Thursday, May 22, 2008

A river runs through it sometimes: San Fernando Valley History

Old maps did not agree on the source and the path followed by the Los Angles River across the Valley. Before the 20th century, mapmakers often believed that the river originated in the San Gabriel Mountains and plunged southward over the Valley floor, since that is where the tormenting winter and spring floods began. Some maps also showed the river rising at Encino and gurgling eastward to the Narrows.

The confusion us due to the river's fickle flow. As understood now, the headwaters of the Los Angeles River rise in the Simi Hills, where Bell Creek gathers the runoff from springs and scant rainfall. The creek trickles out of the Bell Canyon and merges with Calabasas Creek to from the river-if the term can properly applied to a waterway of such dubious existence. Except in rainy season, most of the river's flow access the west valley underground. Maps likely showed the river appearing at Encino because, in dry months, the underground flow would first appear on the surface there.

Today the official starting point of the Los Angeles River is where the two concrete streams behind the bleachers of the Canoga Park High School football field. Go Hunters.

This information was plagiarised and taken from Kevin Roderick's awesome book: "The San Fernando Valley: America's Suburb." Check it out.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Two great properties sold ,www.clarksellshomes.com

Two great properties sold in the San Fernando Valley. For any Real Estate questions or concerns contact me at http://www.clarksellshomes.com/
18350 Hatteras Street #147
Encino, Ca
Sold:250,000
16836 Rayen st
Northridge, CA
Sold:640,000

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

$635000 Northridge Family Residence with Two Guest Units

This Property has two guest units, each 1+1. Both have living room, bedroom, and kitchen. The main structure is 3+2 and has been upgraded with granite slab counter tops in the kitchen and custom wood floors throughout the property. Direct access to the large basement from the living room extension. The large back yard is perfect for entertaining. All this in a great Northridge neighborhood on a residential street.

Direct Link to Virtual Tour of Property
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30552995

http://www.ClarkSellsHomes.com for additional photos and a virtual tour For additional photos and a virtual tour, please visit my website at www.ClarkSellsHomes.com Please call Clark for any additional information at (818) 384-1622 Clark Hill, Century 21 All Moves Broker

$369900 Single Family Home with Pool

Great price for this pool home in Granada Hills. Wood floors, large kitchen with eat-in area overlooking pool, and inside laundry room. Block window accents in bathroom. Back yard features a large covered patio, private pond, and possible alley access. Corner lot.

Link for Virtual Tour
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30283221

http://www.ClarkSellsHomes.com for additional photos and a virtual tour For additional photos and a virtual tour, please visit my website at www.ClarkSellsHomes.com Please call Clark for any additional information at (818) 384-1622 Clark Hill, Century 21 All Moves Broker

$429900 Single Family Residence with Guest House

This great bank-owned property features a large open kitchen with tile flooring that opens to the living and dining areas. 2 fireplaces will keep you warm in the winter and the open back yard is great for barbeques or entertaining in the summer. The back yard also features a brick patio outside the kitchen for Sunday brunch and a gazebo behind the master bedroom for afternoon tea. The 3 car garage has been partially converted to a living/ office space.

Link to Virtual Tour
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30285588

http://www.ClarkSellsHomes.com for additional photos and a virtual tour For additional photos and a virtual tour, please visit my website at www.ClarkSellsHomes.com Please call Clark for any additional information at (818) 384-1622 Clark Hill, Century 21 All Moves Broker

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Find the Right “Pocket”

Why is it that some areas of the San Fernando Valley seem to survive market downturns better than others?

As we find ourselves in an increasingly sour real estate market, some areas seem to hold their value very well, while others have tumbling prices. Even within the same zip code, some parts seem to be selling for close to what they were 2 years ago, while some areas have come down 35% or more. How can you benefit from this?

First, let’s examine what helps some areas maintain value even in a tough market. Some areas are unique. Studio City, Toluca Lake, and Burbank for example have close proximity to the film and television studios. Encino also has unique benefits – close walking proximity to the boulevard and houses of worship. San Fernando has its own city services. Porter Ranch has a plethora of new housing. Calabasas has a temperate climate and close proximity to the beach.
One thing we notice is that these areas that are more resistant to market downturns, for the most part, tend to be more affluent areas. This does have something to do with it, but this is only part of the bigger picture. Areas with good “pride of ownership” tend to weather bad markets better because homeowners who maintain their properties also generally make payments on time and keep their properties longer. It also indicates a higher percentage of owner occupancy.

