Santa Clarita Real Estate Blog

Palmdale Horse Property

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:00:30 -0600

New Listing! have your own place in the country, located on 2. 66 acres of beautiful, open land. Close to the city but still in the country.

Short Sales and Foreclosures

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:50:54 -0500

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about purchasing a short sale or foreclosed home, give me a call. I've recently attended a very useful seminar on the short sale and foreclosure market and what it means for home buyers and home sellers.

Don't attempt to get into a short sale or foreclosed home purchase without assistance from a trusted real estate professional.

Interest Rates

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:43:56 -0500

We had a good news sprinkle over us this week when the Feds announced the discount rate had been adjusted. This comes as a welcome relief for many home owners and buyers.

We all know that August was about the worst month on record for bad nbews surrounding the real estate market, so this news is coming sas a welcome relief! For more about the interest rates and loans and real estate visit my Santa Clarita blog

Valencia Real Estate

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:38:57 -0500

My Valencia listing at Columbia Court will be open this weekend, Saturday and Sunday I'll have a buyers specialist there to answer any questions you have about this fine house or neighborhood.

This Valencia home is 1332 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, large roomy kitchen, open floor-plan with high ceilings in the living room, french doors, skylights, attached garage, community pool and spa and is centrally located in the heart of Valencia.

Magic Mountain Parkway

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:33:54 -0500

Lots of work going on at the intersection of Magic Mountain Parkway and The Old Road. The County will be putting a round a bout in at this corner as well as in Castaic. New merchants and dining are also expected here. The road work continues along Magic Mountain Parkway heading East into Santa Clarita, watch out for new traffic patterns there.

Castaic News

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:28:34 -0500

New Marchants coming to Castaic

I drove the the Vines, the newest shopping center in Castaic, located right on Castaic road.

The Vines is a beautiful blend of store fronts, several small buildings make up the entire shopping center. The El Pollo is a highly anticipated addition to the community here. Looks like a Jersey Mikes is going in as well. It is still early on so it remains to be seen who the other merchants to this center will be.

Sterling Gateway and Green Valley Ranch

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:23:04 -0500

I had the opportunity to speak with Hunt Williams, project manager and Grandson of Theodore (Ted) Kessler Sterling (1901-2001) In 1951 Ted discovered the Castaic Hills Oil field. Presntly his family is planning a project of 254 residential units at Green Valley Ranch and the industrial units, Sterling Gateway.

Hunt Williams had great enthusiasm about the legacy his grandfather left and his devotion to not only the family but also the community of Castaic. Keeping the integrity of the natural lay of the land is very important to Mr. Williams. I'll be writing more about the things we talked about on my new blog, Santa Clarita Real Homes and Estate

Castaic News

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:10:40 -0500

Work is progressing on the Castaic round-a-bout , an entirely new concept for the Santa Clarita area. It sounds really good in that no car ever comes to a complete stop at the intersection. All vehicles go in a counter clockwise direction. I've posted more about the Castaic my Santa Clarita real estate website.

House on the Highway

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:47:07 -0500

Patrick Richardson's home has sat on the 101 Freeway for five days, while enroute to it's new home, the trailer being used kept breaking the wheels. To add insult to injury at one point while driving through an underpass, the house got kind of "stuck" scraped the ceilings and tore off part of the roof.

The final destination is reportetly to be in the Placerita Canyon area of Santa Clarita, that is if the owner can get his house onto a new trailer.

I'm really rooting for this house to make its way to its new home! a very beautiful part of Santa Clarita.

The Newhall Murals

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:22:37 -0500

I had the time between appointments so I drove over to Newhall on Sunday afternoon to have a look at the Murals. They are beautiful! the pictures do not do them justice, if you are in the area you've got to make time to drive through and have a look.

Southern Hotel from 1887 Theme

Local artist, Frank Rock's mission was to depict the history of Santa Clarita between 1800 and 1900. The mural of a yellow two-story Southern Hotel from 1887 faces north toward Market Street on the Work Boot Warehouse building at 24275 San Fernando Road, the site where the historic structure once stood. The idea that the Southern Hotel once graced this corner is mighty cool to me, another reason I love this area is that it is rich in history.

Mural near El Tracadero Steakhouse

Mural near El Tracadero Steakhouse Nicole Ponsler's depiction of California Vaqueros graces the north side of Market Street and El Trocadero Steakhouse at 24274 San Fernando Road.

Walk of Western Stars Theme

Artists Victoria Sulski, and Peter Bartczak, of Paradise were chosen as a team to depict The Walk of Western Stars theme on the west side of the Source building at 24254 San Fernando Road.

Valencia Open House

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:18:19 -0500

My listing at 23982 Columbia Court will be open this coming Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
I'll have buyers specialist there to assist you with any real estate needs you have, stop over and say hello! This is an awesome Valencia home, centrally located right in the heart of Valencia! This single family home is in a community which has a pool and spa available to the residents.

