Los Encinos Historic State Park by Carol Wolfe, The Encino Real Estate Report

Until the late 1800’s the main gathering place in the San Fernando Valley was the current site of the Los Encinos Historic State Park.  A five acre park located on Balboa and Ventura in Encino, The Los Encinos Historic Park is centered around a still active natural spring that currently feeds a duck pond.

For centuries that spring attracted humans and animals from near and far making it a center of activity.  According to history the land changed hands many times.  Several Native American Tribes made the site their home and at one time the site was used as a mission.

Today the park is a historical site that is open to the public free of charge Wednesday through Sunday from 10-5pm.  There are self guided tours available when ever the park is open and Docent guided tours are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm, or by reservation.

The Los Encinos Historical State Park is a great place for a picnic, party or a wedding.  For more information about the park visit: www.los-encinos.org

I’m Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

The Griffith Observatory by Carol Wolfe, The Encino Real Estate Report

By Carol Wolfe

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles, made famous by the hit James Dean movie Rebel Without a Cause.

With the newly refurbished dome, star projector and theater, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is without a doubt the finest planetarium in the world.

Currently the planetarium features three different shows guaranteed to transport visitors on a journey through cosmic space.  The first show Centered in the Universe addresses man’s deepest questions about where we come from and how we came to be, starting with The Big Bang.

The second show, Water is Life takes visitors on a journey through space looking for signs of life and water on other planets. 

The newest show First Light: The Telescope Changed Everything explores the night sky and how Galileo’s discoveries changed our world.

The Griffith Observatory is located in Los Angeles on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park.  Admissions to the grounds are free.  There is a small charge to attend shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.  For more information visit www.griffithobs.org

Gustavo Dudamel

If you are a classical music fan; or if you watch 60 Minutes religiously then you have heard of Gustavo Dudamel.  If you have not heard of him you are in for a treat.  Later this year this exciting and talented young conductor will become the Music Director of the Los Angles Philharmonic.

Born in 1981 in Venezuela, Dudamel was raised within the Venezuelan music system, a much lauded program that places a musical instrument into any willing child’s hands and offers free after school lessons.  By the age of 14, Dudamel was an award winning violinist and had begun to study conducting.  His passion for music is unparalleled and having come from a system that encourages children to learn and play music, Dudamel has pledged to bring that level of commitment and educational opportunity to the Los Angeles area. 

For the last year Dudamel has been performing periodically as a guest director of the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  This summer he is also slated to conduct at the Hollywood Bowl.  Once you see this spirited conductor in action you will know what all of the fuss is about.  Join all of Los Angeles as we welcome this exciting artist to our home and look forward to the music that he will bring to the next generation!
I’m Carol Wolfe and in the world of classical music nobody does it better than Gustavo Dudamel!

English Country Estate in Tarzana

Stunning is too mild a word to describe this remarkable Country English estate with sprawling frontage.  Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac this estate offers elegance and privacy.  From the wide brick pathway bordered by roses and flowers that welcomes you to a front door with leaded glass and side lights, this home has it all. 

The two story foyer features hardwood floors that flow throughout the main entertaining rooms, lit by a beautiful crystal chandelier above the main staircase. The step down formal living room delights with vaulted beamed ceilings and a beautiful stone fireplace. A formal dining room features leaded and stained glass windows, crown moldings, wainscoting, a window seat, and an Italian porcelain chandelier. The chef’s kitchen boasts a Viking 6-burner range plus griddle, Sub Zero refrigerator, granite counters, butcher block center island, a copper-faced dishwasher, and maple cabinets. Completing the main wing are a family room with brick fireplace, vaulted beamed ceilings and built-in bookcases, a sunny breakfast room with French doors that open to a lovely al fresco dining patio and maid’s quarters.

A separate wing of the home features a game/billiard room, gym, and Honduran mahogany paneled library with granite fireplace, coffered ceiling and rotunda.

Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms including a spacious master suite, replete with a brick fireplace retreat, a tiled balcony, and two walk-in closets. The spectacular master bathroom features marble counters and floors, a spa tub and bidet.

This charming estate features numerous custom upgrades including lath and plaster walls, abundant storage areas, numerous leaded, beveled, etched, and stained glass windows, a copper turret, and several window seats.

The expansive tree-studded grounds include citrus trees, verdant lawns, as well as rose gardens and lush plantings. The mosaic tiled pool and spa and vine-covered gazebo add to the atmosphere of English elegance.  To view more pictures of this home visit www.calvinestate.com or to view the actual estate please contact my office, I’m Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

Halloween Happenings!

The Valley is bustling with events this time of year but one of the local favorites is the Halloween Harvest Festival at Pierce College because there truly is something for everyone, from families, to teenagers, to grownups on a romantic date.
 
