Blog News August 11, 2015

#1 Tip for Home Buyers

Don’t Wait for a Better Deal!

With the hot economy, mortgage interest rates, and high home values, buying a home is tougher than it has been in some years. Some homebuyers may be wondering whether to wait for the economy to improve to receive a better deal.

Whether you wait to jump into the market, or go ahead with purchasing a house, there are risks involved. If you don’t buy, the prices of home value, interest rates, and fees could go up even more. You’ll end up paying more in rent and when you decide to buy, homes that you could have afforded are now too expensive for your budget. If you do decide to buy a home, prices could go down which may strain you financially, possibly leaving you with an expensive asset that is hard to sell. On the other hand, if you buy and prices go up, you’ll accumulate instant equity, a savings account of some form, all while receiving considerable tax breaks and other incentives. Your home would increase in value instead of losing value.

Many other costs that may affect the decision to buy a home are commutes, schools, moving, as well as down payments. Factors of lifestyle, safety, comfort, and the community will also influence your decision to move. All of these should be taken into consideration when finding the right house for you.

To find the perfect home for you and your family, contact Betsy Dittman. I am a professional real estate agent, serving the areas of Los Angeles, Conejo Valley, and San Fernando. With my successful buyer services, I will assist you in the whole house buying process.

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 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.

Blog News October 29, 2014

2015 Color Trends For Your Home

Are you ready to give your home a new look? Adding a fresh coat of paint can take any room from drab to fab! Before settling on a color, listen to this insight from professional designers regarding color trends for the year 2015. Make your space as elegant and relevant as possible.

  • Greek blue is the color you will find on the rooftops of the hillside homes of Santorini. This hue is fantastic and deep.  Pair it with a light grey or blush pink.
  • The colors of the 1960’s are slowly coming back in style. Olive greens and burnt oranges will be seen more and more.
  • Try mixing a classic blue shade with sour green. These colors paired together will make any room look bold and fresh.
  • Pastels are making a comeback this year. Whether you favor pale purple or soft yellow, your room will look fresh and reminiscent of the fabulous 1980’s.
  • Colors inspired by the Renaissance era are being seen on runways everywhere! Paint a few of your walls either green, plum,  cerulean blue, or beige to master this color trend.
  • Olive green cabinets can give any home a warm, earthy feel. This color will look best in kitchens.
  • Do not be afraid to mix bold colors. Give aqua paired with a bright pink a try. If that is not your style, try a vivid green paired with purple. Either way, you cannot go wrong.
  • Dusty mint is a great shade for bathrooms and bedrooms.  It encourages relaxation, and is noted as an up-and-coming color for 2015.
  • Pick a few muted shades such as grey and white to pair with a vibrant accent color. Deep red is a classic and bold choice that will make your room more glamorous.

If you are looking for a home or ready to sell real estate in Los Angeles, San Fernando or Conejo Valleys, don’t hesitate Betsy Dittman today and find out how she can help you.