Blog News August 24, 2015

5 Reasons to Buy a House Right Now

Why You Should Find Your Dream House Today

Being ready to buy a home relies on you wanting to buy a home, being financially prepared, and having a good credit score. If you check all of these boxes, here are 5 reasons why now is the best time to buy a house!

  • The prices are good- Although the house prices have continued to grow over the recent years, they have slowed significantly lately. The 10-City Composite gained 5.5% year-over-year, which is down from the 6.7%. This is great news if you were once worried that big price gains would put a home out of reach for you.
  • Rates are low- Interest was once 18% in October 1981. This is almost unimaginable, compared to the today’s average of 5.18% which is, thankfully, much more bearable.
  • Loans are becoming more accessible- Major loan companies are making adjustments to their loan requirements. They are lowering the minimum FICO score for borrowers, which mean that buyers don’t need perfect credit or to put a huge down payment on their ideal house.
  • Holiday shopping- Buyers who are actively looking to purchase a home during the holiday months, namely, October through December, have less competition of other buyers and offers. In addition, the home owner is more likely to sell in time for Christmas, even if that means selling the house below the offer.
  • Buying is often cheaper than renting- Depending on where you are located, prices of rent are considerably more than a mortgage on a house. It is suggested that a 30 year fixed rate of 4.5%, is 38% cheaper than renting nationally. With that said, why not live in your luxury, dream house for cheaper?

If you are committed to buying a home, I, Betsy Dittman will help you find your dream home and streamline the escrow and closing process. With your needs and requirements in line, I will be sure that you find the perfect home! Learn more about my buyer services here!

Blog News August 19, 2015

Keep Your House Sparkling with These 3 Tips

Keep Your House Forever Clean

There are those houses that, whenever you visit them, unexpectedly or planned well in advance, always look effortlessly tidy and clean. Sometimes it is not just the house owner that spends hours on end cleaning, but they may simply be following these steps:

  • Daily cleaning is easier than monthly- A house can quickly get unmanageable by taking the lazy way out. Leaving the pile of dishes for later, three days in a row, is going to create a more daunting task of washing it up rather than doing the dishes every night. Leaving all of the household duties for one day will seem overwhelming and too stressful to manage. Cleaning as you go takes up less time overall and feels much more controllable. It’ll also leave you with more time for you to enjoy your home!
  • More stuff means more to clean- The more items and knickknacks you have, the more you have to move and dust. The more furniture you have means you have more to push out of the way and vacuum underneath to complete a thorough cleaning. If you are finding that one room takes too much time to clean, consider if there are any appliances, items, or desks you can live without.
  • Not everything has to be cleaned, all the time- Don’t create unrealistic goals of deep-cleaning the house every week. It is not necessary and will take up too much time. Not every inch of the house has to be scrubbed on a weekly basis, so be sure to limit your time and energy by focusing on a different room of the house every week.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and find that cleaning is a much more manageable task than you had previously thought! Be sure to contact me, Betsy Dittman, for all of your real estate needs. If you know of anyone interested in buying or selling property, please contact me today. I would appreciate the referral.

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 August 7, 2015

See 16 Images of Exquisitely Chic Parisian Apartments

Around 1853, Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann got to work on what is arguably the most successful — and most admired — renovation project of all time: a comprehensive overhaul of the streets, parks and buildings of Paris. After all, he is the man who untangled the city’s original medieval footprint, called for a vast annexation of surrounding suburbs and unfurled wide boulevards in tidy lines across the city. Haussmann also played an integral role in shaping the architectural profile of Paris. The city’s glorious, distinctive residential buildings were built to Haussmannian specifications: large (often whole-block), stone-faced, five-floor structures marked by the perfect alignment and symmetry of their balconies, windows and mansard roofs. Inside, the spacious apartments featured equally elegant architectural flourishes: high ceilings, parquet flooring, floor-length windows and intricate wood and plasterwork.

In addition to being incredibly sought-after by homeowners, these details form the archetypal image of a Parisian apartment. At a time of year when French festivities of all types — Bastille Day! The Tour de France! Haute Couture Fashion Week! — converge, we’ve assembled a gallery of 16 images that highlight the versatility and timeless chic of the classic Paris apartment. Below, see some of the crème-de-la-crème of Parisian interior design.

