guests doesn’t have to require intensive labor. If you get off work at 5:00 p.m. and have guests coming at 7:00 p.m., these guidelines will keep you on track for preparing your house and yourself.

  1. Do A Walk Through: Clean from your front porch in. Your front door and entryway will be the first part of your home your guests see, so they should be a priority when it comes to house cleaning. Don’t forget to make space in your coat closet as well.
  2. Touch Up the Bathrooms: You will have a lot of traffic through your bathrooms by the night’s end, so it’s best to start with a clean slate. Sanitize your surfaces and make sure there is extra toilet paper easily accessible.
  3. Freshen Up: Don’t put getting yourself ready off until the last minute, or you may run out of time. When you’re tidying up the bathroom, take the time to touch up your makeup and hair so you can be party-ready without stress as the hour approaches.
  4. Make Space: Empty out your garbage, recycling container, dishwasher, and fridge. You’ll want space in the refrigerator for drinks, in the dishwasher for dirty dishes, and in all available waste containers.
  5. Set The Mood: Put on your party playlist, dim the lighting, and do a final walk through to get everything prepared. If you have time, do a final dusting and de-cluttering run through the home so everything will be picture perfect.

No party would be complete without a great venue to host it in. Contact real estate agent Betsy Dittman, an expert in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, for all of your Beverly Hills, Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles luxury real estate needs.

Blog News December 11, 2014

The Best Christmas Lights In Southern California

Where To Visit For a Merry & Bright Holiday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for strolling through light-strung streets. Grab the family and hit these ten notable light displays in Southern California for holiday memories you’ll treasure for years:

Los-Angeles-Zoo-Holiday-Lights

photo credit: Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Looking for an interactive event to keep your little ones entertained? From 6:00-10:oo p.m., the Los Angeles Zoo offers dazzling light displays, time with Santa Claus, and the chance to meet a real life reindeer.

Wakefield-Court-Lights-Cropped

photo credit: Wakefield Court’s facebook page

Wakefield Court in Saugus lights up from 5:00-10:30 p.m. each night and offers a Night Before Christmas self-guided tour through this sparkling winter wonderland. Bring hot cocoa and the kids—this walk is one you’ll be talking about until 2015.

santa at the grove

photo credit: The Grove’s facebook page

The Grove is not just famous for great holiday shopping—they also boast Los Angeles’ largest Christmas tree and a water show timed with your favorite holiday songs.

Naples-Boat-Parade-Holiday-Winner

photo credit: Naplesca.com

For a mix of white Christmas with California cheer, check out Naples Island in Long Beach. On December 13th, there will be a Christmas Boat Parade well worth bearing the water’s chill.

woodland-hills-candy-cane-lane-yelp-Julia-H

photo: Julia H. via Yelp

If you want to visit a cozy neighborhood that decorates all over, head to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. It gets crowded, but you and yours can join the families and locals in the seasonal merriment.

beverly hills

photo credit: Love Beverly Hills’s facebook page

Want to glam it up this Christmas? Head to (where else?) Beverly Hills. Scroll down Rodeo Drive to look at Christmas lights in luxury. This year, the area is strung with crystal chandeliers.

Belian-House-Altadena-Yelp-Jen-S

photo credit: Jen S. via Yelp

If history tickles your fancy, head to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, said to be the oldest Christmas Light Display in the nation. Don’t miss the beautiful piece of real estate that is the Balian House, which gets strung with 10,000 lights each year.

Reseda-Tunnel-of-Lights

photo credit: Yolandalights.com

Take a beautiful stroll down the tunnel of lights at Yolanda Avenue in Reseda. Since there are no cars to contend with, kids can roam freely to enjoy the display.

Mission-Hills-Inn-Holiday-Lights

photo credit: Mission Inn

The Mission Inn in Riverside has decided to go big, decorated with over four million holiday lights. One of the largest holiday displays in the country, it is a cannot-miss stop.

