When it comes to purchasing a home, generally the biggest purchase you will ever make, there are a number of things to be aware of.  Most people don’t have all of the facts and, even if you’ve done it before, could still use a refresher on the process.

Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions is offering 60 free workshops for homebuyers, across California and Oregon.  In partnership with Wells Fargo, these workshops will review the homebuying process and provide fun and educational information for participants.  With special speakers like Lenders, Escrow officers, and Realtors, this course is sure to be full of useful and helpful information.  Check out the website for dates and times, in your area.

ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions, in partnership with Wells Fargo Bank, will be hosting 60 workshops throughout California and Oregon. This is a great opportunity to get educated about the home buying process. Each class will be 8 hours and each participant will be provided with a certificate of completion which satisfies most city, county and state first time homebuyer grants. We will provide lunch and prizes for workshop participants as well.

To find out more and register please call 1.800.750.2227

These workshops are a great way to get a more full perspective on the homebuying process, especially for first time Homebuyers.  If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments please feel free to leave them in the comment section below, or reach out to me personally by sending an e-mail.  As always, thank you for your time.

What do you think about a workshop of this nature?  Will you attend?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

So, Mother’s Day is tomorrow, and you still need a plan?  Well, luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful activities taking place throughout Los Angeles and across So Cal, this weekend.

Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate the women who brought each and every one of us into this world.  If it weren’t for these wonderful ladies, we wouldn’t be here.  That being said, I have put together a short list of deals, meals, and daytrips to celebrate this day with dear mom.

• Corporations are doing their part to ease mothers’ financial burdens. The Hooters restaurant chain whose family-friendliness is questionable, is giving mothers 10 free boneless wings on Sunday.

• Ikea cafeterias will serve mothers a free breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes and coffee. Not that it’s normally an expensive meal – non-moms can get it for $1.74.  Mothers dining at McCormick & Schmicks will get complimentary truffles;  they’ll get a free “Simply Fresh” cookbook at Ruby Tuesday, and a frozen yogurt gratis at TCBY.
• The Pick ‘n’ Fiddle Trio plays a free concert 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday called “Music for Our Mothers: A Bluegrass Tribute.” It’s a family jam too, so bring plastic milk jugs or washboards to play along. It takes place in the courtyard of the Fowler Museum at UCLA’s north campus in Los Angeles.
• If you’ve never been to Descanso Gardens, now is the perfect time.  At one of Southern California’s most beautiful botanical gardens, Mom will dine on brunch buffet by Patina Catering. Offerings include yogurt bar with fresh fruit, berry compote and artisan granola as a starter option; Cedar plank salmon with leeks, fennel, tornado caper relish as a main course offering and assorted mini cupcakes for dessert.  Mom will love it! $44 members, $52 nonmembers; $19 children 4 to 12; free 3 and younger. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada, 818.790.3663. patinagroup.com/descanso
• At California Pizza Kitchen May 11-13, CPK has partnered with the National Charity League to celebrate Mother’s Day. For every slice of Red Velvet cake sold, they will donate 20% of the purchase to NCL. cpk.com

This is just a short list of the many things going on in Los Angeles on Mother’s Day, but if there is anything I missed or should know about please let us know in the comment section below.  For a great list of restaurants and brunch deals, check out the Where Magazine website.  Remember to call mom on Sunday, and don’t forget everything she has done for you over the years.  Thanks, as always, for taking your time.

What will you do for Mom on Mother’s Day?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

This may be a bit premature, but my son is an accomplished photographer of live music, so I found it fitting.  The Annenberg Space for Photography will be holding an exhibit that showcases the photographers and photos from 1955 to present day Rock & Roll.

So much of what we see in media and in images from the past is thanks to, or because of, photographers and the art of photography.  Without some of these iconic images and behind the scenes photographs, we wouldn’t have the insight and classic imagery that has helped shape generations of creative and successful people.

Who Shot Rock & Roll runs June 23, 2012 through October 7, 2012 at The Annenberg Space for Photography located at:

LOCATION
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

CONTACT
tel: 213.403.3000

HOURS
Wed-Fri: 11am – 6pm
Sat: 11am – 7:30pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm

“Coming to the Annenberg Space for Photography this summer, Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present is the first major museum exhibit on rock & roll to spotlight the creative and collaborative role that photographers played in the history of rock music.

