Holiday Festival - Manhattan Beach, CA

Holiday Lights and Spectacular fireworks! Thank you to the community of Manhattan Beach for such a great evening out! The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival is held at the Pier every year in December. This year they had the Skechers Snow Park which was set to a wonderful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and a Decadent sunset.

From a penthouse patio we stood awe-struck under the full glory of magestic fireworks! By the light of the display we could see the white-cresting waves, other onlookers with their neon light glow sticks and a sail boat. Ah! Winter by the Beach.

We attended a Holiday Party hosted by the Panache Team http://www.panachetech.com/
With our gracious host we shared some cheer from Vino 100! Visit http://www.vino100valencia.com/

To learn more about Manhattan Beach http://www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/http://www.citymb.info/

Catch the pics and see the VLOG at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POAVgmd7SbU

No feeding the Animals!




Snow Man-hattan Beach!

Frost-bite the Fun way!

Winter at the Beach!

Get out there and Enjoy Your World!

-Leah Pollack

Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.

http://www.eliteprosre.com/

Other Sites:

http://www.skechers.com/

http://www.starbucks.com/

http://www.vino100valencia.com/

http://www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/

hhttp://www.citymb.info/

Literacy and Arts Festival Santa Clarita, CA

A great day out! On the brisk afternoon we travelled out to Newhall, CA visited the windows on Main Street, amply decorated in their holiday best. Troop 705 is shown! Great Job to all the kids who participated in this years decorating.

Then it was on our way to Hart Park! I was surprised we found just great parking - right across the street from the park. We then meandered down to the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Be sure to visit the tranquil fountains, memorial plaques and flags. Quick snaps with the statue and we lept across the street!



HART PARK
We were welcomed by staff that gave us quick lay of the land. To our right snow and crafts, to our ... SNOW???!!! We made a bee-line and had an impromptu snow ball fight. -- not in a "Christmas Story" kind of way - but more of a scoop/toss , now your turn way! :-) --



After working up an appetite we headed over to the Town Grind for salad and soup. Yummy! Check them out on Lyons or online at http://www.towngrindcafe.com/



Then we headed over for story time. I love storytime! We heard many authors, but the winner of our BEST AFTERNOON STORY TELLER .... Barbara Jean Hicks with The Secret Life of Walter Kitty! Audience participation complete with getting to meow like Wally, or Growl like Fang! Build that imagination and the rest will follow! http://www.barbarajeanhicks.com/ OR check out Barnes and Noble and search for Walter Kitty: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ OR Try: http://tinyurl.com/walterkitty



We then meandered through the vendor booths, the PTA, the Library,



and then we saw this Penguin... I could not resist the pic! LookIt Comic Books ... Good ol' fashioned... well - Witty for sure.. check them out http://www.donteatanybugs.net/



And we wrapped up the afternoon with a performance from Street Beat! It was great to see them here entertaining the crowd! http://www.streetbeat.biz/



This event was sponsored by the SCV Educations Foundation: http://www.scveducationfoundation.org/

Signal Article: http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/6688/

Video log: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi-oNpkgVQ

This is an Annual Event, so set your calendars to check into it next year!

Troop 705 Won Most Inspirational! Pic by Tracy Bagatelle-Black http://www.bagatelleblack.com

Enjoy!

Leah Pollack
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
http://www.eliteprosre.com/

Shuttle Landing 2008 Edwards Air Force Base Edwards, CA

I can only imagine that to some east coast folks, a shuttle landing is just a local occurance like a commuter flight at LAX from Sacramento. But today we were a part of history! The Endeavor landed in California! Short of rolling out the red carpet, Calfornia hosted the landing of STS-126.


Turns out Edwards Airforce Base is quite close to Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County! The drive was wide open! People were tailgating and out with their best-of-breed cameras. I even saw a lens that came with its own tripod!
(real close up is from http://www.nasa.gov/ I took the other picture.)










Fascinating people, fascinating experience! So get out there and Enjoy Your World!



See the VLOG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM0sMCVX56o


Regards,
Leah Pollack
http://www.eliteprosre.com/

More Pictures below Photographed by Debbie Mann:

Enjoying Your Home - Do Your Homework on Contractors

Today, if you DON'T REALLY NEED to sell your home, perhaps you are taking the time to REALLY ENJOY your home. There may be a tendency to do some updates, some decorating, some shifting around of chatchkees (- decorative dust-collectors that are pleasing to the eye of the beholder, but serve no functional purpose).

