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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/#
Price It Right The First Time!
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.
The Color Conundrum: Neutral vs. Bold!
Preparing 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!
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.
5 Selling Mistakes That Will Leave Buyers Feeling Cold
In 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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.
How Much Do Your Really Need for a Down Payment?
Preparing your finances for the down payment on your next home can be the most stressful and cumbersome part of the home buying process. While most home buyers believe that they need to put down at least 15 percent of the total cost of the home this is not always the case.
The belief among 28 percent of prospective home buyers that they need to come up with such as large down payment to qualify for a mortgage is a misconception.Many home buyers can qualify for a conforming, conventional mortgage with a down payment of only five percent and even as low as three percent of the total home price. The number of Freddie Mac’s purchases of mortgages that had down payments of less than 10 percent more than quadrupled between 2009 and 2013. More than one in five borrowers so far in 2014 put less than 10 percent or less down on conforming, conventional mortgages.
As a result, more and more people are now able to qualify for a home loan. Qualifying for a home loan with a low down payment does depend on many other factors, including a home buyer’s credit history. A new survey by credit score company FICO asked credit-risk managers what the single most important factor is in a loan application. Surprisingly, it was not a buyer’s credit scores. The key factor is the Debt-to-Income ratio. DTI’s are the most direct indication to a bank or financial institution about whether a buyer is able to afford to repay the loan. It is also important to remember that any home buyer that puts down less than 20 percent will be required to purchase mortgage insurance.
For all of your luxury real estate needs in the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Calabasas and the Conejo Valley areas, contact Betsy Dittman. As a Coldwell Banker agent specializing in California luxury real estate properties, I can help you find your next home that will meet all of your needs, no matter your budget or down payment.
Amazing Decks and Patios
Decks and patios are a great way to expand the living area of your home while being able to enjoy the outdoors. The design of the deck or patio is completely up to you, leaving space to add all of the comforts of the indoors, such as a lounge area complete with a TV to watch the games or to have a simple relaxing area with just a hammock and table for your ice tea. The most important part of the deck or patio is always the view. Here are a few examples of spectacular decks and patios to keep in mind when looking for inspiration for your new outdoor space.
This deck in La Quinta, California offers unobstructed views of the beautiful desert landscape. As one of the top vacation destinations in California, La Quinta has something to offer for everyone. Having a deck as beautiful and simple as this one will allow you to enjoy all of the beautiful landscape that the area has to offer.
This patio in Park City, Utah allows you to get up close and personal with nature. The fire pit is the perfect accessory to keep you warm after enjoying the many ski resorts in the area. A patio is the best place to relax after a long day and enjoy the sunset given the mild temperatures in the summer.
The glass wall around this deck in Penticton, Canada allows for all encompassing views of the surrounding lakes. With seasonal temperatures most of the year, this deck offers a beautiful spot to enjoy the scenery with your friends and loved ones.
There is no better way to enjoy the gorgeous weather in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico than sitting on an open deck such as this one. This deck offers a grill and plenty of seating to entertain all of your friends and family.
This spacious deck in Los Angeles, California features a beautiful skyline of the city. The warm temperatures and low humidity make this the perfect balcony to enjoy all year long! The glass wall makes this deck the perfect entertaining area for any gatherings.
For all of your luxury real estate needs from Beverly Hills to Calabasas, contact Betsy Dittman. As a luxury real estate agent, I can help you successfully sell or purchase your home.
All images of the perfect decks and patios were provided by HGTV.
Foreign Buyers are Scooping up U.S. Real Estate
During the past year, more and more overseas buyers have invested in the United States housing market. They accounted for $92 billion worth of home purchases, which is up 35 percent over last year .It is also the most amount ever that foreign buyers have spent in the U.S. real estate market.
While people from all over the world are buying property in America, Chinese buyers are leading the trend with almost one-fourth of all home purchases. They are focusing their real estate buying in Southern California with Los Angeles being the top destination for real estate searches coming from China, followed by San Francisco and Irvine. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than half of the $22 billion Chinese buyers spent on U.S. homes during the 12 months ended in March was spent in California, Washington and New York.
Many of the Chinese families that are purchasing real estate in the United States are doing so to enable their children to attend California universities and even high schools that are in some of the top districts. Another reason is that Chinese buyers see it as a smarter investment as opposed to the inflated values of real estate in China. California is particularly attractive because it is so close to the homeland and many cities have significant Chinese-American populations in addition to the attractive climate.
This huge influx of Chinese buyers is helping to drive the cost of real estate in California to pre-recession levels.
For all of your real estate needs, contact Betsy Dittman. I can help make sure that you find the best real estate property that fits all of the needs and your lifestyle. From Beverly Hills to Calabasas to the Conejo Valley, Betsy has your real estate needs covered.