JeanLouisDeniot

Architect and designer Jean-Louis Denoit calls the living room of this Paris pied-à-terre an “ode to gray.” Image by Xavier Bejot, courtesy of Rizzoli.


Ando-Studio

The Israeli design firm Ando Studio mixed French Modern, Op-Art and Industrial pieces for this eclectic-yet-elegant St. Germain sitting room.


artful-french-apartment-design

Classic Parisian touches — chevron floors, a wrought-iron balcony — are offset by more contemporary elements, like a Ferruccio Laviani lamp, in this stunning library. Image via Designs With Jessica.


Baron-Haussmann-Bertrand-Benoit

A traditional Haussmannian interior, updated with a moody, gray palette and plush textiles by designer Bertrand Benoit.


Champeau-and-Wilde

Design duo Champeau & Wilde added gilded, glamorous accents to this airy abode in the Nouvelle Athènes neighborhood of Paris. A gray velvet sofa perfectly complements the space’s exquisite point de hongrie parquet floors.


Alidad-Paris-Drawingroom

Interior decorator Alidad describes his designs for this lavish Parisian drawing room as “the embodiment of beauty, warmth, character and comfort.” Photo by James McDonald, courtesy of Rizzoli.


Florence-Boudoux

The grandly proportioned home of Florence Badoux is an ideal showcase for the designer and architect’s collection of contemporary art — and an advertisement for the unlikely combination of lilac, tomato and dove gray hues. Photo by Richard Powers.


Gilles-and-Bossier

The Paris home of Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier — the principals behind top-drawer design firm Gilles & Bossier — seamlessly blends 19th-century architectural flourishes with 21st-century furnishings. Photo by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer.


Grange-Bastille

Designer Jacques Grange created this witty, energetic space — a former cabinet-maker’s workshop in the Bastille district — for a client who appreciates contemporary art and Jean Royère’s designs. Photo by Alexander Bailhache.


Grange-Own-Living-Room

This Parisian living room — another project by Grange — is both spirited and graceful, thanks to its deft employ of lush volumes, a creamy palette and precisely balanced groupings. Image by François Halard.


astonishing-interior-design-luxurious-living-room-with-white-walls-interior-decoration-wooden-floor-dilegkapi-two-white-chairs-green-sofa-and-fireplac

The Place Saint Georges home of Argentinean designer and architect Luis Laplaceboasts breathtaking boiserie, or intricate wood paneling, and plasterwork.


Jean-Christophe-Aumas

Jean-Christophe Aumas — an art director for Voici/Voila, whose clients include Louis Vuitton and Céline — filled his 10th-arrondissement flat with icons of midcentury modernism, including an Arne Jacobsen Swan sofa. Photo by Christian Schaulin for Dwell.


Lauren-Santo-Domingo-Paris-Duplex-02

In the Paris home of Lauren Santo Domingo, legendary interior designer François Catroux used a mix of elements — like a chrome Herve van der Straeten chandelier — to telegraph “a mixture of grandeur and bohemian style.” Photo by Oberto Gili for Vogue.


MHZ-London

The Left Bank duplex of interior designer Tino Zervudachi — one of namesakes behind the firm of Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi — is at once sophisticated and inviting. Photo by Marianne Haas.


Pierre-Yovanovitch

In this Quai Anatole apartment, French designer and architect Pierre Yovanovitchshowcases his mastery of composition and curation. Image courtesy of Lux Productions.


Sara-Niedzwiecka-Parisian-Interiors

Classical finishings and contemporary furnishings work hand-in-hand in this Paris home, highlighting the timeless, versatile character of Hausmannian architecture. Photo by Sara Niedzwiecka.

Full Aricle Source: http://www.1stdibs.com/blogs/the-study/parisian-apartments/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=the-study-desktop

Blog News July 31, 2015

Luxury Home Design Trends To Get In On

Try Out These Luxury Home Design Trends

Trends, well, trend for a reason. Something becomes popular because people like it, get excited about it, and tell their friends (or followers, in this day and age). As popularity spikes, the trend gets more attention. Sometimes trends are fleeting, but others make a lasting impact. Fortunately, my years of real estate experience make it easy for me to see which trends will matter in the long-term. To help you capitalize on the right luxury trends, here are a few design items I want to highlight.

