Blog News January 30, 2015

Los Angeles’ Best New Restaurants

portate da ristorante

Your Guide To The Must-Try Spots In LA

Are you looking for a way to spice up your eating habits in 2015? Then LA Weekly has good news for you, as they recently released their list of the top new places in Los Angeles to enjoy lunch or dinner. Here are their top three picks for best new LA restaurants of 2015.

  1. Maude:If you have been looking for a way to add more fresh, seasonal produce into your diet, celebrity chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant is a must-be place for you. Each month, Stone and his team create a nine- or ten-course meal centered around one seasonal ingredient. In January, the ingredient will be pomegranate, followed by parsnip in February. For the full year’s ingredients, head here.
  2. Petit Trois:If you are looking for a more down-to-earth approach to your dining, check out this location for French bar food. They do not take reservations, so get ready to be in close quarters with the other diners as all of you enjoy flawless croque monsieur, escargot, omelets, and steak frites. Ludo Lefebvre’s homage to the French brings the best of their flavors straight to LA.
  3. Night + Market Song:The second installment of Kris Yenbamroong’s Thai ventures in LA, this new Night + Market location is a blend of carefully crafted, true Thai flavors and comforting food that is simply yummy. With a menu to be shared, this is a great place to bring a large party and savor Yenbamroong’s flavorful dishes.

Have you been looking for a real estate agent with a firm finger on the pulse of Los Angeles? Then do not hesitate to contact Betsy Dittman today. I am here to be the solution to all of your luxury home buying and selling needs in 2015 and beyond. Serving Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, I am the real estate expert who can get you into your dream home this year. Call me today.

 

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 September 26, 2014

Price It Right The First Time!

House front

The decision to part with your home is a tough one. However, having to lower your price after your home has already been on the market is even tougher! The first two weeks after putting your home up for sale are the most crucial. This is when buyers are the most interested in your property. If your home does not sell during this time period, you may need to lower your price.

When buyers see a home with a price that has been lowered, they tend to assume that there is a problem with the house. Avoid this altogether by pricing your home right the first time around. Your listing price should be relevant to today’s current market value. It should be close to the other prices of similar homes for sale in your area. Additionally, it is beneficial to pay attention to price trending. If home prices are beginning to drop, consider pricing your home slightly lower than market value to accommodate for the potential trend. However, if prices are beginning to increase, stay at a current market price.

When preparing your home for a showing, it is important to think about your home’s presentation and curb appeal. Hiring a quality landscaping service, or power washing your entry way can be the boost your home needs to sell at full asking price! Clear out the clutter inside your home before having it photographed, or opening it up to potential buyers. Hire an experienced photographer who will know how to best highlight the features of your home. Lastly, take care of all minor repairs before the showing. Buyers will be looking for imperfections; make sure they will not find any!

For any additional home selling advice, please contact the friendly and experienced real estate professional, Betsy Dittman.  Betsy can assist you with your luxury real estate needs in any of the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities.

Blog News September 19, 2014

The Color Conundrum: Neutral vs. Bold!

New KitchenPreparing your home for sale means making minor repairs, and digging out the paint trays! Typically, real estate experts advise that homeowners stay within the safe realm of neutral wall colors. If you choose to go with a vibrant color, you risk turning off potential buyers. However, this can be a controversial idea. Bright colors are proven mood-enhancers. Consequently, should you make your walls vibrant before entering the market?

The key is to be smart about your colors, and think about how long you will be living in your home. It is okay to include color as long as you do not overdo it. If you are planning to sell your home quickly, it is smart gravitate towards neutral colors. These are the safest choices, and will attract the most buyers. If you really want to incorporate color, remember that buyers enjoy seeing shades of blue instead of red!Custom Kitchen

If you plan to stay in your home for a considerable amount of time, then do not worry about how your walls will affect your selling potential. Paint your home colors that you love! You should be able to express yourself in your place of residence without worrying about the demands of the market.

Your home is where you will spend the majority of your life. Do not live in shades of eggshell, or taupe if your eyes yearn for bold and daring hues. The color of your walls can easily be changed before you begin the selling process. It would be smart to refrain from adding color to permanent fixtures like countertops.

If you would like luxury real estate advice from a knowledgeable agent, please contact Betsy Dittman. She can provide you with expert real estate information about market trends in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities.

 

Blog News September 12, 2014

5 Selling Mistakes That Will Leave Buyers Feeling Cold

Exterior shot of an open Wooden Front DoorIn order to sell your home for full asking price, you must ensure that it is in move-in shape. How do you determine whether or not your home is in move-in condition? We have compiled a list of 5 things that can leave potential buyers feeling cold.  Here are 5  Selling Mistakes to avoid:

 

  1. Overpriced. If your home is priced too high, you will not attract any buyers at all! Buyers will notice that they could find a better home for the same price. Price your home correctly the first time in order to prevent turning them off of your home before they even see it.
  2. Smelliness. There are a number of circumstances that could result in funky smells throughout your home. Pets may leave your home smelling like a litter box. Water damage can make your home smell like mildew. Regardless of the cause, a buyer will be completely uninterested if the home has an undesirable odor.
  3. Messiness. If your home is full of clutter, a buyer will have difficulty seeing your home’s structure. It will be hard for them to picture their furniture in the home if your possessions are everywhere.
  4. Numerous repairs needed. If you neglect basic home maintenance, then buyers will continue on to the next home on their list. No one wants to spend time fixing multiple problems around the house upon move-in.
  5. Out-of-date furnishings. If a buyer is looking to buy your home instead of a new one, it is probably because of the location and cost. Therefore, they are not interested in a dated home- just the perks that come along with one. Get rid of the popcorn ceilings, shag carpeting, and avocado green before having a showing.

