Umm Is Not A Word

The English language is under assault. There was a time, not too long ago, that good grammar, pronunciation and a solid vocabulary were not only highly desirable but expected. This was especially true in business. While some people will chalk (not chock) it up to the increased use of technology and text speak, I believe that laziness is the true culprit. Concise verbal communication is integral to all interpersonal relationships. As the language is continually allowed to degrade, relationships can and will suffer. Listen carefully the next time you are speaking to a colleague or acquaintance and count the number of times that they say "umm" or, one of my favorites, use the word "drug" instead of "dragged". I heard the latter on CNN a few weeks back - so much for a degree in communications!

The occasional mistake notwithstanding, how we present ourselves to co-workers, clients and the public has repercussions and there is only one chance to make a good, umm, first impression.

 

 

 

 

 

Hostess With The Mostess: Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Benefit While On Market

Apparently some homes are special. This past Saturday evening, the former Bing Crosby estate at 10500 Camarillo St. in Toluca Lake once again played host to the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce's benefit, "Comedy Night Under The Stars". The sold-out event was packed. Rumor has it the Fire Marshall had a sharp eye out for any potential violations. Luckily the event went off without a hitch. The evening started with tours of the stately home and a cocktail hour where "regular" residents mingled with their celebrity neighbors around the pool and lovely rear grounds. A Santa Maria-style barbecue followed; the large, wood-fired grills smoking well into the evening. For desert, cake, comedy and a bit of doo-wop was served to the delight of the "oldies" crowd. A helicopter full of paparazzi even hovered overhead for several passes. Really.

While the food, drinks and entertainment were great, due to a huge recent price reduction down to $4,225,000.00, I am certain that the former Crosby home was the main attraction for many visitors. With a lot size of over 80,000 square feet and and living space measuring over 7,000, there definitely is a lot to look at. The majestic 6 bedroom / 8 bath property designed in the Southern Colonial style is sumptuously appointed at every turn. The grounds, lushly landscaped and well-groomed boast rose gardens, fruit trees, a championship tennis court and over-sized swimming pool with a separate spa, cabana with full amenities, BBQ and Italian fireplace. A detached 2 bed / 2 bath guest quarters includes a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, living room and gym provides options for hired help or when relatives are in town.

The Bing Crosby estate was built in 1936 and was the entertainer's main residence until 1943. Bob and Delores Hope were once guests staying in one of the outbuildings while their mansion at Moorpark and Ledge was under construction in 1939. Mickey Dolenz, Andy Griffith and Jerry Van Dyke have all taken turns as residents of this pedigreed address. Current owner, Larry Stickney, has outdone himself in preserving a one-of-a-kind gem. This wonderful icon of the old days of Hollywood glamor and royalty is ready for a buyer who fully appreciates the history, craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout the property. Yes, some homes are truly special.

Shirly Duenckel and Jon Molin of Ramsey-Shilling Associates have the listing.

 

 

 

Toluca Lake - Burbank Lose Two More Small Businesses

In just a short while, Toluca Lake area residents (including those on the "Burbank side" of Toluca Lake) have seen two more small businesses close their doors. According to many long-time customers, there was a sense of shock this past weekend when they learned that the owner of Papoo's Hot Dog Show has chosen to throw in the towel. A fixture in the community since 1949, Papoo's was instructed by the City of Burbank to make certain upgrades to their kitchen which were, apparently, far too expensive for the proprietor(s) to bear. The average area resident is left wondering as Papoo's recently has spent what must have totaled into the thousands to repair their charming vintage signage. One also wonders if the City of Burbank could have done more to encourage the preservation of this unique slice of Southern California history. What a shame.

Just across Riverside Drive, the Toluca Village Pharmacy has posted a sign announcing their closure as well. Customers are instructed to fill their prescriptions at CVS on Hollywood way. Although the pharmacy hasn't been in the area long, they have gained a loyal clientele who enjoyed the "small town feel" of an independent drug store to the cold, impersonal nature of the larger competitors.