Betsy Dittman, specializing in California Luxury Real Estate Properties, can be your guide to more than holiday lights. Contact me today, for all of your Conejo Valley and Los Angeles real estate needs!

Article Source: http://redtri.com/los-angeles/where-to-see-the-coolest-christmas-light-displays-in-los-angeles/#

Blog News November 28, 2014

What’s Your Favorite Brunch Spot?

There are few better ways to spend a Sunday than enjoying a delicious brunch with all of your friends and family. If you are looking for a new favorite brunch spot this weekend, make sure to check out these local brunch spots!

Barbrix in Silverlake not only offers $5 bottomless mimosas, but also has a full menu that appeals to everyone. From blueberry cornmeal pancakes that are topped with a berry compote and served with Vermont maple syrup to blue crab hash, you will surely leave satisfied every Sunday afternoon.

I love the idea of BLD on Beverly Blvd – breakfast, lunch, dinner, get it? With a rotating menu and options for vegetarians, this place is a definite brunch hot spot. Top Chef Masters contestant Chef Neal Fraser runs the show and his exquisite taste puts a spin on every plate, creating a mouthwatering menu for all to enjoy.

The Griddle Café, a classic on Sunset, has been a hot spot for “melt in your mouth” pancakes. Although there are long waits on the weekends, I wouldn’t pass this place up!

MB Post in Manhattan Beach is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with the best sticky buns for miles around. Make sure to make a reservation for your Sunday brunch and try one of their famous bloody Mary’s with their bacon buttermilk biscuits that are served with a side of maple butter. If you are looking for something more savory, you will not want to miss out on the poached egg on polenta with asparagus and ricotta-stuffed French toast.

AOC in Los Angeles offers brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Chef Suzanne Goin showcases market fresh fruits and veggies in all of her dishes, including spring vegetable and soft egg and grilled asparagus with polenta. Make sure to try the signature breakfast sandwich that includes arugula, prosciutto, and a sunny side up egg. There are also specialty cocktails available to complete your brunch experience.

Alcove in Los Angeles is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch with your pup. Their breakfast sandwiches and benedict options pair perfectly with specialty drinks handcrafted at Big Bar. They also offer a build your own mimosa option.

What is your favorite brunch spot? Contact me, and let me know where I should brunch this Sunday!

Blog News November 21, 2014

Plan the Perfect Holiday Party with These Tips

The holiday season is here, which means it is time to get ready for all of your holiday parties. While you may not get blankets of white snow at your Southern California home, it does not mean that you cannot create a winter wonderland party for your loved ones. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your holiday party is one to remember!

  • Be realistic – accept your strengths and weaknesses as a host, and play up your strengths while outsourcing your weaknesses. Keep in mind that the goal of your party is to create a stress free event that everyone will enjoy.
  • Ask for help – people go to holiday parties to enjoy the company of their friends and family. If people are showing up and you are not completely done setting up, ask for help! Most partygoers are more than happy to help pour wine and light candles.
  • Set the scene – make sure your bar is stocked with all the essentials, including cocktail tools, glasses, ice, and tongs. Set your table with enough flatware and silverware for each guest, and make sure to have some spares ready just in case. Candles, floral arrangements, and light music will all also help to set the mood!
  • Stock your pantry – especially if children will be attending your event, make sure that your pantry is filled with snacks.
  • Provide entertainment – there are many ways to entertain your guests while you are getting ready. Set up a game area with board games for people of all ages to enjoy. A roll of butcher paper and crayons will keep children entertained until it is time to eat.

Having the right home to entertain this season will ensure good times and great memories! Contact Betsy Dittman for all of your luxury home sales in the Los Angeles and Conejo Valley!

Blog News November 14, 2014

Home-Buying Checklist to Find the Right Home

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting times in your life. It can also be stressful, making sure that you find the perfect home to fit all of your needs. To ensure that you invest in the right home for your family, keep this checklist in mind.

