The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) just released a quarterly report detailing the “strongest year-over-year increase in seven years.” Whether you looking to buy or sell your home in Sherman Oaks, this is good news.

Buyers who question why increased home prices are of benefit to them can reference another report by NAR that revealed “record high housing affordability conditions for metro areas in 2012.” Low interest rates and slightly higher, but still desirable home prices mean home buyers have the resources to purchase the homes they desire.

According to NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, “Home sales are on a sustained uptrend, mortgage interest rates are hovering near record lows and unsold inventory is at the lowest level in 12 years.”

Yun went on to state that, “Our population has been growing faster than overall housing stock,” which leaves a need for more inventory and new home construction and illustrates that, “supply and demand dynamics are very much at play.”

If you are in the market to sell your home, this news is very welcome, as well. Statistically speaking the 2012 fourth quarter showed  the average single-family home in the United States priced at $178, 900, an increase of 10% from fourth quarter reporting in 2011, and providing the “strongest year-over-year price increase since the fourth quarter of 2005.”

Chances are homes are increasing in your neighborhood as well. Call me to determine the current market value of your home – Mary Baldwin 310.600.5966. We can provide you with the knowledge you need to get your home sold while interest rates are still down.

You can also read the actual report from the National Association of Realtors® here.

READ ABOUT IT ON SHERMAN OAKS PATCH BELOW:

HENRY’S TACO TO CLOSE

Buying a home is something most people don’t do everyday, so it’s easy to see why many people make mistakes.  In order to make the home buying process as easy and trouble-tree as possible, here are four common mistakes you’ll want to recognize and avoid.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

Many buyers tend to be a little too optimistic about a timetable.  Experts say if you are super-prepared, you may be able to complete the process in 30 days, but that’s rare.  It is more reasonable to assume that the process of buying a home will take 45 days or even 60 days, assuming it’s a straightforward sale.  However, buying a foreclosure could take longer.  In those cases, you may have to deal with a lien or issues with the title that can hold up the process.  Foreclosures can take up to 90 days to complete.  Short sales are also a different process, and that timeframe can depend on whether or not a lender has agreed to a preset price.  These sales can take up to nine months to complete depending on the complications.

Not Being Familiar with Financing

It is important when buying a home that you are familiar with how financing works before you jump into the mortgage process.  Know the terminology and what questions to ask when you a looking for a rate.  Talk to several kinds of lenders including local banks, national banks and mortgage brokers.  They will all have access to different sources.

Don’t ever let a lender know you are a novice.  This leaves the door open to them to charge you more for their services.  Financing is one area where knowledge is power.  Save yourself time and money by knowing your information going in.

Not Being Polite

Negotiations are a critical part of the home-buying process, so don’t jeopardize the sale by being a bully.  Treat those involved in the negotiation process as you would friends, and behave politely.  Stress what you like about the property instead of what you don’t like.  Saying you hate the color of the home and that it has to repainted can kill the sale.  Talking about price reductions should be framed in the context of what the home is worth to the buyer.

Not Having Back-Up Funds

One of the biggest mistakes home buyers can make is to max out their funds in order to score their dream home.  Often buyers will need some reserve funds for unforeseen costs, such as home repairs or improvements that need to be done when moving in.  Make sure you keep some money as a back up in case your refrigerator suddenly dies or the air conditioning quits on you in the middle of summer.  There will always be problems that arise, be sure you have the necessary cash to deal with them.

Home buying is not an everyday process, so it’s easy to see why many buyers make mistakes.  But knowing what to look out for before you start the process can make sure you avoid costly errors down the road. For more information about the home buying process, please feel free to contact me at 310.600.5966 Mary Baldwin Mary Baldwin Homes

There’s a crispness in the air as autumn approaches in Sherman Oaks, pulling to the mind images of goblins, ghosts and ghouls and memories of sweet and wholesome treats. This time of year is one where cobwebs in your home, be they spun from nearby spiders or purchased from a local craft store, have a tendency to be in vogue. As you think up ways to make your home more festive this season, keep in mind that simplicity and detail can go a long way to creating a look that’s spooky for visitors without being considered scary.

