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Why To Buy Before Spring
Maximize Your Savings By Buying Soon
Committing to purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions most Americans will ever make, both financially and personally. It is not a decision that should be rushed. If, however, you have already reached the point where you are ready to switch from renter to homeowner, you should consider buying before spring. Here are a few reasons why:
- Costs Are Rising:If you waited to buy a home in 2014, you were no doubt surprised by the skyrocketing prices of homes. Although home appreciation should slow in 2015, it will continue to gradually rise. Mortgage interest rates are also expected to increase in the coming year. Buying a home is not going to be any more affordable than it is right now at any point in the foreseeable future.
- Your Living Expenses Are Not Decreasing:You may think that buying a home would wipe out your savings, but you might be surprised how similar a mortgage payment could be when compared to what you are already paying in rent. In fact, in some cases it may even be less. You need to put money towards your living expenses each month no matter what, so why not put that money into an investment rather than your landlord’s pocket?
- You Deserve A Stable Future:Experts predict rent prices will continue to rise in the next five years. With a fixed-rate mortgage, however, you lock in your monthly housing cost. Get the financial stability you deserve by fixing your living expenses now.
You deserve an agent who will help you get into the best home at the best price. To work with an expert on the local real estate market in Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to make sure you get the luxury you deserve at the price you deserve in 2015. Call me today.
Creating A Clutter-Free Home
Use These Tips To Get Organized In The New Year
Are you tired of all the clutter in your home? Does the disorganization make it hard for you to focus? Do yourself a favor and crush the clutter by utilizing your home’s existing space for increased storage. Use these tips to get organized in 2015.
- Use Your Vertical Space:From your office to your laundry room, utilizing your wall space can be the key to a clutter-free home. Install affordable hanging rods in your laundry room for air-drying space, and put hanging file baskets up in your office to free up extra desk space.
- Use Your Ceiling:You may not think to put things that high up, but mounting a hanging pot rack in your kitchen can be the solution to all of your pot and pan storage woes. Finally, a place to put that colander!
- Use Your Extra Space:Do you have an odd area at the end of a hallway, landing of a staircase, or under your stairs that you have been unsure what to do with? Add shelving customized to fit the space to give yourself extra storage space throughout your home.
- Use Your Existing Shelving:Your bookshelf can be the perfect place to display the extra décor that is making your home feel cluttered. Create beautiful displays on your existing shelves by clustering vases, small pictures, and other small decorative items.
Is it your dream to get into a home that already has the built-ins necessary for keeping your life flawlessly organized? Do not hesitate to contact Betsy Dittman for all of your real estate needs. She will guide you to premium California luxury real estate properties. Serving Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, Betsy is the real estate expert who can get you into your dream home this year. Contact Betsy today.
Get The Most From Your Square Footage
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.
The Latest In Luxury
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:
- Marble Baths
- Roof Decks
- Oversized Windows
- Storage Space
- 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:
- BBQs
- Hardwoods
- Plantation Shutters
- Covered Patios
- 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.
Los Angeles’ Must-See Hotels
For 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Standard: To fulfill the common poolside-with-a-cocktail Southern California fantasy, check out The Standard’s famous rooftop lounge.
- 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.
Holiday Hosting Made Easy
Use 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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/#
What’s Happening in the Conejo Valley?
Have 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.
