Toluca Lake Real Estate Agent Blog

In Honor of United Flight #175

2008-09-11T02:38:55Z

As I type, in just a few short minutes it will be September 11th. I cannot believe that 7 years have elapsed. The last time I flew United Airline's flight #175 it was in February of 2001. This was a routine Boston to Los Angeles excursion which I had taken multiple times before. As I passed through security at Logan, I began to feel ill. Little did I know, I was suffering from a horrible case of food poisoning and it was taking its toll fast. By the time I plopped into my seat towards the back of the plane, I was a wreck. As we waited to taxi, one of the flight attendants could see that I was in distress and she kindly asked me if there was anything she could do. She and her colleagues spent the entire flight tending to my needs and checking to be sure that I was as comfortable as possible. THEY WERE AMAZING! I don't know how I would have made it through the 6-hour flight without their help.

In July of that year, I missed the usually scheduled opportunity to visit my family due to work obligations. I simply figured I would go in September but I wouldn't get the chance. That fateful morning, September 11, 2001, like so many others on the west coast, I woke up to images of unspeakable horror. I could have been on that plane, but that did not upset me. Instead, I thought about the wonderful and capable flight crew whose exemplary service we had the pleasure of experiencing each cross-country trip, the passengers and, of course, the rest of the innocent victims. I don't feel there is any more to say. I just wanted to take a moment to show my gratitude and honor those lost. Thank you.

From Your Toluca Lake Real Estate Agent - Sellers Should Select Realtor Who Lives and Works In The Area

2008-09-09T02:48:29Z

Ever drive by a home with a "for sale" sign in the yard and wonder why the lawn remains unkempt or dried-out, newspapers are piled high on the stoop and mail is bulging out of the mailbox? This could be a situation why the seller's real estate agent simply cannot get to the property often due to the fact that they neither live nor work in the immediate area. Obviously, most agents are professional and have good intentions. But when hectic schedules and personal demands on time meet an extended commute, intentions are not what keep a listing property in showcase condition. Yes, there could be extenuating circumstances which may explain why details are falling through the cracks, i.e., the sellers won't pay for basic upkeep or the home is vacant and in foreclosure, but a savvy real estate professional should be able to get around many obstacles that could prevent their listings from looking their best. If a busy agent CAN'T GET TO THE PROPERTY regularly, out of sight could mean out of mind and that is not in the best interest of the client.

When a seller chooses an acquaintance or family member to list their home without taking the time to think about actual qualifications or ramifications, problems can ensue. Although it may seem convenient to call upon a licensed friend or family member and they would, of course, be eager to get the potential sale (and one may feel pressure in some ways to do so), the reality is: the decision to sell your home is a huge one which should be done with a clear mind and without any pressure from external sources as the stakes are far too high. When a seller hires an experienced real estate agent who lives and works in their actual neighborhood, they get far more "bang" for their buck at the close of escrow. Not only does your neighborhood Realtor have a good link to buyers and their agents in the area, they know which details and benefits of the community are attractive and should be advertised to consumers, are familiar with competing properties nearby and why your home stands out, and just as importantly will ensure that whether occupied or vacant your listed property will be visited frequently, be kept secure and consistently maintained to the highest of standards for the duration.

Burbank Real Estate News Update - Toluca Lake Street Lighting Part II

2008-08-20T05:44:23Z

Well, it's finally done and it looks amazing! The City of Burbank has finished upgrading the street lights in the Toluca Lake area. As you can see from the photo included, the replacement lamps are lovely. Save for a few injured patches of grass, only do the look great, they are much brighter which adds to the security of the neighborhood.

While driving on Riverside last week, the full impact of the improvements hit home. Glancing down Clybourn Ave., I noticed that the lamps on the Los Angeles side of the street were dim and spaced far apart while the brighter, more frequently placed lamps on the Burbank side sparkled brightly in the night. I will say once again: A job well done!

Attention Los Angeles Sellers: Great Potential Buyers Are Out There!

2008-08-04T00:15:44Z

What a great open house; what great people; what a great day! On Sunday I sat an open house at 4370 W. Kling St. in the Burbank section of Toluca Lake. I've always enjoyed hosting opens, as you never know who you are going to meet. Most everyone coming into the home was pleasant, met my eye and returned a hearty greeting. Also, I noticed that virtually everybody, even the elderly couple (and I do mean elderly) that attended, was in good spirits and in possession of a positive attitude. They were relaxed, asked valid questions and spoke openly of their plans. I began thinking to myself, that regardless of whether this particular property is the right one for anyone there, that many of these folks are READY AND WILLING TO BUY, are good people and will most likely be SERIOUS about moving forward when they find "THE ONE".

