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 ... 05/29/2009

Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the words that spring to mind in this spectacular new two story Tuscan Villa in Amestoy Estates.   A stone paved circular drive leads the way to this stunning property which is set back from the street and rests on a half acre of impressive park like grounds. The two story foyer delivers a dramatic curved wrought iron staircase and beautiful travertine flooring all lit by wrought iron chandeliers and clerestory windows against a beautiful domed ceiling. There are 6 En-suite Bedrooms, including maid's quarters and 6.5 Bathrooms. The main level boasts a home theater, banquet sized formal dining room, hardwood floors edged with stone, and wood beamed ceilings. The step down living room features travertine floors with a border of mosaic til... 05/20/2009

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 entertainingrooms, 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... 05/20/2009

If you are looking for luxurious seclusion close proximity to shopping and events this is a home you won't want to miss.   This divine single story estate in the exclusive Amestoy estates is both walled and gated.  This spacious home features not one, but two separate guest houses on its grounds! The main house features high vaulted, beamed stenciled ceilings and tile floors, custom tiled fireplaces, and a chef's kitchen with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. Four spacious bedrooms including a tremendous master suite as well as living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and three baths complete the open floor plan.  Most of the rooms boast French doors that open onto the lush grounds. The property features verdant lawns, patio, barbecue, dog run, citrus trees and a fenced pool.  For m... 05/14/2009

It's that time of year in California.  Strawberries are a ripe dusty rose and so sweet that they almost taste like candy.  There are as many varieties of strawberries in Southern California as there are types of sunscreen, and people soon discover their favorites.  If you aren't sure what your favorite is, a quick trip to the local farmer's market will give you a wide variety to taste from, but if you really want to experience the full strawberry experience it is time to head out to the Strawberry Festival.  The month of May boasts many strawberry festivals in Southern California but there is one that is undoubted queen of the Strawberry Festivals and that is the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard.  Started in 1984 this festival is ranks as one of the top Festivals in the country.... 05/14/2009

If you are looking for a distinctive home with classic elegance nestled in an exclusive Encino community, look no further. This Lake Encino Gated Estate boasts stunning interiors in a tropical setting.  The dramatic two story foyer features crown moldings, marble floors and a custom wrought iron staircase and chandelier.   Venetian plaster walls grace the interiors as well as custom draperies, French doors, and hand painted ceiling medallions.  The chef's kitchen is equipped with commercial grade appliances including a Viking range and a Fisher-Paykel dishwasher. Maid's quarters, a laundry room and a cigar humidor adjoin the spacious kitchen. Upstairs there are five bedrooms including a master suite and a tremendous media room fully equipped with professional screening equipment includi... 05/07/2009

There are some properties that speak for themselves; this spectacular Sherman Oaks gated estate is one of those properties.  Elegant and picturesque, everything about this property is distinctive.  The sweeping entrance follows a circular driveway through park like grounds, to a stately double doored entrance. The dramatic two story foyer elegantly boasts Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and coffered ceilings. A tour of the downstairs includes a library/music room, formal living room, formal dining room, a chef's kitchen replete with commercial grade Viking and Sub Zero appliances, a family room, and an office.  A 1,000 ft. lower level houses a game room and gym but could easily accommodate a recording studio, wine cellar or home theatre to suit any buyer's needs. The second level of th... 05/07/2009

On-time service, up front rates, professional & friendly uniformed drivers and clean, shiny trucks. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Is The World's Largest Junk Removal Service http://www.1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-800-GOT-JUNK (1-800-468-5865) E-Waste Certified by the State of California We've been featured on Clean House, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Forbes etc. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Is a full-service junk removal company. We will take almost anything, from old furniture and appliances to e-waste and renovation debris. We will handle everything from loading to clean up so you don't have to. Plus we recycle up to 60% of the items removed and make every effort to donate what's possible to non-profit organizations How Do We Price? We charge by Volume, not by the time it takes us to remove your... 04/24/2009

Architectural Homes require expert handling.  This is true in any market, but painfully so in our current market.  It takes a trained eye to be able to fully appreciate the inherent value in an architectural home.  If you are an architectural home owner you probably know the frustration of dealing with a bank assessment that in no way measures the accurate value of your home.   Where value is concerned it is essential to work with experts. I am an archetectural specialist, specifically educated and trained to recognize, appreciate and evaluate the work of Southern California's more influential architects.  I've worked successfully with architectural homes in every market and can help you negotiate this particularly sticky market.  If you are looking for experience I am the architectural... 04/01/2009

Whether you are new to Los Angeles, just passing through or are a long time resident, now is a great to head over to lovely time downtown Burbank and catch the Tonight Show while Jay Leno is still the host.  His reign as the host of the popular show will be ending on May 29th, so it is now or never.   If you've never been to a Tonight Show taping it is definitely a worthwhile venture.  Tickets are free, but often require a lengthy turn standing in line the day of the taping.  When a popular guest is appearing on the show it is not unusual for a line to form at 5 am so be sure to get there early if it is some one you really want to see.  You can also print tickets on line by visiting NBC's website, although these tend to disappear quickly and with an exit date so close, they may be few a... 04/01/2009

Every community has its stories.  One of my favorite stories of Encino is that of the Lang Oak.   I think it says a lot about this wonderful community.  Encino is known for it large gracious oak trees, the community literally grew up around them.  The largest and oldest was known as The Lang Oak, supposedly named after a rancher who once owned the area it grew on.  The Lang Oak persevered spite the inevitable growth that came to lush and lovely Encino.  Just off of Ventura Boulevard on Louise Avenue, the stately tree survived countless plans which would have removed it.  Time and time again the residents of Encino rose to the occasion and voiced their desire to save the tree. In the early 60's the Lang Oak was declared a historical landmark.  Considered to be at least a thousand years o... 03/20/2009