  • Superb Showers: A Jacuzzi tub might seem like a great idea but honestly, who has time for a long soak in the tub? Fortunately, you can give your body the chance to release its tension with a luxury shower that skips all the hassle of a bath. Steam showers are a particular favorite of mine.
  • Poolside Pits: In the warm summer evenings, taking a dip in your pool will feel refreshing and fun. That is, until you have to get out of the water into the crisp night air! If you install a poolside fire pit, you have the perfect place to dry off and snuggle up. As a bonus, the fire pit will get plenty of use in the winter, too!
  • Wine Wind Down: Wine cellars are wonderful, but why not expand yours to get more use of it? By adding a comfortable seating area to your wine cellar, you create a tasting room perfect for hosting small parties or just enjoy a glass in peace.

Do all of these trends sound too good to be true? They are not! Let me show you what luxury living in Los Angeles looks like; contact Betsy Dittman today. I can help you find a home so perfect you will think you are living at a resort!

Blog News July 27, 2015

Los Angeles’ Best Beaches

Where To Head To Play In The (Clean) Sand

Some things are timeless. Heading to the beach to soak up the summer is one of those things. We are as likely to want to spend a beach day in 2015 as we were 50 years ago, but the problem is that some beaches have degraded over the decades. If you are like me, you really hate having to scrub the tar off your feet after what should have been a beautiful day at the beach. To avoid that and other bad beach woes, here is a list of the best beaches in Los Angeles.

  • For The Whole Family: Santa Monica Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the country – and for good reason. This two mile long beach offers plenty of space for laying out on the sand, but you can also take a stroll down the pier and ride the Ferris wheel for a different take on the beach day.
  • For The Surfer: Surfrider Beach is aptly named. With beautifully curling waves, this is the perfect place to head when you are itching for a ride. Put a new coat of wax on your board and hit this beach to enjoy the California sun surf-style.
  • For The Traveler: Beautifully situated in Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Park presents the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. Comb the beach, check out the tide pools, explore a beach cave, or just enjoy the crashing waves at this scenic setup.

Living by the beach might sound like a luxury to people living in landlocked states, but that is a dream you can easily realize in Los Angeles – if you work with the right real estate agent. To talk to an expert, contact Betsy Dittman. I want to help you find the perfect home by the perfect beach and have the expertise and experience to do just that!

Blog News June 24, 2015

The Best Firework Displays In Los Angeles

Where To Catch Fireworks On The Fourth Of July

Sure, the backyard barbecues and poolside parties are fun, but nothing feels quite as American as catching a fireworks display on Independence Day. The good news is that across Los Angeles, there are a number of great opportunities to catch a stunning show in the sky. I love celebrating this holiday with the local community and have some favorite ways to catch the great sky shows in our area. Here are a few of the best displays in the area you will not want to miss!

  • Americafest: Allegedly the biggest fireworks display in all of Los Angeles, this show brings thousands of people together to celebrate at the Rose Bowl. Festivities at Americafest start a 2:00 p.m. but the highlight of the event is definitely the fireworks, which go off at 9:00 p.m. You will not want to miss this show, produced by Pyrospectaculars by Souza.
  • Culver City Fireworks Show: Culver City is pulling out all of the stops for the holiday this year. Bringing together live music, food trucks, games for the whole family, and more, they will be offering plenty of entertainment at their event held at West LA College. All of the fun kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and will lead up to a stunning fireworks show.
  • Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular: A personal favorite, I try to hit at least one night of the festivities at the Bowl. Kicking off on July 2nd, the festivities include live music from legend Smokey Robinson. On the Fourth, a live orchestra will time their music with the fireworks display.

I hope you have a great time celebrating the Fourth of July this year! So you can get into your dream home to celebrate your freedom in 2015, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to help you find the perfect luxury real estate for your lifestyle in Los Angeles, the San Fernando and Conejo Valley areas.

Blog News May 29, 2015

Designing The Kids’ Bathroom

Kids Bathroom Design Los Angeles CATake The Space To The Next Level

When you are thinking about decorating your house, the kids’ bathroom probably does not come immediately to mind. That does not mean, however, that you should resign the room to a ho-hum existence. The kids’ bathroom offers you the chance to play with colors and textures in a controlled space, so take that design opportunity in 2015 with this guide!

