EwingSIR | Calabasas Homes | Sherman Oaks Homes | Agoura Homes

Author Archive

Ringo Starr Walk of Fame Star Event

MONDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2010

By: Tina Stern

Hundreds of guests and press gathered at 7pm on Monday, February 8th as streets closed to see Ringo Starr receive his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Walk of Fame.

Gathered beneath the towering Capital Records building on Vine, this Walk of Fame Ceremony was the first ever to be held at night.  Ringo commented, “It’s cool to get one at night. I don’t know about you, but where I live, the stars come out at night.”

With speeches from Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Mayor Villaraigosa, Don Was and Ben Harper, the ceremony was spectacular. The star was unveiled adjacent to George Harrison’s and John Lennon’s stars, in front of the Capitol Records building. Paul McCartney’s star will soon be added.

“I want to thank Capitol Records” Starr said to cheers, glancing up at the tower. “It’s nice to look at a building that you helped pay for.” As always, he passed on his message of peace and love to the crowd.

After the ceremony, Ringo’s guests were invited to a buffet dinner catered by the Hard Rock Cafe in Capitol’s Studio A. I had a fabulous time with my husband Keith Allison (formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders).  It was a fun filled, happy and loving event and Ringo seemed genuinely moved.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: 50th Walk of Fame, Capitol Records, Ringo Starr, Walk of Fame Star

Du-Par’s Restaurant in Studio City

Studio City: (818) 766-4437
12036 Ventura Blvd.

By: Tina Stern

Since 1938, Dupar’s has been is the only real landmark left on this part of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

With no preservatives in their food and everything cooked fresh, Du-Par’s Restaurant and bakery makes some fabulous pies.  With a huge assortment of whole pies that are baked everyday, this is just the spot to grab a pie 24 hours a day. They also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so drop by to your local Du-Par’s in Studio City when you have a hankering.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Du-Par's Restaurant, Tina Stern

Hiking in Fryman Canyon

By: Tina Stern

If you’re looking for a light hike in Fryman Canyon, here’s a suitable option.  A brief 3 miles loop in the Hollywood Hills will allow some fire roads and trail paths with plenty of vista points and benches.  You have access to Tree Peoples’ Coldwater Canyon Pavilion.  Although it is an urban trail, it’s not crowded.

The Basics:
- Distance: Just under 3 miles round trip.
- Elevation Gain: 463 feet
- Time: An easy 90 minutes.
- Trail Condition: Excellent. Well-maintained fire road for the majority of the trail, with clear signs and landmarks. The use-trails that parallel the fire road are not marked or maintained, but are heavily traveled and easy to spot.

Directions: From the Valley, head south on Laurel Canyon Blvd. from Studio City. 0.8 miles south of Ventura Blvd., turn right onto Fryman Road. The parking area is immediately visible. From the south, at Laurel Canyon (Crescent Heights) and Sunset in West Hollywood, head north on Laurel Canyon for 3.5 miles. Take a left onto Fryman Road and park in the lot. There is a $1 fee for parking.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Coldwater Canyon Pavilion, Hiking in Fryman Canyon, Tina Stern

Le Pain Quotidien in Studio City

La Pain Quotidien is open again after having been wiped out by the water main break that occurred in Coldwater Canyon

By: Tina Stern

La Pain Quotidien, French for “Daily Bread,” was founded by Belgian chef Alain Coumont. With a  mission to find the very best in a way that is good for everyone, they use reclaimed wood and recycled Gypsum in construction, energy-efficient lamps, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and packaging.

They serve simple, elegant boulangerie fare—soup, salads, tartines, breakfast, homemade pastries and handmade organic bread—made with organic ingredients whenever possible.  Hang with friends and strangers alike at the communal table.  Their bread is made today exactly as it was in the beginning: with only organic stone-ground flour, salt, and water, kneaded and shaped by hand and baked in a hearth.

Come give this place a shot in Studio City.

www.lepainquotidien.com
13045 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City – (818) 986-1929
open 7:30 AM to & 7 PM 7 days a week

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Le Pain Quotidien in Studio City, Tina Stern Real Estate Agent

The War against Clutter

“A cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind.”