Everyone has a wish list for their ideal home.  For some it is a fenced back yard, for others it is maid's quarters with a separate entrance, which my listing on Weddington currently has.  The point is that wish list is uniquely suited to your families needs and as a Realtor that is what I'm interested in, your needs. When ever I meet with new clients I like to spend time with them getting to know what their dreams are as well as what their concerns are.  I know there are Realtors who are on a more conveyor belt time line, so they can create more volume.  I'm not interested in that kind of real estate.  I'm interested in matching real people with the real estate of their dreams.  That can't happen unless I know what the dream is.  Dreams don't belong in a volume business.  Call me old f... 03/20/2009

I have lived and worked in the Tarzana/Encino area for so long it would be easy to think that I knew everything about the area.  The truth is I love to learn new things about the place I call home.  The other day I met with new clients who are moving to the area.  During our initial meeting the couple told me they are moving here to be closer to CARD, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, which has its world headquarters in Tarzana. My clients made the decision to move here after their child was diagnosed with autism.  While so many people move to the area to enjoy the weather or for a job opportunity or simply to seek fame and fortune, this young family has moved here to get the best autism therapy available in the world. I have driven by the CARD building on Ventura Blvd. proba... 03/16/2009

 What is an REO?  REO means Real Estate Owned.  Everyone is talking about REOs these days.  But before you consider buying one, there are a few things you should know about REOs.  These properties are generally owned by banks, credit unions, mortgage companies and sometimes private companies.  It has become increasingly common for the news to report foreclosure issues and homeowners losing their houses and other effects of the mortgage crisis.   As a result there have been dramatic increases in the marketing of REOs to the general public.  It used to be that you could barely get your hands on lenders' foreclosure lists.  But these days, everyone is trying to sell REOs. The people that are being marketed by these REO sellers are mainly first-time and minority potential homebuyers.  Fann... 03/12/2009

I spoke to an old friend who lives back East the other day.  She detailed the trials and tribulations of snow, ice, salt, mud, cold temperatures and generally ick the rest of the country are experiencing.  She asked about the weather here. Of course I told her about the intense rain, but I couldn't help mentioning the flowers that are blooming everywhere you look. Early Spring in Southern California, otherwise known as the worst of Winter everywhere else, is a sight to behold.  The strawberry crop is in. The night air is ripe with the scent of orange blossoms and jasmine. The hills are so green it looks like Ireland.  For those who are still struggling through Winter I offer my condolences and my services.  Relocating to Los Angeles is simple if you are working with the right Realtor.  ... 03/11/2009

You're thinking of listing your home. You wish you had someone you could trust, who will tell you the truth about the market, your home and who would be in the market to buy your home.  I can tell you honestly, I am the realtor you need to call.  I've been successful in the business of real estate for a long time.  I attribute that success to 3 things; staying current, being honest and working tirelessly to provide my clients with the best customer service. I have the expertise to give you the information you need.  I have courage to tell you the truth and the passion to help you chart your course.  In today's market, if you are selling your home you need to work with the best.  I am Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better. 03/11/2009

If perfection is what you seek, you won't want to miss this fabulous Mediterranean Villa in the heart of the  exclusive Amestoy Estates.  This estate shines as an example of immaculate taste and attention to detail.  From the circular drive that showcases the superlative stone accented exterior to six exquisite en suite bedrooms this home has it all.  The chef's kitchen boasts a commercial Wolf range, a Miele dishwasher and the latest Pro-48 Sub Zero with glass doors.  The master suite features a stone fireplace, walk in closet with spa tub and separate shower.    The rear grounds delight with a fenced pebble - tech pool, complete with pool house and children's play area.  This home shouts value from top to bottom and is full of luxurious upgrades.  Offered at $2,450,000 this 5,670 sq. ... 03/04/2009

At some point we have all wanted to say to someone, "Go fly a kite!"  On the 8th of March, Redondo Beach will play host to an annual festival that is all about flying a kite. The Festival of the Kite will begin at noon and will feature kite and yo-yo contests, martial art demonstrations, live music and tons of prizes!  Located at Fisherman's Wharf this free event promises fun for family members age 6 and up.  There is even a hot dog on a stick eating contest with a $200 first prize.  Redondo Beach on a Sunday afternoon in March is a recipe for temperate breezes and ample kite flying opportunities.  Just think, from now until the eighth of March we can feel free to tell the people around us to go fly a kite! 03/02/2009

Last week, we had the great pleasure of staging another beautiful home in Encino for my favorite builder. We moved the furniture and our accessories from a different Encino home we had staged for him which sold. I love working with this builder because the quality of construction is excellent, his attention to detail is amazing and his homes are always so well designed. Both houses are similar in style, and while the square footage of each house was different, we staged the same number of rooms (except for one bedroom, a wine cellar and media room). The furniture fit in the new house perfectly. For more information about this beautiful Montecito Spanish style pool home South of the Boulevard in Encino, contact the Listing Agent, Kevin Driscoll (818)398-0797. ©2009 Michelle Minch & Movin... 02/26/2009

Remove your junk without lifting a finger! 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Is the World's Largest Junk Removal Service. We've been featured on Dr. Phil, Oprah, CNN, Clean House, Los Angeles Times, Daily News etc.   We take almost anything! From old furniture and appliances to e-waste and renovation debris.  We will  handle the heavy lifting, loading and dumping so you don't have to.  We recycle up to 60% of the items removed and make every effort to donate to non-profit organizations.  Clutter makes life harder then it should be.  You won't have to lift a finger, except to point out what we should take. JUST GET IT DONE IN 3 EASY STEPS Book online and save $10 at http://www.1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (1-800-468-5865) We charge by Volume, not by the time it takes us to remove your jun... 02/13/2009