  • Look for flow – look for a home that has a good indoor-outdoor flow, which can make your home seem even bigger. It can also make entertaining all of your loved ones easier and more enjoyable.
  • Consider the size of the rooms – look at all the sizes of all the rooms in the home, not just the bedrooms.
  • Get the right layout – the layout of a home can have a big effect on everyday life. Look for narrow passages, sharp corners, and shut off rooms that could become an issue in your daily life.
  • Brighten up – consider the amount of natural light that is let into the home. If you are seriously considering a few houses, make sure to visit them at different times of the day to get a feel for the natural light.
  • Look at the driveway – many homebuyers overlook the driveway. However, it is important to make sure that all of your family’s cars will fit to avoid having to park on the street.
  • Stairs – while two story homes allow for more square footage, they could also be a problem if you have small children or elders living in. Make sure that the steepness of the stairs will work for everyone in your family.
  • The neighborhood – there are many factors to consider when looking at the neighborhood, including the school districts, proximity to your work, and closeness to family.

For all of your home buying needs in the Conejo Valley and Los Angeles area and to ensure that you find the perfect home for your lifestyle, contact Betsy Dittman.

Blog News November 7, 2014

What’s Happening in the Conejo Valley?

shoppes-11-1024x768Have you noticed all the changes in the Conejo Valley? Between the new Shoppes at Westlake Village and the construction at the Westlake Plaza, you have the opportunity to try something new every day.

If you have driven by the Westlake Plaza, you have probably noticed huge “protected” signs hanging around. These protected trees are the ones that cannot be taken down during the construction. Unfortunately, this protection did not extend to all the trees in the area. Over 30 oak trees were removed to make room for all the new shops and restaurants that will be going into the plaza. Luckily, many residents in the area fought hard and won to protect more than 70 trees in the area.

There are many new restaurants popping up in the area to satisfy all of your cravings. Make sure to try these delicious spots on your next night out.

  • Cronies Sports Grill has been a staple in the Conejo Valley for more than 23 years, and recently opened up another location in Agoura Hills on Kanan Road. Known for their ice cold 20 oz. beer schooners and delicious menu items, the new location is one of the best new places to watch all the sports games in the area.
  • Pieology is opening up their second location in the Conejo Valley on Lindero Canyon Road. The “make your own pizza” idea has rapidly caught on, allowing people to make their own delicious creations. You can choose from a variety of traditional ingredients, such as pepperoni and ham, or take the less traditional route, such as adding artichokes and fresh basil so that your pizza comes out tasting its best.
  • If you are looking for a little bit of everything, make sure to check out Jeannine’s Gourmet Food Hall at the Shoppes at Westlake Village. Offering everything from benedicts and egg dishes to salads and burgers, you will surely find something you love at Jeannine’s.
  • In-N-Out opened on November 5th at the Shoppes at Westlake village. The design of the store was created to fit in with the rest of the stores in the area, making it one of the most unique In-N-Outs around. Also now open in the Shoppes at Westlake Village, Jeannine’s Gourmet, Hook Burger, Bowl of Heaven, Greens Up, Total Woman, All Tressed Up Blow Dry Bar and of course Target.
  • What better way to end any day in the Conjeo Valley than with a delicious bag of popcorn? Popped Fresh Gourmet Popcorn is opening up on Kanan Road in Agoura Hills and will offer over 50 different flavors of popcorn. They will also offer unique gifts and popcorn tins that are coming in just in time for holiday gift season.
  • Le Pain Quotidien is also going into the Westlake Plaza. This is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Other great restaurants are opening up in the same plaza, such as Pitfire Artisan Pizza, Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, and Pressed Juicery .

To learn more about what is happening in the Conejo Valley, contact Betsy Dittman. As a luxury homes real estate expert, I can help with all of your home buying and selling needs in Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley to ensure that you are always closest to the newest stores and restaurants in the area.