The exhibit will feature 166 prints from iconic photographers such as: Amy Arbus, Diane Arbus, Roberta Bayley, Stephanie Chernikowski, Danny Clinch, Ed Colver, Anton Corbijn, Henry Diltz, Jill Furmanovsky, Godlis, Lynn Goldsmith, Jean-Paul Goude, Bob Gruen, Ross Halfin, Dennis Hopper, Richard Kern, David LaChapelle, Michael Lavine, Annie Leibovitz, Gered Mankowitz, Jim Marshall, Ryan McGinley, Marcia Resnick, Stephane Sednaoui, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Pennie Smith, Storm Thorgerson, Albert Watson, Guy Webster and many others.”

Keep this wonderful event on your radar, and if you have any questions, comments, or thoughts, please let us know in the comment section below.  I’d love to hear some of your favorite live concert events as well.  Thanks for your time.

What’s your favorite musical photograph?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby are this weekend and that means it’s time to celebrate!! Another reason to celebrate – the market is picking up. We had many homes to view on Caravan this week. Here are my four picks for Brentwood Top Property:

12745 Hanover Street – Reduced significantly and now offered at $13,995,000 in Brentwood Park, this new Mediterranean estate is built to capitalize on California’s sunshine. The library which boasts wood paneled walls has an impressive wood inlay floor and large round top French doors that flood the room with ample light for reading. Placed facing the expansive exterior, sitting at your desk you’ll gaze out onto entertainment terraces, Tennis Court, fountains, pool, cabana and beautiful landscaping. A must see!

654 Elkins Road  – Offered at $1,595,000 – This 3 bed / 3 bath remodeled single story is move in ready! Located a short distance away from Kenter Canyon School, adjacent to Oakmont and hiking trails, this location offers it all. Hitting all the major features buyers are asking for: updated kitchen, pool and ample natural lighting this home is sure to please.

117 South Medio Drive – offered at $3,295,000 and looking for back up offers. This 5bed/5bath traditional home is located 3 streets west of Bundy, just below Sunset. Ideal for those who love an open floor plan and classic finishes. The master suite is exactly what buyers are looking for offering his and her vanities, over-sized shower, soaking tub and a large walk-in closet. In addition, to an ideal master bath.

2652 Westridge Road – offered at  $4,195,000 and tucked away above Mandeville Canyon you’ll want to see this home for the panoramic views of the city, ocean & gorgeous Santa Mountains. It’s like you sit on top of the world! Gated and above Mandeville Canyon with access to hiking trails, a personal gym and infinity pool you’ll love the amenities and views this home has to offer.

This was a great day for checking out the homes in Brentwood.

Have you seen any great homes this season? What is your favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles? Please share your ideas and leave your comments below.

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

As a member of the Brentwood community, having sold homes in the area for many years, I am proud to promote and attend our local festivities.  In this case I am speaking of the local Brentwood Art Show.

The Brentwood Art Show is taking place Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 10 am. at San Vicente and S. Bundy.

The show will go on untill 6pm and be a big draw for our little comunity.

“This year the Brentwood Spring Art Show will celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary with a BIG! one-day extravaganza along the eastbound lanes of San Vicente Boulevard, beginning at Bundy and running east to Darlington in Brentwood, on Sunday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission to the event is free and plenty of metered parking is available along San Vicente Boulevard, pay lot parking is available at the VA located north on Gorham.”

Some of this years featured artists are:

Oil & Acrylic Painting – Marie Fox, Pacific Palisades

Tropical Watercolor Painting – Martino Dorcé, Pasadena

Prints & Paintings – Stan Cline, Winnetka

Photography – Jina Jani, Corona

Gourd Art – Terese Miller, Monrovia

Silver Jewelry – Jivita Harris-Casey, Long Beach

More information for this wonderful event can be found at www.westlachamber.org or www.brentwoodartshow.com you may also call someone on site for the Brentwood Art Show at (818) 421-2133.

As always, we thank you for taking your time, and we would love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.