You may be doing the work yourself and for that I am inspired by you. For those that need the help of a handyman, a painter, or other service provider - I repeat here the words of caution "Do YOUR Homework and CHECK THEM OUT!" Over the last few months I have either heard or read about unlicensed folks being arrested or working in homes and buildings where the work done was more expensive to fix than if the owner did their homework on the worker. Just like in the Real Estate Profession being licensed means something. A code, a level of service and accountability by which we are held.

Here comes the disclaimer, each field has issues. Practicioners are human. But when it comes to contractors, do your homework. Ask people you know for a referral, but don't stop there. Check into their Business License (insured and bonded). To research local contractors, a good place to consider calling is your local trade association of local contractors, suppliers and service providers. You also may want to give a call to the Chamber of Commerce in your area and they may be able to help as well.

The Santa Clarita Business Exchange 888-757-7229 http://www.scbx.us

The SCV Chamber of Commerce is http://www.scvchamber.com


Here is the Story on Unlicensed Contractors:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=6483054



I hope you find the information above helpful.

Enjoy the day!
Regards,
Leah Pollack
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
website: http://www.eliteprosre.com
Celebrate and Educate! Learn helpful hints from local resources: http://www.eliteprosre.com/Concierge.aspx

Got VLOG? http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=249DF89D1B23AB92

Real Estate Showcased Properties: http://www.eliteprosre.com/Videos.aspx

Real Estate Transaction and Broker Fees Discussion

Greg Hanvey of Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc. reviews the Broker Fees during a Real Estate Transaction. Seller pays Listing Broker a Commission. A commission is typically a negotiated percentage of the Sales Price of the property. The Buyer pays NO FEES to the Real Estate Broker with whom they work. Be Aware of Additional Fees that you may see on your contracts! If you do see Additional fees, ask your Agent and the Broker Why!

Elite Professionals DOES NOT Charge Any Additional Fees. Our company is Commission based ONLY.






To Submit Your Question for this educational Series Call or Click Today! 661-310-9477 OR email info@eliteprosre.com or visit us at http://www.eliteprosre.com

Know what time it is AND Go Vote!

We want to Remind you to set your calendar reminders for some important dates coming up in November:



On November 2nd: FALL BACK that evening and set your clocks back one hour.

On November 4th: Go VOTE. As Realtors we work with the American dream of property ownership everyday with participation and open open communication. Another big part of that American Dream is the ability to participate in our country's political process. Participation in this event is truly appreciated. Remind those around you of these important dates!

Provided by Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc. http://www.eliteprosre.com These are Opinions only and information is not guaranteed. Give us your feedback and comments either here or directly at www.eliteprosre.com Thanks and Enjoy!

Elite Professionals Real Estate First in Santa Clarita Valley to Offer Buyers Property Info via Text Messaging

Local SCV real estate firm goes green by offering listings to buyers’ cell phones

Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc., a real estate brokerage that is a leader in professional property marketing, announced today that the firm will now be providing property listing information to consumers via mobile text messaging. The service implements an interactive mobile marketing tool to have property descriptions, photos and soon video, sent directly to buyers' cell phones and replaces paper flyers.

“We recognize the popularity of text messaging and are implementing this technology with all of our listings,” said Leah Pollack, co-owner of Elite Professionals.

To utilize the mobile marketing, buyers request information via text message and instantly receive a response with pictures and a description of the property. The buyer doesn't even have to get out of their car.

Try it out now, by texting “MLS4244” to ‘99134’. Any potential buyer that follows these instructions will receive a text response with basic information about the listing and photos. The service is free to the house shopper (aside from possible carrier text messaging fees).

This is just one of the technology tools used by Elite Professionals to meet the diverse needs of today’s customers with their complex schedules. The firm also uses videography, online distribution and social media marketing.

“Another great advantage of this new technology is the benefit to the environment, with the reduction in paper and the reduced consumption of fuel from restocking the flyer boxes. It is a way to make the real estate industry a bit more green,” said Greg Hanvey, co-owner of Elite Professionals.

About the Company

Elite Professionals Real Estate Services Inc. is headquartered in Valencia, CA. A full-service real estate brokerage, it provides real estate transaction support for buyers and sellers; as well as professionals property marketing which includes online distribution, fully produced videos and texting support for each listing. In addition, Elite Professionals provides relevant customer services to ensure profitability of stakeholders and attract and maintain long term agent, vendor and multi-generational customer loyalty. To learn more visit Web site http://www.eliteprosre.com/ or contact Greg Hanvey 661-645-1446 or Leah Pollack 661-309-3195.