Obviously, I cannot predict which party(ies) in this group will buy or be capable of buying within the next several months, but as a professional with common sense, good intuition and a positive outlook I can, however, take their answers / intentions in good faith. Although there isn't a fire lit beneath them and they may take a bit of time, these people ARE LOOKING TO BUY! Sellers take heed: buyers are out there. Have a little patience if you can. It may take longer than it used to in recent memory, but your patience should eventually pay off. Work with a professional Realtor. LISTEN to the pricing strategy they have to offer as well as any additional advice they may have regarding possible upgrades or staging that will ensure your home is market-ready. As a seller, if you have a good STRATEGY, the buyers that are "in the woodwork" will certainly emerge. Judging from Sunday - they are definitely out there!

When Listing A Home Numerous Signs Don't Always Point To Success

2008-08-02T22:59:17Z

We've all heard the "tip" that when searching for a real estate professional to list your home for sale, look for signs: lawn signs. This implies that the more listings a particular agent currently has, the better qualified they will be to sell your property. The reality is, the only thing these multiple lawn signs indicate is that the agent in question is capable of getting listings. Period. It does NOT necessarily make them the best choice to list and SELL your home and, certainly, the intention of a listing is ALL ABOUT THE SALE.

When driving through the area recently, I made note of properties which have been on the market for an extended period of time. It pains me to think that, for those who MUST sell, their lives are on hold. Each day the home sits on the market brings potential additional burdens. Could it be that they've chosen the wrong agent for the wrong reasons? Perhaps. Choosing a real estate agent to sell your home isn't something that should be taken lightly.

• Search for Realtors who live and work in your immediate area (more on this important factor coming up)

• Interview multiple agents, not only one or two

• Agent should be prompt, professional, friendly and focused on your needs instead of distracted by cell calls or other business

• In today's climate, you should expect your property to be marketed extensively via a variety of media outlets

• Technology matters: visit the agent's website and blogs, learn where online (and geographically) your listing will show up

• Team matters: who's on the agent's team and do they all work together to get your listing SOLD?

• Experience isn't everything if it hasn't evolved to deal with current market conditions and technology

• Agent must listen to your unique set of circumstances, pricing requirements and time-line and provide a Comparative Market Analysis

• In turn, the seller should not have unrealistic expectations and be open to appropriate guidance

The bottom line is: a pretty sign isn't everything. SELLING a listing takes much more than that. Failing to put a bit of effort into choosing the right real estate agent can cost sellers greatly. On the other hand, working with a Realtor who lives and works in your area and who educates, informs and empowers will not only give you an edge, it will help ensure that you get THE RIGHT PRICE AT THE RIGHT TIME for your home.

Risa Liebster, Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

818.432.1513

www.TolucaLakeLifestyles.com

Toluca Lake - Burbank Real Estate Neighborhood News: New Restaurant Coming

2008-07-29T01:28:46Z

With the demise of "The River Bottom" bar, many Toluca Lake and Burbank residents have been wondering what type of business, if any, would move into the quaint wooden structure on Olive Avenue directly across from Warner Brothers Studios. As of late, the building has been a beehive of construction activity and preliminary signage reveals that a more upscale pizzeria and bar is taking shape. It appears that the new owners are working to keep much of the original space while taking a section of the back of the building down to the studs. Apparently they have a clear vision of what their new business is supposed to be. Hopefully that vision will fit nicely into the quiet Toluca Lake neighborhood it sits within. We are excited to find out and look forward to the opportunity to get good pizza that is within actual walking distance. Updates soon to follow...