3+2 1336 sq.ft.You can find out more about this great Valencia home by visting my Santa Clarita real estate website

About Castaic, California

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 17:05:56 -0500

Castaic, California

The Community of Castaic is about 5 miles north of Santa Clarita. The close proximity to services within the City makes Castaic a desired location for many home buyers today. For many years Castaic was just a truck stop with a few homes sprinkled throughout with the development of the Hillcrest Park area, Castaic saw a real estate boom like never before.

With the increase of area residents more services have come to the area, supermarkets, drug stores, health and beauty, feed and mercantile for equine and large animals, childcare centers and better dining options now abound.

Castaic housing has some of the best value for Santa Clarita with the median price at approximately $540,000. Castaic can still offer homes in affordable price ranges for many of today's buyers. A variety of architecture styles can be found in Castaic from the traditional, contemporary, modern single family homes to executive estate homes up to multi-million dollar equestrian properties. Castaic has something to offer for a variety of home buying needs.

Things To Do in Castaic

Enjoy a day of boating, swimming, fishing on the Lake.
Castaic is home to the lighted boat parade, generally held the first week in December at night on the Lake; The Castaic Boat parade started small a number of years ago at the present draws scores of happy boat owners who take pleasure in decorating their boat for this magical parade.
Castaic also features the Castaic Western Days which has become a community favorite, booths, merchants, food and fun! Western days are usually held in late spring to early summer.
For the 4^th of July festivities, Castaic puts on a fantastic fireworks display; the show starts at about 9:00 PM on the 4^th.
Castaic has many trails for hiking and biking and extensive equestrian trails sprinkled throughout the canyons.

With the development of Castaic the local School District saw the need to add new schools to accommodate the growing numbers of school age children. A new middle School, two new elementary Schools are now present and a High School is in the planning stages.

For the sports minded, Castaic features a newer Sports Complex. If you have the opportunity to visit you will discover it's a fantastic addition for the community. For more details Castaic Sports Complex.

Not to mention our namesake-Lake Castaic for a delightful time boating, fishing or swimming.

For more about Castaic, California Relocation,

Castaic Community Information

Castaic Real Estate

Probate Purchase a Hidden Value

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 15:19:16 -0500

Probate sales of real property can offer home buyers and investors an opportunity to purchase real estate sometimes for lower than market value.
Probate Sales of real property occur when the property owner dies intestate; dying without a valid will.

As a buyer of probate real estate there are several things to keep in mind
     1.) the property may be subject to overbid.
     2.) the property is generally sold As-Is.
     3.) The property is exempt from several disclosures, among them, the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS).
     4.) Contingent buyers are usually not accepted.

In consideration of these factors, probate sales are still a good option for many buyers. There are many probate listings for real property here in Southern California, many of them for sale below current market value.
What type of buyer is suited for obtaining a home through a probate sale?

Buyers who have a 10% deposit.
Non-contingent buyers.
Buyers who have qualified for and obtained proper financing for the home loan.
Buyers who are ready to complete the sale as many times the escrow can and does close within a very short time frame of the confirmation often as little as 10 days.

Why aren't more people interested in property sales in probate? The answer is really one of Realtor education and knowledge. Many times the agent simply does not understand the process and can be overwhelmed at the idea of representing a client wishing to proceed with a probate purchase. If you've seen probate listing's and would like more information, visit my Santa Clarita Real Estate website or contact directly at 661-904-0839

Featured Listing Castaic, California

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:40:24 -0500

Castaic Beauty! WOW! this 1622 sq. ft. home features new wood laminate flooring, new carpet throughout, fresh interior paint. Newer (2005-with permits) 330 sq.ft. family room addition with wood laminate flooring dual pane windows and doors. Access the Garden courtyard right from the master bedroom with french doors-delightful and relaxing atmosphere. The front yard features mature trees and fabulous roses. Relax and enjoy the pool in the tropical backyard. No HOA! Schedule your private showing today! $489,900

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Featured Valencia Listing

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:33:31 -0500

This Valencia home is waiting for you! This home features french doors leading out to the front private courtyard patio, living room has high ceilings and cozy fireplace, the kitchen is open and bright with lots of storage. The backyard has mature shade trees. Enjoy the community pool and spa when you purchase this home centrally located in Valencia!

$524,900

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Home Sellers, Keep it Tidy

Darla Vanderlip (Keller Williams VIP Properties) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:24:46 -0500

The one question I get more often than not when listing a property for sale is "What can I do to speed the sale process?" My top answer, Keep it clean! home buyers are out there, they may be touring your home next. Take a few minutes to tidy when you go to sleep and the next day you'll wake up to a house that is sutable for showings. It only takles a few minutes, throw loose papers in the bin, clear the counter tops, put away any thing thats not being used. You will see the rewards when your home is chosen above all the rest. Visit my website for more tips on home selling.