Some easy ways to manufacture a ghoulish look can be found with just a few basic items. Consider taping some dark colored transparent “spooky” fabric to your front door to darken up the look of your home a bit. A few rubber bats or ghosts hung just right in the eaves or a lone creature or skeleton leaning over a balcony can create a spooky element to any home in a flash, too!

If you want to add a little more menacing decor to your entrance, consider webbing, plastic fencing, tombstones or skulls. A crafty and cute touch can be had with an assortment of miniature pumpkins or carved, lit jack-o-lanterns, as well. As you prepare the entrance to your home, consider who your visitors will be and how you can add to their fun. Perhaps a candy jar or motion detecting decoration is just the right touch to add some fright.

On the night of any gathering in your home, consider renting a fog machine or playing a bit of scary music to add to the intrigue and mysteriousness as guests enter your home. Plan for games and stories and use lighting that will enhance the mood in your home, as well. You’ll find that simplicity will allow you to embrace some traditional fright into the decor of your home and still provide for plenty of tricks and treats.

Halloween is the beginning of the home decorating season – Thanksgiving and Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner!  Nothing adds to the appeal of a neighborhood like the front steps and porches of the houses dressed up for the season.  Talk about curb appeal!  here in Sherman Oaks we take our home decorating seriously.  Most of the decorating follows a simple, traditional, sophisticated theme, but since there are many behind-the-scenes entertainment industry residents here, there are some decorations, especially Halloween ones, that can be as elaborate as a ride at Disneyland!

Look to this blog in a few weeks  for pictures as we get closer to Halloween! Mary Baldwin 310.600.5966

This page represents the current list for the most expensive luxury homes in Sherman Oaks California. Check back daily for new listings.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 203. See more Real estate in the city of Sherman Oaks.
(all data current as of 5/14/2013)

1. $7,500,000 : 4030 Longridge Avenue, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 8,427 sq ft

   Lot size: 34,051 sqft

   Year built: 2005

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 196
2. $3,575,000 : 3900 KINGSWOOD RD, Sherman Oaks
   
   8 beds, 7.0 baths

   Home size: 6,566 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.16 ac

   Year built: 1993

   Days on market: 275
3. $2,995,000 : 4013 Cody Road, Sherman Oaks
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 3,073 sq ft

   Lot size: 17,650 sqft

   Year built: 1950

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 67
4. $2,990,000 : 3960 Alomar Drive, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 4,498 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.19 ac

   Year built: 1952

   Parking spots: 8

   Days on market: 131
5. $2,750,000 : 4021 HOPEVALE DR, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 7.0 baths

   Home size: 6,857 sq ft

   Lot size: 17,825 sqft

   Year built: 2007

   Parking spots: 12

   Days on market: 179
6. $2,699,500 : 14735 Sutton Street, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 5 full baths

   Home size: 4,911 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,490 sqft

   Year built: 2005

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 8
7. $2,595,000 : 13818 Weddington Street, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 2 full, 4 part baths

   Home size: 4,834 sq ft

   Lot size: 29,990 sqft

   Year built: 1937

   Parking spots: 8

   Days on market: 61
8. $2,500,000 : 4162 Fulton Avenue, Sherman Oaks
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,175 sqft

   Year built: 2013

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 71
9. $2,499,000 : 3800 LONGRIDGE AVE, Sherman Oaks
   
   4 beds, 4.5 baths

   Home size: 3,953 sq ft

   Lot size: 18,181 sqft

   Year built: 1941

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 1
10. $2,495,000 : 4101 WITZEL DR, Sherman Oaks
    
    4 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths

    Home size: 3,629 sq ft

    Lot size: 41,211 sqft

    Year built: 1950

    Parking spots: 6

    Days on market: 29

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Gardens of Sherman Oaks

Gardens of Sherman Oaks

Our favorite holiday season is coming. And this season is indeed the best time to go to malls and shop for all things you want and need. If you live in Los Angeles, California, the best destination for you is none other than the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks. This is formerly known as the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square. It is owned by the Westfield Group, with its anchor stores at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Almost everything you need are here, especially when it’s all about fashion.