What small Toluca Lake or Burbank business will be next? Don't our City leaders in Los Angeles and Burbank comprehend the allure of historic areas like Toluca Lake Village and the potential tourist dollars they may generate? I am fairly certain that the average visitor does not know precisely where city boundaries may be let alone even care, so let's dispense of city politics and get together to preserve the history of the Toluca Lake area before it becomes a strip-mall entirely bereft of personality. Small businesses provide neighborhood residents with variety, choice and a respite from the status-quo. Whether officially in Los Angeles or Burbank, it's part of what makes our community so wonderful.

 

 

 

 

If you are planning to list your Toluca Lake area home for sale in the near future or have a home currently on the market, this is a very informative piece by Virginia agent, Karen Kruschka. In it she describes six major factors that affect the sale of a home. Understand them and your real estate transaction should be relatively quick, smooth and at the best price the market will bear.

Prince William County

Karen Kruschka's Web Site

Popular Prince William County subdivisions to consider are Eagles Pointe, Wellington, River Falls, Saratoga Hunt, Winding Creek, Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, Brittany, Montclair, Ashland, Port Potomac, Potomac Club, Rollingwood Village, Lake Terrapin, Lake Side and Meadowbrook Woods

History For Sale In Toluca Lake

 

As celebrity watchers know, Toluca Lake is a magnet for the rich and famous. Actors, high-level execs and recording artists alike are attracted to our safe, tree-lined streets which are located a stone's throw from from three major studios. What folks from out of the area may not know, however, is that Toluca Lake has a rich and interesting history and part of that history is currently for sale.

The magnificent estate of one of Toluca Lake's forefathers, William Klump, is presently offered for sale at $2,950,000.00. Built in 1926, this prime example of Mission Revival architecture is perched high on a knoll overlooking the intersection of Forman and Toluca Lake Avenues in the heart of Toluca Lake. The sweeping corner lot measures over 19,000 sqft; the 5-bedroom, two-bath main house boasts over 3,700 sqft of artfully-designed living space on two levels. Full guest or maid's quarters are situated over the two-car garage.

Beautiful craftsmanship is evident at every turn. From the breathtaking main staircase with wrought-iron railings, to the hand-painted trompe l'loeil details, to the Batchelder fireplaces and hardwood floors - all original features that take us back to a time when true artisans were sought out and appreciated.

Additional features include: a formal entryway, family-style kitchen, den, living room and full basement complete with fireplace, updated electrical and copper plumbing and numerous artistic flourishes that are too numerous to mention. This is truly a unique property for the unique and appreciative buyer.

 

 

Broker: Ramsey-Shilling Associates | Listing Agents: Shirley Duenckel, Jon Molin | MLS #F11026705

Data: CRMLS | Presented with permission.

 

Tell It Like it Is

 

I just read Broker Bryant Tutas' great AR post about his seller interview strategy and it got me thinking about how many agents may not be up front about pricing when it comes time for the initial new seller listing presentation. When a home sits on the market and doesn't sell for an extended period of time, the number one potential problem is price. Regardless if the property is a turnkey mansion or a fixer-upper in need of a full overhaul, home buyers must feel that a higher-than-comparables listing price brings some sort of added value otherwise they may look elsewhere and usually do.

 

Agents, while it may be tempting to say what you feel your new sellers want to hear, don't. A home that stagnates on the market typically serves no-one. Playing the role of a smooth-taking salesperson who always scores the client may provide a bump to your ego but when there have been multiple price reductions and still no pending sale on the horizon it makes all agents look bad in the eyes of consumers. Sellers, listen to the agent who gives it to you straight. The days of the "hard sell" are over. Real estate professionals should exist to be of service to the community and tell it like it is. I know that is my mission.

 

 

HGTV's The Unsellables Seeking Toluca Lake Area Homeowners

I received a phone call from production company who produces HGTV's "The Unsellables". They are currently looking for Toluca Lake, Burbank, Hollywood Hills, North Hollywood and Studio City homeowners whose homes have been on the market more than 30 days, are owner-occupied and at a listing price of less than $1,000,000. Their criteria also states that "family members should be under 48 years of age". I suppose that has to do with their intended audience demographic. Homes will be rearranged, organized, staged, yards cleaned, etc. - pretty much everything a good real estate agent would recommend to their seller clients will get done. While I am a tad bit of a skeptic, if being on the show can help a family move on from difficult circumstances or help make their dreams come true, I'm all for it. I wonder who the lucky Toluca Lake area families will be? Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Getting Soaked in The Rain: It Can Happen to You Too!