Who’s your favorite local artist?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

The weather maybe a bit gloomy but, the day is full of opportunity! There were many homes to view on caravan this week.  Here are my four picks for Brentwood Top Property this week which showcase the privacy and tranquility the Westside has to offer:

1649 Mandeville Canyon Road – Listed for $7,995,000 with 5 bedrooms & 7 baths this courtyard style Spanish house is tucked away just off Sunset in the desirable 1600 block of Mandeville Canyon.  As you pull up the drive your eye is immediately drawn to the park like grounds.  Bougainvilleas, trees and lush hedges surround the property. A soothing fountain provides the tranquil soundscape to your private get-away. With ample windows to capitalize on your estate like grounds and outdoor spaces to enjoy, you’ll never want to leave!

12705 Chalon Road – Listed for $23,000,000 this absolutely exquisite 10,814 square ft. Tuscan home has 7 bedrooms &  8.5 baths.  Look no further if privacy is of upmost importance.  Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the coveted gate guarded Brentwood Country Estates, this grand home is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Complete with pool & spa area, private Tennis Court, built-in entertaining facility with barbecue, oven, refrigerator, sink & fire pit area. With beautiful canyon & ocean views you can’t go wrong with this Tuscan gem.

1305 Allenford Avenue  – Listed at $7,495,000 with 5 bedrooms  &  7.50 baths (including private guests quarters) - welcome to the ultimate in Southern California Zen living.  My take away is how Zen and yet functional this home is.  You can mediate next to one of the many water treatments in the morning and later that day; find yourself entertaining guests in your very own theater with full stage, professional lighting and seating for more than 60!  Gated with views overlooking the famed Riviera Golf Course’s 12^th fairway you’ll revel in the serenity and the privacy of this new construction.

131 S. Anita Ave – Listed at $2,200,000 this conceptual “Custom Coastal Tradition” offers privacy and a tranquil setting amongst lush foliage and mature trees. A must see for those with dreams of building their dream home designed by celebrated architect “William Hefner”.

This was a great day for checking out the estate like homes offering privacy in Brentwood right now.

Have you seen any great homes this season? What is your favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles? Please share your ideas and leave your comments below.

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

Earth Day.  A day to celebrate the beauty and importance of our Earth’s environment.  Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year and is commonly celebrated with festivals, planting trees and plants, and coming together in natural environments.  Often, in recent years, people celebrate the act of going green on Earth Day as well.

Throughout Los Angeles, there are several Earth Day celebrations in many of our beloved communities.  Some of the several festivities are:

• In Pacific Palisades, there will be free tomato plant give-aways at Village Green park, between Swarthmore, Antioch, and Sunset Boulevard.  This event is run by volunteers and takes in no money, so donations are greatly appreciated.  And Grab a free tomato plant while you’re there.
• At each Coffee bean and Tea Leaf, you will receive 20 cents off of your purchase when you bring in your own cup.  This is a great cause and helps the environment.
• Topanga will be hosting its 13th annual Earth Day celebrations at the Topanga Community House Fair Grounds on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to sunset. The event will feature music, food, guest speakers, ecological artists and workshops! There is a suggested donation of $12 for entry.
• In Malibu, the city is offering two free public events. One is the opening of the Malibu Library, which is a sustainable LEED-certified structure. The ceremony will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, featuring special guests Pierce Brosnan and Dick van Dyke. The library is located at 23519 West Civic Center Way in Malibu. The second event is the Malibu’s Earth Day Festival from 12-3 p.m. on Sunday at Legacy Park, which is located directly across the street from the Malibu Library. The festival will have booths, a native plant sale, food and more!
• UCLA will be hosting a screening of the film Oceans in the Billy Wilder theater at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.
• There is a Kayak and Beach Cleanup from 9-11 a.m. at Surfrider Beach in Malibu. There will also be a weekend-long Earth Day event at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

These have been just a few of the activities going on on Earth Day around Los Angeles, but if we’ve missed any please let us know in the comment section below.  Also, if you have any stories or facts about Earth Day in general, we would love to hear them, in the comment section below.  Thanks for your time.

What’s your favorite Earth Day celebration?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

Coachella Valley Music Festival has become the premiere music festival for Southern California and the West Coast, in the past several years.  With bands like Radiohead, The Black Keys, and Florence and the Machine (just to name a few) this festival is sure to deliver the goods…and that’s just the FIRST WEEKEND!