A Little Bit of its History

The Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, known today as the Westfield Fashion Square Mall, is originally anchored by Bullock’s from 1962. It joined the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce by 1976, one year before The Broadway became an anchor. Between 1988 and 1990, the mall enclosed and double-decked. By 1994, the mall suffered serious and unavoidable damage caused by the Northridge earthquake, but it was immediately renovated after the disaster. In 1996, stores were closed and renamed. Bullock’s is now known as Macy’s, while the Broadway became Bloomingdale’s. This is the result of the Federated Department Stores buying out the Carter Hawley Hale Stores, known as the parent company of the Broadway.

By 2002, the Westfield gained about half-interest in the said shopping center and gave the name “Westfield Shoppingtown Fashion Square”. In June of 2005, they decided to drop “shoppingtown” from the name since it seems awkward and ugly. Well, the current name is indeed better than what it is previously called.

Westfield Fashion Square Mall Today

The said shopping center is considered as one of the largest and biggest shopping locations in the area. There are oer 100 stores and services in the center; in all categories. Thus the place attracts many people, from all walks of life, enjoying different interests and desires. It comes with almost everything a person needs, and all of which can be found in one spot, making it more convenient for shoppers. People spend a few hours leisurely browsing for items or buying out all needed wardrobe for their homes.

Retailers and Shops at Westfield Fashion Square Mall

There are a number of big retailers in the walls of the mall. Some of the immediately recognizable retailers are the Apple Store, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Coach, Disney Store, Gap, Guess, J. Crew, Victoria Secret and a whole lot more. Name it and this mall has it. The list just shows how great the variety is up on this mall, regardless of the category of the item you would like to buy, or no matter how big or small your budget it.

Aside from clothing stores, there are different food court options as well as full restaurants at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall. Some of the popular options are Sbarro, Panda Express, Subway, Cinnabon, Wetzel’s Pretzels and more. On Bloomingdale’s, you can find the 59^th & Lex restaurant, and other food havens are the California Charboil Burger, Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, etc.

As what you have observed, this shopping center surely does have something for everyone. Enjoy a fine afternoon just walking around, sight-seeing, or perhaps get down to some serious shopping. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, you will surely find it at this mall. It comes with affordable national chains, high-class boutiques and all that are in between, from clothing, food, accessories and even electronics.

Basic Facts

• Location: 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
• Contact No.: (818) 783-0550
• Website:  http://westfield.com/fashionsquare/
• Hours of Operation: Mon to Fri 10am-9m, Sat 10am-8m, Sun 11am-6pm

Need more information on Sherman Oaks – call Mary Baldwin 310.600 5966

You may have been talking with a neighbor in Sherman Oaks or simply heard a snippet on the radio or television, but suddenly you are aware that right now is a “seller’s market.” Thoughts of an instant million dollar sale of your home or timing the selling of your home may be coursing through your brain and if so, you should consult with a knowledgable real estate agent to get the inside scoop. Many areas are experiencing low home volume and high demand which could place your home for sale in prime position.

As a home owner, you may not understand the technicalities behind multiple offers and so working with a local real estate agent can provide you with the much needed guidance you’ll require to navigate your home sale. There are some simple steps that can aid you in getting multiple offers and the basics are outlined below.

