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.

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

San Fernando Property: Northridge

Photobucket Album

$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

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