Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Local News

With the holiday season here I thought you might want to take a little break from the cleaning, cooking, shopping, shuttling people to and from the airport, and the million other tasks we find this time of year.

There have been some great articles out lately outlining the unique place our market is in, so get your fireplace ready and get ready to relax with some good reading!

--Santa Monica's Simon Salloom speaks on the differences between our market and that of the rest of the country, as well as specifically outlining the fundamental difference of opinion we see between buyers and sellers on the Westside (and what it means to you).

http://www.smdp.com/Articles-opinion-and-commentary-c-2011-12-05-73068.113116-Keeping-it-local.html

--Daniel Miller announces the opening of the new Google offices in Venice and tells us what he thinks that means for Venice Residents (and Prospective Residents!)

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/google-los-angeles-venice-beach-real-estate-269597

Tip of the Week: Clean out your refrigerator and freezer! By now some of those Thanksgiving leftovers are starting to get a bit funky. Time to clean up and reclaim those Tupperware you will need for any holiday baking! Minimize those extra ingredients with handy sites like Allrecipes.com and Cooks.com that allow you to search ingredients you have already to give you ideas for fun meals to throw together.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Things are looking up!

My Christmas present  came early this year in the form of documented reports showing what I have seen to be true... there is positive movement in the Real Estate world here in Western Los Angeles!

While the rest of the country looks at our beautiful homes, impeccable weather, well-known neighbors, and healthy environment- we know there is certainly a cost to living here. Where a moderately large home in a nice neighborhood costs as little as a tenth of what we pay here... I think Angelino's are the first to admit whatever we pay is worth it.

Check out this article about our market, specifically noting the significant decrease in turnaround time for homes over $3M... I think you will be fascinated!

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111117005334/en/WEA-Survey-Shows-Luxury-Housing-Sales-Keeping

Tip of the week:  Take a minute to clean out your gutters and remove the debris that may have collected on the rooftop during the crazy wind storm we had last night. You may be putting up holiday decorations, or adjusting your satellites after the storm, but make sure your roof is free and clear of debris so you can easily spot and fix any damage before it becomes a large problem!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Fall is Here!

Fall is here and I am sure the hustle and bustle has already begun at your house!  Planning the meals, preparing for guests or preparing to travel- we all have a lot going on.

This week's tip is to get your chimney cleaned! Properly cleaning your chimney can help prevent house fires, smoke damage, keeps neighborhood animals out (squirrels, birds and opossums) and allows you light your fireplace to have some extra special cheer when your guests have headed out and you are ready to finally relax for a minute.

The second tip of the week is to run your oven's self-cleaner either now or not until after the holidays. It is not uncommon for an oven to break down during this process... so try at all costs to avoid it when you absolutely cannot risk a problem!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Happy October!

As thunder rolled and lightening flashed yesterday across the expansive Westside skies, I was happily reminded of that discernable "fall" feeling. While we may have to thoroughly scan our usually cloudless skies for glimpses of the changing seasons... even here in LA we get to experience my favorite season: fall.

With fall often comes that sense of pending urgency, as you know time will be precious in the coming months.  Parties to plan, relatives to kiss, tricks or treats to obtain-- it all adds to the excitement.

Inevitably this time will pass quickly, and we will soon tire of seeing the decorations, scouring the stores for that perfect gift or side dish, and we will breathe a sigh of relief come New Year's Day that we made it through.

Now is the start of the season I love to entertain in. I am so happy to have a place I am happy with and proud of to invite friends and family into. If you haven'f found that place yet, I hope I can help!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Introduction

Every story needs an introduction. Here is mine!

My name is Britta Diaz, I am a Real Estate Agent for Sotheby's International Realty in the Western Los Angeles area. I hail originally from South Dakota, enjoyed the beauty of San Diego for awhile and settled for good in Los Angeles.

I love this town. It has everything you could ever dream of; wonderful people, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, homes of every shape, color and style, and a vibrancy and energy that is undeniable, all the while maintaining it's small-town feel.

It is for these and many other reasons that I have chosen to call this city home, and proudly represent buyers and sellers here.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A Fourth to Remember

Bunting in Los Angeles?

I spent the Fourth in the midst of what I can honestly call a village in Los Angeles. My husband and I were fortunate enough to merit an invite to celebrate the Fourth with good friends in their Pacific Palisades home. It was here that I was once again reminded why I love this city so much.

Not being from LA originally, it has been increasingly fascinating to see the sense of togetherness fostered and held dear between such an incredibly huge number of people.

Los Angeles is not just a city, but a patchwork of neighboring villages whose people and borders stick closely together.