 

I've been meaning to blog about this and now I've made the time. That statement in itself is a hint to any newer 'Rainers out there: if you want to get featured, you must blog, blog, blog. In other words, hang in there, keep at it, create QUALITY content that people find interesting and want to read and one day it will happen to you like it happened to me. I received my first Activerain feature a little over a month ago with Renters Need Love Too and it was a pleasant surprise, indeed.

It's great to have your colleagues comment on what you have to say as you never know what you might learn. It's also a nice surprise when folks, based on what they've read, subscribe to your blog. So A.R. newbies, although it might take a while, grab your umbrella and wellies and start typing - you never know when that rain cloud is going to form overhead!

 

 

 

 

Renters Need Love Too!

Several times this year I have received phone calls similar to the following: "Hello, I am looking to rent a condo, townhouse or house in the Toluca Lake - Burbank - Studio City areas but I've called several real estate agents and nobody seems to be available. Can you help me? Of course my knee-jerk reaction is to want to help EVERYONE but I stop myself as self-preservation must be balanced with the desire to be of service. Several of these potential lease clients have indicated that because of their price range, other agents have come straight out and said, "Absolutely not". This is the time in the interview where I ask about the specifics, explain what is and what isn't realistic for their budget in the desired location and let them know that I ONLY work with SERIOUS renters.

What, you may ask, is a serious renter? In my book it is someone who wants to move imminently, understands that Champagne taste must be put on hold if they possess a beer budget, is capable of meeting future lease obligations whether they are seeking a luxury estate or small condo, manages their finances fairly responsibly and has decent credit and, most importantly, COMMITS to me as a client as well as to the process.

The commitment part may be the most important for both client and Realtor®. My lease clients learn that, regardless of budget, that they will be taken care of 100% and their best interests will be protected. I look out for them in the same manner I would a high-end home buyer or seller. Calls, emails and texts are returned in a timely fashion; questions and concerns addressed promptly. In return, they must reciprocate that commitment by letting other agents who inquire know they are already working with a Realtor® and by being open and honest about all areas of their search.

I completely understand why some agents won't work with renters. They feel the payoff is lacking and therefor they should be spending their time seeking deals with much higher commissions. While I certainly have limits and must say "No thank you" on occasion due the time and expense that can accrue during a lease search, by working efficiently and effectively with the renters I do accept I can turn it into a win-win situation. By teaching my clients what to expect and what may be unreasonable under the circumstances, I spend my time wisely. This enables me to provide exceptional service and results to ALL my clients - renters, buyers and home sellers alike. Remember, your unassuming renter may one day turn into a big-time buyer. Yes, renters need love to! 

 

 

Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Community Benefit

 

On Saturday evening, September 30th, Larry Stickney current owner of the historic Bing Crosby Estate in Toluca Lake, California graciously opened his home and gardens for the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce's most recent community benefit. "An Evening of Comedy with Fritz Coleman and Friends" exceeded Chamber expectations with well over 200 neighbors and guests in attendance.

The event began at sunset with cocktails by the pool and tours of the main house's first floor. This was a wonderful opportunity for those in the area used to solely viewing the outside of the property in passing to explore the beautifully decorated and well-restored interior. Those who wanted to enjoy the night's welcome cool breezes embarked on self-guided tours of the sumptuous grounds.

On their way to being seated at tables of 10, long-time residents met newcomers, neighborhood elders mingled with thirty-somethings and industry insiders chatted with "average joes" creating a most interesting cacophony of conversations. A buffet dinner was then followed by a round of thanks and introductions by Chamber President, Shirley Duenckel, an appearance by City Councilman, Tom LaBonge and finally, the main event: standup performances by NBC 4's popular weatherman and honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake, Fritz Coleman and his comic compatriots, Brian Kiley, Suli McCullough and Bruce Fine.

The comedians gauged the audience carefully and played it safe, for the most part keeping material to PG-13 levels. The buoyant crowd, well-fed and perhaps slightly tipsy, laughed easily and applauded heartily. Who could blame them? Elbow to elbow with new friends and old in such a uniquely special place, the evening was a rousing success. Knowing that the community will benefit from the event's proceeds widened smiles even further and was the icing on the cake.