Every year, people prepare tents, desert clothing, and pack up their cars to head out to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.  On Friday morning before the first weekend the freeways and thoroughfares heading out of Los Angeles are jam packed with concert goers.  Usually, it’s over a hundred degrees in the Coachella Valley, but this weekend it was much cooler, raining on Friday, cold into the night.

Every hotel room within 20 miles of the Valley is booked out and wristbands to the shows are at a premium.

The experience is unlike anything you have ever seen as floods of people populate the desert.

I would really like to hear some of your experiences about this festival (or others like it) in the comment section below.  Thanks for reading, more to come.  As they say… To Be Continued…

What’s your favorite live music festival experience?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

Whatever it is that you celebrate, this weekend is perfect to spend some quality time with family and friends in the beautiful Los Angeles weather.  Check out some of the great events that I found going on around Los Angeles, and let me know if there’s anything I forgot.

Bunny’s Spring Fling at the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Kids can make bunny ears, pet bunnies and have their photo taken (for a fee) with Big Bunny and other cartoon characters at this three-day event at the LA Zoo. There will be crafts, face painting, music and more.
When: Easter Weekend, Fri-Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Where: the LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, in Griffith Park, off the I-5 and 134 Freeways
Cost: Check website
Parking: Free
Info: www.lazoo.org

Easter Festival at the Orange County Marketplace

A treasure hunt, a puppet show, free face painting and free photos at this annual event.
When: Saturday of Easter weekend, 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Where: Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA
Cost: Free
Info: www.ocmarketplace.com, (949) 723-6616

Egg Scramble and Egg-spedition Egg Hunt at The LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

An Easter egg hunt and crafts for kids of all ages.
When: Saturday April 7, 2012, 10 am – 2 pm, Arboretum hours 9 am – 5 pm
Where: LA County Arboretum, 310 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Cost: General admission $8 adult, $6 students and seniors, $3 children 5-12, free under 5, plus $3 per child to participate in Easter event.
Info: www.arboretum.org, (626) 821-5897

Easter Brunch at Descanso Gardens

The Patina chefs’ are preparing Easter Brunch at Descanso Gardens on both Saturday and Sunday. Children in attendance receive gift baskets with cookies to decorate.
When: April 7-8, 2012, Sat 10 and noon, Sun 10, 11:30 and 1:00. Garden hours 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive , La Canada CA , 91011
Cost: 44 members, $52 nonmembers; $19 children 4 to 12; free 3 and younger. Reservations required by April 3 at www.patinagroup.com/descanso.
Info: www.descansogardens.org, (818) 949-4200

These are just a few of the many events taking place in Los Angeles this weekend so please let us know of any others we may have forgotten.  Take a moment and let us know in the comment section below.  And, as always, thank you for your time.

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog

Lotto fever was in the air this past week.  With the MegaMillions Lottery reaching an all-time new high, lines for lottery tickets were around the corner at every lotto authorized vendor in the Country.

The MegaMillions jackpot reached an all-time record at $640,000,000 on March 30,2012.  This number was unprecedented and hasn’t even come close, since March of 2007.

Megamillions jackpots start at a minimum of $12 million but often reach quite substantial amounts with multiple rollovers. The highest the Megamillions jackpot has ever been was back in March 2007 when it reached $390 million; there were two winning tickets for the draw of 6th March 2007 who shared this impressive Megamillions jackpot – Elaine and Harold Messner of Woodbine, New Jersey and Eddie Nabors of Dalton, Georgia. The Megamillions jackpot had rolled an incredible 16 times. Megamillions jackpots of over $100 million are not a rarity for this American lottery game and are one of many reasons for its popularity.

On Friday night, 3 lucky winners around the Country found out that their lives were changed forever.  These winners, from Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland, will each get an estimated “Cash-Payout lump sum” of $150,000,000.  Not too bad if you ask me.  Unfortunately, our office pool hasn’t found a winning ticket in ours, yet.

But the good new for all of us is, financial therapists say that the jackpot actually makes most people more unhappy than they were before.  Another case where folks seem to think that money can fix all of their problems.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this interesting topic, in the comment section below.  And, as always, thank you for your time.

Did you play the lotto?

Brentwood Real Estate | Brentwood Lifestyle Voice - A Los Angeles Real Estate Blog