Sell Your Home For More Money

• Stage Your Home for Sale – In a “seller’s market,” potential buyers know they need to act fast to put in an offer on the house (or houses) they like. Make sure yours is on that list by tending to every detail, cleaning well and listening carefully to suggestions made by your real estate agent.
• Spread the Word – From hosting a Broker’s Preview to the open house and other advertising, make sure that your home for sale is being properly promoted. Attention must be drawn to your home in order for it to be seen and offers to be submitted. Give your home the promotion it needs or find a real estate agent who will, so you can wait for the offers to roll in.
• Ask for a Lockbox – To have multiple offers, multiple people need to view your home (in staged condition) at all times. Realize that getting your home sold quickly will likely mean a bit of inconvenience for you in the short term. The sooner you accept an offer, however, the less time you’ll need to spend adjusting your lifestyle.

If you need more advice or simply want a real estate agent you can trust with your home, please don’t hesitate to call me, Mary Baldwin at 310.600.5966.  I’d love to get you multiple offers in Sherman Oaks!

Ultrazone Laser Tag (Sherman Oaks)

For the ultimate Laser Tag adventure, you can’t miss Ultrazone Laser Tag in Sherman Oaks. Not only is this great fun for kids, but adults will enjoy it too! Ultrazone Laser Tag is one of the premier Laser Tag facilities in Los Angeles with state of the art Laser Tag games and a full arcade.

Ultrazone is located at 14622 Ventura Blvd #208, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403. They are open Tuesday – Thursday from 3pm – 10pm, Friday from 3pm – 12am, Saturday from 10am – 12am and Sunday from 10am – 10pm. For more information please call (818) 789-6620 or visit their website.

The Playroom (Sherman Oaks)

The Playroom in Sherman Oaks is a wonderful large playspace perfect for toddlers and young kids. They cater to children up to 5 years old, and children under 9 months who attend with a paid sibling get in free. The Playroom features a large bounce house, mini roller coaster, real playhouse, air hockey table, rock wall, ride-on toys, ball pit and much more.

The Playroom is located at 14392 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, Ca, 91423. They are open Monday – Friday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is $9 for one child, second child gets in for $7. Playpasses are available for monthly play. For more information, please call (818) 784-7829 or visit their website.

Woodland Hills Ice (Woodland Hills, CA)

Get in the winter spirit at Woodland Hills Ice! This outdoor ice skating rink returns for a 4th season beginning November 2nd. The rink features 7000 square feet of real ice and is a wonderful place to create an annual tradition that the whole family can enjoy. Woodland Hills Ice offers daily skating as well as special events, classes, private lessons, field trips and more.

Woodland Hills Ice is located in the Westfield Promenade at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd at Erwin Street. They are open Monday – Thursday from 1pm – 10pm, Friday 1pm – 12am, Saturdays and Holidays 9am – 12am and Sundays 9am – 10pm. Admission is $7 for children, $8 for students/seniors, and adults $10. For more information about Woodland Hills ice please call (818) 854-4151 or visit their website.

Guinness World Of Attractions (Hollywood, CA)

You can now experience the Guinness world records – right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Since 1991 the Guinness Museum showcases records in a fun up-close look at pop culture, sports, space, technology, animals, natural phenomena and the limits of human potential.

Right across the street from the Hollywood Wax Museum on Hollywood Boulevard, the Guinness Museum is located at 6764 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90028. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and can be bundled with other attractions. For more information please call (323) 463-6433 or visit their website.

Jungle Zone (Glendale, CA)

For more Laser Tag fun, head to Jungle Zone in Glendale. Their 6500 square foot facility is home to a two story Laser Tag arena with two long access ramps that connect the upstairs and downstairs sections. The arena has been designed to look like a cavernous jungle labyrinth with fog-filled passageways and is fun for the whole family!

Jungle Zone is located at 826 N. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA, 91206. They are open Tuesday – Thursday from 2pm – 10pm, Friday from 2pm – 12am, Saturday from 10am to 11pm and Sunday from 10am to 9pm. They are closed on Monday. For more information, please call (818) 241-2900 or visit their website.

For more information on Sherman Oaks Real Estate and Homes CLICK HERE to speak with Mary Baldwin.