Thursday, May 22, 2008
A river runs through it sometimes: San Fernando Valley History
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
$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
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.