Like with other investments, lower-risk assets tend to fare better in rough times. Because these areas have steadier demand, they tend to have less risk, generally speaking.

Now let’s look at some areas of the valley that are not doing well. This is where we can find some deals.

Tarzana: overall, an affluent and nice area. The homes south of Ventura boulevard are some of the priciest in the whole valley. However, homes between the 101 freeway and Burbank are mostly townhomes and condos. This particular “pocket” has come down significantly in price. It is a very dense area and there is a high percentage of renters. However, homes in the area are a great deal for the right buyer. A family of 5 can get a 4-bedroom condo for under $300,000. 3 children each get their own bedroom. Plus you get 2 parking spots, so you eliminate the worry of finding parking in a high-density area. Transportation and shopping are close by, and you have the benefit of living in Tarzana, which is considered to be a desirable area.

Sylmar: Quite the opposite situation from Tarzana. Overall, Sylmar is not one of the more desirable parts of the valley. There is industry in west Sylmar and many parts are high density. However, there are a few pockets to find great deals. Mountain Glen in the northeast corner has very large (1300-3600 square feet) detached homes in gated communities, that were all built within the last 10 years. The location is at the foothills, far from the freeway and really is its own “pocket.” Something comparable in Porter Ranch would run you $700,000-$1,300,000, but here you can get in for about $450,000 -$700,000.

Sylmar also has several new home developments. New home builders are anxious to sell and are offering many incentives to potential buyers, including no closing costs, special financing, free upgrades, and more.

A good real estate agent can help you find an area that works for you. Please feel free to email or call if you have any questions. If you’re just browsing, www.ClarkSellsHomes.com is a great place to window shop for homes all across the valley. Stay tuned for more blogs soon.


Clark Hill, e-PRO
Century 21 All Moves
Associate Broker
www.ClarkSellsHomes.com
ClarkSellsHomes@yahoo.com
(818) 384-1622

Thursday, January 31, 2008

San Fernando Real Estate

January 31, 2008

Buying Is Cheaper Than Renting

Yes, this is true. I have been waiting years to write this. Many people think that prices will decline more, despite the huge recent drop in values. But how much more can prices fall if it is already less expensive to purchase a home than it is to rent one?

If you plan to live in the San Fernando Valley for at least a few more years, you should buy a home right now. There is A LOT to choose from, which means you can find a property that really suits your needs, rather than just “settling.” Interest rates are VERY low. In fact, they just came down again this week. It’s still important to have fair to good credit. And in most cases you will want at least a 3% - 5% down payment, although 100% financing is still available.

Not only is it less expensive to own, but just consider the additional savings from tax deductions. Some first-time buyers think that they don’t make enough for this to apply to them, but that is not the case. Anyone with an income will save lots of money every year by owning a home. If you would like to see some great deals on homes in the Valley, or if you just want to browse through some foreclosure properties, go to the website, www.ClarkSellsHomes.com. Please feel free to email or call with any questions.

Clark Hill, e-PRO
Associate Broker
www.ClarkSellsHomes.com
ClarkSellsHomes@yahoo.com
(818) 384-1622

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Foreclosure Properties in San Fernando

Who would think that property would be available in the San Fernando Valley at affordable prices? How many people are aware of foreclosures properties for low, low prices? Are there any additional properties available in this neighborhood for less than 600,000? Visit www.clarksellshomes.com for additional properties and click on blog and network link on my home page for more foreclosure and property information
$574,900
11350 Dempsey Ave Granada HillsCA 91344

Thursday, January 3, 2008

“I have been looking at homes for a long time, but I haven’t found the right one”

Clarksellshomes.com

Maybe you need a professional to help you out a little. I work with my mom, Patty Hill, who works exclusively with buyers in this area. She knows the neighborhoods from Chatsworth to Studio City and everywhere in between and beyond. She’s GOOOOOOD. And I don’t just say that because she’s my mom. She is excellent at listening to what you are specifically looking for and targeting her searches just for you. And she is of course one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

Are you getting serious yet about buying a home? You need to talk to a lender. If you don’t have one, call me for recommendations. I have great lenders, many of whom I have been working with for years. Sorry, but you are not serious until you talk to a lender. You need a professional to tell you what you can comfortably afford before you start looking at homes that are not in your price range.

clarksellshomes@yahoo.com

818-491-0194 Office

818-386-1622 Cell

818-360-5676 Fax