By: Tina Stern

For those that live in clutter, consider the demeanor you portray to clients.  Lets say you’re selling a home and your client is interested in you as an agent.  In most cases, the potential buyer will at some point get a glance or even a hard look at your desk.  If your desk abundantly overflows with hoards of scattered papers, this lack of organization may project a negative image.  So, consider that a few basic steps to alter the appearance of that clutter.

1. If you have an assistant, delegate some of your responsibilities to free up some of your time.

2. If you work alone, then you must handle every facet of your business. Schedule a consistent time each day for opening both mail delivered by the post office and email, and respond immediately whenever possible to get it off your plate.

3. Do not to feel obligated to say “yes” to everyone who asks for a favor. In other words, don’t over-commit.

4. Be selective when it comes to volunteering time and energy. You can offer to assist with a small portion of a project, but don’t agree to organize the entire event.

Clearing some clutter could help your own business as well your own peace of mind.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: ewing and sotheby's, The War against Clutter, Tina Stern

How to Save on Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

Let’s Make a Deal!

By: Tina Stern

Black Friday has come and gone. But, if you’re like most people, you probably still have a little holiday shopping left to do. Whether you’re looking for small items like toys and clothing, big-ticket items like electronics or maybe a car, or even a plane ticket home to see the family, the following tips can help you save on your last-minute holiday purchases.

Toys, Electronics, Jewelry, and Even Groceries: Believe it or not, you can get the best deals on a wide variety of gift ideas without ever leaving your house. So whether you’re looking for toddler toys, a big screen TV, a diamond necklace or even the groceries you need for that holiday feast, you should start by shopping online. For example, websites like http://www.pricegrabber.com/ allow you to compare prices at popular stores. You can also save by printing coupons on the items you want by visiting websites such as http://print.coupons.com and http://www.couponmom.com/. Finally, consider visiting sites like RetailMeNot.com that allow people to share coupons for thousands of popular stores and items.

Clothing: If you still need to buy a gift for a teenager, then the clothing store may be a good place to start. This time of year, you’ll find tons of holiday specials that make last-minute shopping easy. But you’ll want to plan out and time your trip to the mall. That’s because when the weekend rolls around, just about every dressing room is filled…and the best deals have been picked over already. Why? It’s simple. With the large number of special promotions to be marked and shelves to be stocked, most clothing stores get started early. And savvy shoppers, like you, can get the best deals and the best selection by Thursday evenings. As an added bonus, the stores, dressing rooms, and checkout lines aren’t nearly as crowded–so you save on stress, too!

Cars: Perhaps you’re in the market for a big-ticket item this holiday season. Lots of automakers and dealers offer special financing or holiday specials to help increase sales near the end of the year. When it comes to buying a car, you may already know that your best chance to negotiate a better price is at the end of a month when car dealers need to make their monthly quotas. But did you know you can drive home a great deal early in the week, especially during the morning? At that time, the dealerships aren’t overflowing with shoppers like they are on the weekend, so you’ll get more personalized attention. Plus, salespeople are more likely to negotiate when they don’t have three or four other buyers waiting in the wings to pay full price.

Airplane Tickets:  In addition to looking for cheap airfare on sites like www.priceline.com, http://www.orbitz.com/, and http://www.hotwire.com/, remember to shop at the right times. For example, your best chance for saving is Wednesday morning. That’s because airlines introduce their savings over the weekend and during the first few days of the week, subtle price wars begin. By early Wednesday, the savings have usually hit their peak…and there are still plenty of seats left for you to capitalize on. And remember, the more flexible you can be on your travel dates, the better chance you have of grabbing a good deal.

The moral of the story is that with a little planning, you can still save big on large and small items on your holiday shopping list.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Black Friday, hoiday deals, Lets make a deal

Tax Credit Extended

A few newsworthy tax extensions

By: Tina Stern

President Obama recently extended the popular tax credit program offering up to $8,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010.  The extention also offers up to $6,500 in tax credits for qualified repeat home buyers which allows for more qualified homebuyers to take advantage of this valuable opportunity at a time when mortgage rates hover at historic lows.