Activities abound for children including live shows, a pumpkin patch where you pick out your own pumpkin, a giant slide, bounce houses, train ride, carousel, petting zoo, hay rides, rock climbing, bungee bounce, pony rides, bumper boats, haunted house and corn maze. If you manage to make it through all that with your little troopers, you can count on an early bedtime – you may even want to pack their PJs in the car!
 
For the big kids, things get a little spookier after sunset. The festival turns into the Fright Fair Screampark featuring the Factory of Nightmares – an industrial haunted house sure to produce industrial screams. For a little extra, you can take a terrifying tour of the Creatures of the Corn haunted maze with nothing but a flashlight to guide your way – and hope that you make it out again before sunrise.
 
And for a romantic evening with your significant other (or a potential one!), this place sets the perfect mood. Bundle up in your favorite sweater and enjoy quintessential carnival food underneath their twinkling lights while picking out the perfect pumpkin. Then take a stroll though the haunted maze where you can cling to your partner for dear life, or protect your partner for dear life – either way, snuggle up for safety!
 
Located at 20800 Victory Blvd. in Woodland Hills, just off the 101 freeway at the DeSoto Ave. exit. This year’s festival runs through November 2 and is open daily from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., until midnight on the weekends. For more information and directions, go to www.halloweenharvestfestival.com.
 
Be sure to make time for this event, you won’t regret it. And if you don’t live in the area, give me a call and we’ll try to change that. I’m Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

Hesby Oaks Elementary

by Carol Wolfe

Our next featured school is Hesby Oaks Elementary School.  This remarkable school’s rank is nine out of a possible 10 in the Great Schools List in Encino California.  With a parent approval rating of 4 stars this school is definite luminary. 

Hesby Oaks Elementary offers instruction, grades K -8, to a total of over three hundred students.  The teacher student ratio averages 1:23. One of the newest schools in the area, Hesby Oaks Elementary opened its doors in September of 2006.   It is located at 15530 Hesby Street in Encino.  Judy Mintz is the Principal at the helm of this beautiful school.
   
Parent comments praise the safety and discipline at the school, rating them above average.  The school offers an E-3 after school program for children of working parents; the program is a favorite among both parents and students.  High ranks in participation from teachers, parents and students make this a top performing school.

e-PRO

by Carol Wolfe

Times have changed and so has business.  Like any other business the real estate business has evolved with growing technology.  It’s important to have a real estate agent who has also kept up with the technological advances.  But how do you know if your realtor is technologically savvy? Simply ask them if they are e-PRO certified!

e-PRO is a distinction reserved for realtors who have completed a specific course designed for real estate professionals and endorsed by the National Association of Realtors.  The course is tailored specifically for realtors to keep them abreast of the technological tools and advancements available to realtors.

Working with an e-PRO offers significant benefits for a home buyer or seller:

Privacy 

An e-PRO certified internet professional is adept at keeping your information safe from internet piracy.  They respect your privacy and have the tools to keep your valuable information safe.

Convenience

A trained e-PRO can provide you instantly with extensive data on neighborhoods, property listings, up to the minute market updates, referral networks, on-line home tours, and faxes by email.  All of this information is available to you as a client, on demand both in the office and on location.

Cost Effectiveness
An e-PRO can maximize your home’s internet presence to effectively market your home in less time, using less paper, and less travel.  With on-line tours clients can effectively tour a home from another city or country saving valuable time and resources to narrow their search.

Working with an e-PRO is the best way to ensure that your real estate transaction is smooth, efficient and effective. I am Carol Wolfe a registered e-PRO realtor.  Nobody does it better.

Selling Your Home in Today’s Market

by Carol Wolfe

We are all aware that the housing market has changed significantly in the last two years.  But the fact remains that homes are still being bought and sold.  If you are trying to sell your home or are interested in listing it there are a few things that you should know that can help you to sell your home quickly and for the right price.

1. Get an Expert – This may sound a little simplistic but you would be surprised at how many people will list their home with a friend or a relative who is just starting out in the business of real estate.  Two years ago, selling a home was easy; in today’s market you need an expert.  Make sure that it is a realtor who has a proven track record in today’s market. 
2. Make sure that your expert has a specific marketing plan for your home that utilizes the internet.  Every home I sell has its own website and the URL address is listed prominently on every aspect of the marketing.  We now know that approximately 80% of people buying a home will begin their search on the internet.  Having a strong web presence with beautiful pictures is an absolute necessity in today’s market.
3. Make sure that the real estate expert you choose has access to top notch stagers.  While it is no longer advisable to do expensive renovations before attempting to sell your home, it is advisable to hire the services of a reputable stager.  A stager can come in and make a few small changes which can make the difference of how quickly your home sells.  I recently sold a home that had been languishing on the market for several months under the direction of another realtor.  When I took over the listing we had a stager come in to work her magic and the house sold within 3 weeks. 

For all of these reasons it is important to provide yourself with the best possible professional services when selling your home.  Your time is valuable; don’t waste it working with anything less than the best. 

I’m Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.