Wine Stomp - Leona Valley, CA

Experience the Leona Valley HANDS-ON with their truly unique WINE STOMP. David Reynolds with the Leona Valley Winery gives you the ye'ole low-down on this event coming up on OCTOBER 25, 2008 from 2pm - 7pm. Visit http://www.leonavalleywinery.com/ to learn more about this local area, wine philosophy and this fabulous event!

RENAISSANCE Theme with a transformed vineyard with Jousting, Leather Workers, A Goat Cheese Maker, Musicians and other Performances! You are welcome--in fact encouraged--to Dress Up in the RENAISSANCE Theme and experience the days of Yore - for yourself! LOL!

Here are a few photos to tempt you to get Stomp-Ready:

David Reynolds of the Leona Valley Winery and Emily Ball of Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc

Yes, You will pick YOUR OWN GRAPES and get to Stomp! Vat here may not be the vat you use, but it will be just as fun :-)




See and Taste it all... For directions to 40352 90th St Leona Valley, CA, cut and paste this link : http://www.mapquest.com/mq/5-_X7l



Good Times! And look to the VLOG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAykgGYKuRw

Enjoy!

Leah Pollack
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
http://www.eliteprosre.com/

Lombardi Ranch in Santa Clarita - Fall into the Season!

Ahhhh Fall! The pumpkin spice, the hot apple cider, the leaves, the rain.... the Halloween costumes... AND our Annual Visit to LOMBARDI RANCH! The icon of Fall in Santa Clarita! The sounds of live music. The smells of hay, grilled corn and the petting zoo. Nothing is finer! Check them out online at http://www.lombardiranch.com/

Getting to know the sunflowers up close!

Helping out the team while on this Antique Fire Truck!

The 'Not-So-Scary Crow' in the Sunflower Walk!

See the VLOG online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iWUosarYok
Enjoy!
Regards,
Leah Pollack
http://www.eliteprosre.com/

LEED ing the Way in Green Real Estate

Hello Team! It is an exciting world out there! Solar and Wind Energy applied to Commercial Real Estate - is nothing sweeter than reducing your recurring cost, and provide a beacon of hope to reduce our foreign dependency for energy? Eco-trends in real estate developments are red-hot. LEEDs certifications are becoming the norm for builders and all related services, to have a knowledge of, or ability to upgrade to this latest certification of enviromental requirements for private and public sector clients. I look forward to the retro-fit kit for residential properties to upgrade to solar, and now I look forward to their commercial counterparts.

Here is the link to the EBAY building in Northern CA:

http://news.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=309105





The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an international green building rating system that sets environmentally sustainable construction criteria. It aims to establish a common standard of building designs that minimize risks on the environment and raise awareness among consumers of the benefits of green construction. and Platinum is the highest level.

Stay Tuned to this and many more advances in what I hope cost-effective solutions to bring self-sufficient energy sources to the front lines or front doors of our community!

Enjoy!
Leah Pollack
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
http://www.eliteprosre.com

Celebrate and Educate! http://www.eliteprosre.com/Concierge.aspx
BUYERS Want to See More: Check out the Buyer Services we provide: http://www.eliteprosre.com/Buyers.aspx
SELLERS Real Estate Showcase! http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EB541A17FD6DE561
Got VLOG? http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=249DF89D1B23AB92
Empowered by:
http://www.Loopnet.com
http://www.Realtor.com

Realtor.com features Leah Pollack of Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.

Leah Pollack of Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc. featured on Realtor.com This is just one of the tools we use in the team toolbox as Real Estate Professionals.

Visit the Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc. Team at www.eliteprosre.com.

Enjoy!

Leah Pollack
www.eliteprosre.com

Fourth of July Santa Clarita Valley Celebrates!

(July 4, 2008) No raining on this parade! July 4th in Santa Clarita begins with the 7am Rotary Pancake Breakfast! It is now our family tradition. Check the rotary group online at http://www.scvrotaryclub.com/

Then after eating the filling pancakes ... steps away we set down for the Santa Clarita Valley FOURTH OF JULY PARADE!!! Local Dignitaries, Local Boys Scouts, Military, and groups of cool cars, Fire Trucks, and Girls in Tiaras! This is what the community spirit is, the waving of flags and the support of our community!

Then the evening rounds out with FIREWORKS!!! Every year of my life I have seen fireworks. Even when I was blessed to travel for work and on July 4th found myself in Tokyo, Japan... in the hotel I found a with pictures of fireworks. I move the magazine high in the air, coupled with it the sounds and followed up with my awe-struck "oooo, ahhhh!"... Folks, these are traditions that I do not take lightly :-)

See the video log of this event at VIDEO LOG http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=249DF89D1B23AB92

I hope you took advantage of the free events in and around town this past weekend. And as always set your reminders for next year!