As for First-Time Buyers, basic rules remain similar with one important exception – higher income limits are now in place, increasing the pool of potential buyers eligible for the tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price or up to $8,000. Amazingly, this is money does not have to be repaid if stay in your new home for at least 36 months.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are now eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap (but less than $145,000) can receive a partial credit. Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap (but less than $245,000) can receive a partial credit.

The new homebuyer program offers a new tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years. This gives those who already own a qualifying residence some additional reasons to take advantage of lower home prices and interest rates and finally move up to the home of their dreams.

Important Deadlines
Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: ewing & associates, ewing and associates, ewing and associates sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewing sothebys, ewingsir, ewingsir.com, sotheby's calabasas, Tax Credits

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) consistently ranks contractor fraud as its number one complaint. Don’t be a victim.

By: Tina Stern

If you (or someone you know) is thinking about hiring a contractor, please read or share these tips straight from the BBB before signing anything.

• Obtain bids (from at least three licensed contractors) based on building specifications, quality of materials, labor and time to complete the project.
• Ask for customer references, and be sure to contact them. If possible, check out previous work.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a report on the contractor and review site thoroughly for further advice.
• Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and another form of ID.
• Call the Contractors State License Board to see if the license is valid and if a bond is in place.
• It’s very important that your contractor have property damage and personal liability insurance coverage, and, if the contractor has any employees, workers’ compensation. Insist that the insurance broker send you certificates of insurance.

“Remember, a contractor may not ask for more than ten percent of the total contract price, or $1,000 (or two percent or $200 in the case of swimming pools), whichever is less, as a down payment. (Insist upon a lien release from all subcontractors and suppliers before you pay for any work).”

Anything you sign may constitute a contract. Before you sign a final contract, be sure it includes the following:

• the name, street address (not just a post office box), and local telephone number of the contractor;
• if you must obtain a loan to pay for the project, that the agreement is valid only if you obtain financing at a given rate;
• a written description of all work to be done, including a detailed description of the kind and quality of materials to be used;
• a bid based on the job, not by the unit;
• a price breakdown for both labor and materials;
• starting and completion dates;
• the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor;
• a written statement reiterating any oral promises made by the contractor or sales representative, including any warranties on materials or labor;
• that the contractor will obtain the necessary building permits.
• Don’t sign a completion certificate until you’re satisfied that the job has been completed according to the contract and inspection has been completed by local building authorities.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: ewing & associates, ewing and associates, ewing and associates sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewing sothebys, ewingsir, ewingsir.com, sotheby's calabasas, www.ewingsir.com

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension?

Senate committee reviewing possibility of continuing tax credit.

by Tina Stern

On June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the “Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009″ (S. 1230), which would increase the current credit which expires on November 30th, 2009 to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. This seems to be heating up and close to getting out of committee for a vote. If passed, it would probably remain in effect through the middle of 2010. Please contact your Congressmen and Senators and urge them to approve this bill if it comes up for a vote, it is a great buyer’s incentive which will further boost the housing market in our area. This new version of the bill would be open to everyone, not just first time purchasers!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

LA Times “Home of the Week”

Sept 20th-11524 Amanda Dr Studio City

By Tina Stern

11524 Amanda Drive, Studio City will be the featured “Home of the Week” in the Sunday Sept. 20th, 2009 edition. Click here to go to the property website: http://11524amanda.com/

There will be a public open house to coincide with this publication on Sunday September 20th, 2009 from 2 PM to 5 PM. This is particularly noteworthy as the Los Angeles Times only chooses one home per week to feature.

The estate is a prime example of the best of the California one story mid-century custom designed home. It offers the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience. The house has been completely rebuilt from studs to ceiling. The sellers were very sensitive to maintaining the integrity of the original footprint while adding all of the latest amenities available. From the minute you open the front door, you will be awestruck with the open floor plan leading out to the beautiful and expansive views of the canyons. To find out more about this incredible estate, be sure to look for the article in the LA Times newspaper or at http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-home20-2009sep20,0,1424667.story