  • Color Code: Sure, you would love for your kids to know which towels, toothbrushes, etc. are theirs, but since your little ones cannot yet read, labeling might seem pointless. Fortunately, you can skip the letters and jump straight to colors! Color-coding everything in the kids’ bathroom will bring fun and organization to it.
  • Take A Seat: When bath time rolls around, having somewhere to sit other than on your own knees is a great help. Look for a fun colored, small chair to tuck in the kids’ bathrooms to add an interesting décor element with function.
  • Ditch The Medicine Cabinet: Even if your kids can reach it, odds are they do not need it. Swap it out for a mirror that catches your eye. If you fall in love with it, you could always move it to your own bathroom!
  • Do Decals: Removable wall decals can give you—and your kids—the chance to play with patterns and colors with zero commitment. Bear in mind that fabric decals hold up best in bathroom humidity.

Are you looking for a home that will already have the design done, freeing you up to relax and enjoy it? To work with an expert agent who can help you find the perfect home in Conejo Valley or Los Angeles, contact Betsy Dittman. I have deep luxury real estate experience and am here to serve you!

Blog News May 22, 2015

The Best Pre-Beach Places To Eat

acai bowlThese Healthy Eateries Are Perfect On A Beach Day

Whether you prefer to pass your beach days in Santa Monica, Malibu, or Venice, there is nothing worse than going out for a greasy lunch only to have to take off your cover-up at the beach right after. Here are a few great pre-beach options right along the ocean that will fill you up (not fill you out) with healthy food, best preparing you to enjoy a day on the sand.

  • Seed Kitchen (Venice): Seed is famous for its macrobiotique, raw, organic food, but that does not mean they skimp on flavor. Perhaps surprisingly, their burger is one of their most popular menu items. This vegan restaurant puts a spin on a classic with options like a blackened tempeh burger with mango salsa or a bean and grain burger with ancho chili spread. 1604 Pacific Ave, Venice │(310) 396-1604
  • True Food Kitchen (Santa Monica): Whether you dine vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, True Food will have something for you. They have gluten-free pizzas, an inside out quinoa burger, super fresh cocktails, and non-alcoholic libations packed with nutrients. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica │(310) 593-8300
  • Urth Caffé (Santa Monica): Farm fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the staple of every dish at Urth. With a standout weekend brunch and fresh roasted whole bean organic coffee, this is a great spot to kick off your Saturday or Sunday. 2327 Main Street, Santa Monica │(310) 314-7040

If you are looking to get closer to the water or closer to the best eateries in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, contact Betsy Dittman. I have the insider’s scoop on the best areas for food and recreation and am here to help you find the ideal real estate to meet your space, design, and lifestyle needs. To get a luxury real estate expert on your side in 2015 and beyond, call me today!

Blog News May 8, 2015

Best Of Botanics: Los Angeles Edition

Beautiful view of Japanese Garden in Los Angeles park, California

Find Your Rest At These Local Gardens

In the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, you may find yourself craving just a moment of respite. Where do you go to find it, though? Work is busy, home always requires something of you, and your favorite hangouts are always filled with social activity. Is there not an oasis to which you can slip away?

Fortunately, there is! Los Angeles offers some stunning botanical gardens. Here are just a few.

  • Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens: Whatever your mood, the impressive acres of this botanical landscape has a themed garden to suit you.
  • Descanso Gardens: Showcasing the beauty that grows in Southern California, these gardens have five acres of roses, areas of lilac, orchids, and ferns, and over 600 varieties of camellia.
  • Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden: If you want to feel surrounded by nature, this garden is for you. Wander through the tropical forests, pause to look in on the fish, and watch wild peacocks for a truly relaxing afternoon.
  • James Irvine Japanese Garden: One of Little Tokyo’s hidden gems, this community garden offers a tranquil walk along its outer path where you can enjoy the carefully tended plant life, calming stream, and waterfall.
  • The Japanese Garden: In this idyllic spot, beautifully manicured trees and picturesque teahouses surround a central pond. Built to mimic stroll gardens of the 18th and 19th century, this garden offers you the chance to wander in peace.

If your perfect home puts you close to relaxing, interesting local attractions like this, contact Betsy Dittman. I am an expert in luxury Los Angeles real estate and the nearby hidden gems so you can find your dream home to support your dream lifestyle. To work with an expert in luxury home sales and buys in Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, call me today!