Enjoy and Have a great day!



-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/

Central Coast Visit - Shell Beach Farmers Market, Yummy Pismo Beach and Guadalupe Dunes, CA

(June 28, 2008) On the road in and around AND 3 hours away! Central Coast a good drive, and worth it too! Day at the beach discovering new people and new foods! Pismo Beach and the ever delightful Shell Beach. Area Event for this area can be found at http://www.classiccalifornia.com/calendar.htm
We took in the Shell Beach Farmers Market. Area goodies and great music as well as great views of the bluffs - no foolin'. LOL!
Met and chatted with the local organization that is promoting the Shell Beach Improvement Projects http://www.sbig.org/ and a local business woman who bridges the world with crafts from around the world. http://slovillages.com/
As the day went on we took ourselves to the local outlet malls and then on to the main drag of Pismo Beach! What a great time!

We took in the beautiful beach and local snacks... HotLix of Pismo Beach, CA http://www.hotlix.com/ is a word... AWESOME. Nostalgic candy as well as chocolate covered WORMS and White Chocolate covered CRICKETS. Truth be told: The worms were fantastic. I asked to purchase a quarter pound, so I could munch on them while walking around. She looked at me as if I was crazy, as they don't sell them THAT way! And the crickets? The white chocolate was very good - and if you don't mind having cricket-parts in your teeth for a bit, then I would HIGHLY recommend the experience. I also learned something very valuable... when travelling in the woods simply be sure to pack a block of chocolate, it makes those creepy-crawlies MUCH easier to eat!
That night we took in Santa Maria, CA and went to BBQ-LAND, BBQ-LAND, BBQ-LAND! Phone (805) 346-8537 A good inexpensive bbq place with ample portions - yeehah!
The next day we checked into the Guadalupe Dunes. You drive straight out, to where seems as if you are just going to fall off the earth! Surprising I had more cell phone bars than I do at my own house! We truly decompressed as we walked along the awe-inspring coast line. What a wonderful weekend getaway! 10 miles from San Luis Obispo, 144 miles from Bakersfield and about 188 miles from Los Angeles! Add this area for your consideration for a weekend out of town, a 3rd party destination for your family holiday - or perhaps a second home.
Let me know! Take the time to check out sights, sounds and tastes of the world around you! Enjoy and Have a great day!

-Leah Pollack

Your Real Estate Investing Resource

Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.

Video LOG can be found http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=249DF89D1B23AB92

http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/

Italian Feast of Santa Clarita, CA

(June 7, 2008) We stumbled upon this Italian delicacy last year...and this year I can share it and remind you that this is an annual event, so set a reminder now :-) http://italianfeastofscv.com/


... One thing I love about the American spirit in general is that if people see that there is a festival, or an event that is NOT in their town, they just host it themselves. So far what I have seen it is making our city so much more! And when it comes to Italian Festivals, Frankie Competelli has done just that. As you go through the entry gates to check into the festival, they are a wonderful bridge from 'your day' to 'Little Italy' complete with the vendors, Italian lessons and of course Food. All the folks we met were gracious and helpful.



The jumpy-slide and laser-light tag were fantastic and so was the craft booth. The host of this event was Frankie Competelli. His story is one of inspiration how he stays true to form of his vibrant and delicious Italian New York ancestry including his passion for his community.

Frankie’s Restaurant will open this summer in the Bridgeport Marketplace. If the food at the Feast is any indication of what we are in for this is a MUST CHECK INTO see him online at http://www.frankiesonmelrose.com/




The next big Italian event is The Feast of San Gennaro in Los Angeles September 25-28, 2008. To learn more.... http://www.feastofla.org/







And back at The Italian Feast of Santa Clarita... Did you see the Gelato-guys? I also spoke with a photographer who photographs Italy and sells these wonderful photos at Festivals. She was extremely passionate about Italy, the culture, the people and the architecture. I was blessed in my younger days to spend 11 days in Italy. I still think fondly on the time when I was 'getting' lost in Rome all in search for a poster of the Spanish Steps. I keep stumbling upon bits of antiquities and street markets, And at night - still posterless- I came upon a street festival with music and huge mylar balloons - it was so welcoming and fantastic!

What a great reminder in Santa Clarita to take the time when you are driving around; meandering through the parks and festivals, talking to people, glance around the community boards if you see a sign about a festival or a new restaurant or shop or one that is 'new-to-you' check into it. Find the pockets of celebrations in Santa Clarita and build your memories of exploration that will continue the traditions and make some new traditions of your own in this our vibrant city.