Toluca Lake Real Estate News - Burbank Street Lighting Upgrade

2008-07-23T15:39:45Z

Many Toluca Lake residents out for their early evening strolls have noticed a change: new street lights in many areas of the Burbank portion of the Village. The initial indications of the impending upgrade were small rectangles cut out of the grass adjacent to existing lighting units. This could have been cause for concern as many of the light poles, having been there for decades, were made in a style reminiscent of old gas lamps. Not to worry, as early as last week brand new units which seem very similar in style have been going in, one by one. In fact, these new lamps are quite beautiful. They feature a darker concrete mix with a slightly-polished sheen, graceful glass globes with ornamental detailing on top and significantly stronger illumination. In my opinion they look even better than the originals. It's a shame that not all streets in the area share this style of lighting as a number of the towering mid-century concrete poles have also been replaced with newer units of the same style. I'm sure the City of Burbank has its reasons for this. Although it would be wonderful, due to bureaucracy, I doubt that they could ever possibly orchestrate an agreement with Los Angeles to have all the streets in the Village uniformly lit. In the end, the City has made an exceptional choice. These attractive new lamps certainly enhance the neighborhood. With the new placement and brighter light, some residents may have to double-up on their bedrooms' window treatments! That's a small price to pay for all the positive things this new installation has to offer.

Why I Became A Realtor, Part I - or - To Protect and Serve

2008-07-23T07:15:18Z

The hysteria of a sizzling hot real estate market can make some people do crazy things. A number of years back, without any perceivable warning, several close acquaintances began to display the unmistakable symptoms of "housing bubble fever". These normally rational peoples' language suddenly changed from the practical to, "If we don't buy now..." and "If we cut back on expenses...", which for most seemed completely out of character. Still, for some, making a move was inevitable. If one could get a decent deal and it really was a lifestyle enhancer, it could be the right thing to do and the right time to do it. So the quest began...

Even with so much competition from other potential buyers, friend "A" spied a property she liked on the MLS which was still available. It was a newish condo and it had many of the features she included on her must-have list. Because her significant other would not be around, she asked me to go along to the open house which was to take place that upcoming weekend. I agreed and when the date arrived, off we went, excitedly, I must add. At the open, she met a short, curt man (I say met, but he barely took a second away from his cell phone or made eye contact) who apparently was the listing agent. This dearth of customer service continued throughout the entire time she explored the condo. After making several attempts at asking questions, the answers to which were not on the MLS or the hand-out, she became disheartened - this guy just didn't seem to care whether or not he sold this listing! I felt terrible but at the time could do nothing. On the way home, in addition to consoling her, I thought to myself, "I wonder what the seller would think if they knew their listing agent behaved in this manner?" Of course, they would be horrified. I guess when things get hot some people get lazy, but to experience it first-hand and at the expense of someone I knew was both shocking and disappointing. Unfortunately, this would not be the last time I witnessed someone who considered themselves a real estate professional being far less than professional.

Stay tuned for part II.

Toluca Lake Real Estate - The Toluca Lake Lifestyle

2008-07-20T03:40:27Z

The Toluca Lake lifestyle is Southern California living at its finest. As a real estate professional, I am proud to represent this special community and have lived, worked and played here for well over 10 years. What is now considered "Toluca Lake proper", ranges from the Los Angeles river, lake and golf club on the south, Cahuenga Blvd. in North Hollywood - City of L.A. on the west, Camarillo St. on the north and Pass/Olive Avenues in Burbank on the east. The neighborhood was founded in the 1920s and many homes originate from the era. As the community expanded towards its more contemporary configuration, you will see homes which age from the 1930s through the current year. The old saying goes, "They don't build them like they use to" and inventory of the older, lovingly cared for properties, is always limited. Additionally, as a traditional enclave for Hollywood stars due to the proximity of a number of film and television studios, demand for Toluca Lake real estate is always high. Even more exclusive are the homes situated around the actual lake itself which total a mere 26. Many of these waterfront residences boast boat docks, extensive lots and views of the lake, Mount Lee in Hollywood and the stunning greenery of the rolling golf course. With vistas like this, it isn't surprising that a variety of nature's creatures make their homes in and around the lake. Deer, raccoons, coyotes and swans as well as a myriad of smaller creatures add to the area's distinctive appeal and it is not unusual for them to venture out into the neighborhood providing homeowners with the occasional "bump" in the night. It can be difficult to believe you are in the big city when strolling through the green-canopied streets of Toluca Lake.

A close-knit community with neighbors who watch out for your safety yet cherish peace, quiet and privacy, Toluca Lake is a wonderful place to make home. Parents will be pleased with the safe streets and the proximity of high-scoring schools both in L.A and Burbank. With World-class shopping, dining and recreation nearby, respect for its history and Mother Nature on its doorstep, there aren't many places like this left. I love it and know you will too! Visit My website at www.TolucaLakeLifestyles.com to learn more about the history of Toluca Lake or contact me directly to discover the current inventory of exceptional homes in the area or to list your property for sale.