 

We want your home to see as much financial return as possible. If you want your home to sell for full asking price, contact the skilled real estate professional, Betsy Dittman. Betsy will ensure that your home will sell for the highest price possible in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities!

 

Blog News September 5, 2014

10 Bedroom Must-Haves!

When you cannot afford time away from work for a vacation, your bedroom is your relaxation destination. Incorporate these 10 bedroom must-haves to take your sleeping space from lackluster to luxurious!

1. A COMFORTABLE RUG

bedroom

No need for slippers, here! Especially during the colder months, a comfy rug can be both functional and aesthetic. If your bedroom is already carpeted, consider adding a smaller rug that complements some of your accent pieces.

2. A THEME

Vibrant cottage - Modern bedroom

Themes are not just for children’s bedrooms. Every room needs some inspiration. Pick a pattern, color, or texture to bring the room together.

3. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF THROW PILLOWS

Master bedroom

There is such a thing as too many throw pillows. If it takes you more than 10 minutes to get to the sheets, you have too many. Only use as many pillows as it takes to make your bed look inviting. A good rule of thumb is to not have more than 6.

4. A PLACE TO SIT (THAT’S NOT THE BED)

Spacious bedroom and lounge area.

A seating area will give your bed the chance to be just a bed. Use an additional seating area to slip on your sneakers, check your email or finish a novel.

5. NO TECH IN SIGHT

Beautiful Bedroom in Luxury Home

A tech-free bedroom will help you to get the relaxation necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Move your TV to a different part of the house, and use the extra space to showcase your favorite piece of art, or stack your favorite books.

6. A COLLECTION OF THINGS YOU LOVE

Black and Blue Master Bedroom

If you have numerous pieces that you love, but have no place for- create one. Their presence in your room will make you happy each morning when you wake up and see them.

7. WELL-STOCKED NIGHTSTANDS

Hotelzimmer mit Frühstück

A nightstand full of necessities is essential. You should have a charming lamp to help you read at night, as well as a great book. Additionally, this is a perfect place to incorporate a stylish water carafe. Place a nightstand on either side of your bed to create a perfectly balanced bedroom.

8. A GREAT MATTRESS

classic hotel room

Never underestimate the quality of a comfortable mattress. You should feel rejuvenated, and pain-free after a night’s sleep. In addition to comfort, your mattress should complement the height and sizes of your other bedroom furniture.

9. PHOTOGRAPHS – BUT NOT OF FAMILY

Closeup of a pictures and candles on a white bedroom.

Leave the family photos in your other rooms. Stick to artwork that you find both beautiful and calming for your sleeping space. Doing so will help you to clear your mind each night before drifting off to sleep.

10. DRAMA!

bedroom

Whether you choose a dramatic chandelier, or an oversized headboard, every bedroom needs a splash of drama! Try to limit the number of pieces to 1 or 2, and only choose ones that you absolutely love.

For assistance with luxury real estate in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities, please contact Betsy Dittman, today.

Blog News August 22, 2014

Don’t Miss These Los Angeles Al Fresco Dining Spots This Summer

Al fresco dining is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in Los Angeles. While there are many places that offer the complete al fresco dining experience, some of the 2014 exciting places in Los Angeles should not be missed. Make sure to keep these delicious restaurants in mind for your next meal in the area.

A-Frame in Culver City blends both Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Roy Choi, the owner of the restaurant, was inspired by picnic dining, which inspired him to create dishes that are finger friendly. The menu items are much more decadent that what you would find at a typical picnic, including items such as swordfish tacos, hoisin ribs, and the famous double-patty burger.

Connie and Ted’s Seafood in West Hollywood has an impressive patio dining area that overlooks Santa Monica Blvd. The fresh seafood options will transport you to culinary heaven and the sandy beaches of the Pacific.

Goldie’s in Los Angeles offers every market-driven dish all day long, offering plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Along with the great cocktails that are served, you will find everything on the menu from hand cut tagliatelle with Dungeness crab to diver scallops with kohlrabi.

Little Next Door in Los Angeles on West Third Street is the perfect French bistro that will transport you to Paris. The restaurant is a little more causal than Next Door, while still offering the best French dishes, including escargot, charcuterie, and moules frites.

 The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is the best spot in the city if you are looking for the ultimate place to see and to be seen. The restaurant has been newly renovated, combining the classic Polo Lounge feel with a new, modern, updated look.

For all of your luxury real estate needs from the Conejo Valley to Beverly Hills, contact Betsy Dittman. I specialize in California luxury real estate properties and can help you with the sale or purchase of your home.