Enjoy and Have a great day!



-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
Video LOG can be found http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=249DF89D1B23AB92
http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/

My First Day on the Hill: Santa Clarita Realtor on Legislative Day in Sacramento, CA

(June 4, 2008) My first day on Capitol Hill! I have to be honest, I loved it! One person can make a difference and I happen to be part of the 2000+ Realtors that spent a day visiting with California Legislators to discuss the Hot Topics that affect property rights and the real estate industry - today.

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDMQGfYQI68

First thing Wednesday Morning, I took the 'commuter' flight from Burbank Airport. I shared the flight with a Fourth Grade Class Trip, SRAR teammates and Cameron Smyth--Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman!

**
Upon arrival the convention center was filled. The registration and preparation... We got an overview of the government process and a chance to see how the California Association of Realtors is working on behalf of Realtors all over the state on education, benefits and technology to bring the public a quality service.





Hot Issues shared on JUNE 4, 2008
<1> AB2678 Point-of-Sale Energy Audits - Oppose. CAR supports being compliant with Environmental Audit Requirements for both residential and commercial property, but to tie this requirement to occur at point-of-sale is not as efficient as other proposals. (see note at the bottom of the entry - Yay Us!)

<2> AB1055 Forgiveness of "Phantom" Income - Support if Amended. Currently, this is for 2 years, we are requested to make the timeframe match the Federal which is 3 years.

<3> AB1448 Licensing Fines - Support
Increase fines for unlicensed Real Estate Practitioners to give some teeth to discourage illegal dealings.

There are over 5000 bills introduced this year, CAR works hard in Sacramento to keep an eye out for items that will affect property ownership rights and the Real Estate Industry. Please contact your local board of Realtors and support the Action Fund or CLICK HERE --> http://www.car.org/index.php?id=MzM0Mjk=

**
Then it was off to lunch! We went to Masons on 15th Street. This was a perfect restaurant for the occasion. Modern, flavorful - and that was just the entrance and bar area! A great modern restaurant, gracious service and surprisingly ample portions and awesome ice tea! ... Between you and me... I have to admit, when I saw the loft-style ceiling reminiscent of SOHO upitiness and the well-put together server uniform (black clothes wrapped in a functional yet oddly appealing long olive apron) I was thinking to myself if after the meal I could somehow grab a burger on the way back to our meeting without being noticed and if I did, would I get mustard on my jacket. :-) ... but GOOD NEWS!... I not only did not need any additional munchies, I was set until the reception... I had the salmon, the season fries and did I mention the ice tea! Check them both out online....

Masons Restaurant: http://www.theparkdowntown.com/page.php?url=masonsabout

The tea: Tropic Star Tropical blend: http://www.peerlesscoffee.com/

**
A quick huddle of the team and then it was off to the hill!

Okay - I walked past the Arnold Schwarzenegger office of and couldn't resist a "Where's Waldo"-shot. .... take your time, do you see me now? :-)

Once we navigated the hallways and found each of our destinations, the gracious staff and legislators met with Realtors to listen and discuss the Realtor Hot Issues! We saw Senator Runners office Staff, Assemblyman Mike Feuer, and Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman Cameron Smyth!

After a productive afternoon 'on the Hill' it was a time for.... The Realtor Reception! CAR hosted Realtors from all over the state. I met Realtors from Simi Valley, San Diego, and Bakersfield! In addition legislators and staff also attended.

The flight home was relaxing. We did good work and what an experience! Surprising to me was how natural the whole day went. Even the commuter flight round trip seemed easier than commuting to downtown LA. Knowing that we are part of a process is enlightening. I am a Realtor. I am 170,000 members strong in the State of California. My clients and fellow Realtors share in that strength, that quality of product and service to the community. I hope to be blessed to attend again. It is a significant event as a yearly reminder to all of government that Realtors communicate with each property owner and will protect property rights and ensure the quality of service for the Real Estate industry.

REALTOR RESULTS
(June 14, 2008) per the CAR Red Alert! "After thousands of REALTORS® called their legislators in opposition to the bill and thousands more lobbied against the bill in person last week at Legislative Day, the bill’s author amended AB 2678 to remove the point-of-sale requirement. The bill was further amended at C.A.R.’s request, to ensure that energy audits or improvements are not required as a condition of sale. With these changes, C.A.R. SUPPORTS AB 2678. This is a BIG WIN for REALTORS® and their clients." Okay... WOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy and Have a great day!

-Leah Pollack

Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/