cookout

The other day I was talking with a friend who lives in Texas, she said she was excited as she was preparing for her Family’s Annual Summer “Cookout”! I hadn’t heard the word “Cookout” in a while. I haven’t called it a “Cookout” since I was a kid. Today I say we are having a “Barbeque” or we are having a “Picnic” or we are “Grilling”, or for those that attended “Kabob-a-Palooza in the Summer of 2005” “Firin’ Up Thor!””Thor” is the name of my grill. Thor, the sweet honey of a Stainless Steel, 6-burner with side burner for my mops/sauces. Thor’s inaugural Grill-a-thon was where I put everything I could on a skewer and grilled EVERYTHING. We had a group of people supping on grilled vegetables, beef, chicken, fish and fruits. And for vegetarians in attendance for whom I made my almost-famous spinach lasagna and eggplant-parm. So now that Summer is full swing, it got me to thinking…
What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley, CA?Where do you grill today? Do you have a balcony in a Apartment? Do you have an Entertainer’s patio with a swim-up bar? Do you have your own “Thor”? Do you want a place to grill and share with family and friends in your great backyard, or are you looking for more of the hardscape-greenscape of patios, Vine covered Trellis, couches around the fire pit? And if you already have such a living space and are thinking of Selling, we provide Real Estate Support using new and tried and true professional methods to help get your property sold as quickly as possible and to get your home sold at the highest possible price with the least amount of hassles! For all your real estate needs contact the HomeTeamForSCV at 661-309-3195.

Area Housing StatisticsFor this month’s Real Estate Statistics for the Santa Clarita Valley, CA Click HERE
The current real estate statistics for Residential Properties in the Santa Clarita Valley area, including homes in Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Castaic, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia. And here to get your very own  FREE MARKET EVALUATION

Let me know how my team and I can help. As REALTORS my team and I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Please contact me

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best REALTOR in your area.
• If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you! 661-309-3195

American Dreamin'

On the heels of US Constitution Day, here we are at Columbus Day. My son and I are reading Alistair Cooke’s America, where we are recounting the steps of the New Found Land. The episode highlights Columbus’s plight into heading to the West. Statuesque for the time, the tall redhead of Columbus has a vision, a dream where it took over 20 years to secure a sponsor to finance such a path that would lead us toward the discovery of America. It was inspiring to think of a driven man who did not do it alone. In addition to Ferdinand and Isabella’s investment, he also needed mariners, ship hands, supplies, etc. Columbus was fixated on the dream of his goal. A mission, the plan, a pioneer and visionary to get there and stay there and make such an impact to inspire others and not just the possibility, but also the logistical care and support to make it a reality.



What does this have to do with Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley, CA?

Christopher Columbus did not do it alone. He teamed up with professionals and those that were enthusiastic about his mission to make it a reality, each step and every day. Is your Dream the American Dream of homeownership? Your team is your lender and your REALTOR. Someone who shares your dreams of a place where you can grow and thrive while putting the home buying process in perspective in today’s market.

Are you considering Selling a home? Is your home too big, too small? Is it time for retirement, are you thinking of relocating? Team-up with professional marketing and get real estate support with a Local Team that has your interest in mind. And if is time where you need to sell your home? Refocusing your finances and starting to talk about the options if you are in a home that you cannot afford, does not mean you give up on the American Dream, here too there is the opportunity to get your finances back on track is part of the American Dream too: to Learn, to face our options and to persevere.

Helpful Links

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/alistair-cooke-america/

http://hometeamforscv.com/

http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day/



Area Housing Statistics
For this month’s Real Estate Statistics for the Santa Clarita Valley, CA Click HERE
The current real estate statistics for Residential Properties in the Santa Clarita Valley area, including homes in Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Castaic, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia. And here to get your very own FREE MARKET EVALUATION



Let me know how my team and I can help. As REALTORS my team and I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Please contact me

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best REALTOR in your area.

• If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you! 661-309-3195 or email

Blogger Bio


Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes for buyers and sellers of Real Estate. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195
http://www.leahpollack.com/

freshen up!

When my son was young, we would ask “Do you need to go potty?” Not so discreet, but from the signs of crossed-ankles or buckled knees, it was the best way to communicate that I knew he needed to go even before he did.  Now when I call out “Hey where are you?” the response hollered back from down the hall is: “I am in the Restroom!”  I am joyous that he is now self-aware, but what caught me off-guard was his usage of the phrase “The Restroom”.  Formal, I know, but more pleasing to hear than I am “in the can”, or “on the commode”, or “visiting the water-closet”.  But honestly this small phrase choice had me thinking how I, when with adults, refer to the ‘restroom’.  When did the number scheme happen “#1”, “#2”, perhaps used to assist more to determine the duration of the event and for those with very young children, what to take with you from the diaper or tackle-bag.  I think my family was extremely informal to the point of humor and possible crassness….one could reference any one of the Mike Meyers skits here.  Today, I must admit that in private, humor may take charge, but in public I am more demure and simply say I am going to go “Freshen-Up”.
What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley, CA?
However you excuse yourself from the couch, or the kitchen table, if you are headed to the commode, the can, or the head, and are looking to go into your basic tile with a basin, or ceramic and porcelain, if you are looking for grab-bars, or granite, tank toilets, jetted tubs, or separate shower stalls let me and my team help you find the home with the bathroom where you can go Freshen Up!
And if you already have a standard lavatory or a decadent loo as your peaceful personal retreat and are thinking of Selling, our marketing team will showcase your home from faucet to foyer, for bedroom to bidet!  For all your real estate needs contact the HomeTeamForSCV at 661-309-3195.

Area Housing Statistics
For recent Real Estate Statistics for the Santa Clarita Valley, CA Click HERE
The current real estate statistics for Residential Properties in the Santa Clarita Valley area, including homes in Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Castaic, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia.  If you would like stats for YOUR neighborhood Visit http://HomeValuesForSCV.com
Let me know how my team and I can help. As REALTORS my team and I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Please contact me

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best REALTOR in your area.
• If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you!

Blogger Bio

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569   Call today! Leah Pollack at 661-309-3195 or click  http://www.LeahPollack.com

Game On!

Do you remember Winter?  All I remember is that it rained.  It rained and it rained!  I am very grateful as my family back east continues to remind me, “you don’t shovel rain!” Also, I am hopeful that our water purveyors throughout the Santa Clarita Valley will add this ‘sky-fallen liquidness’ to our water reserves and make best use of the increase to the water table. The rain also allowed my family to stay in and enjoy our home and our board games.  Years back we found a bookshelf that took our board and card games out of our ‘ye ole’ box and put them on display and in reach for an occasion such as a rainy day.  So where Facebook was riddled with ‘Game Called, on account of rain’, we were shouting “Game On, on account of rain!”

What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?

When the rain falls there is no place like home! Whether you watch TV, toss a fire in the fireplace, or get together to enjoy the Great Indoors! And if you are looking for a place to display your board games, or need a bigger place for your game table, you need a place with its own game room, give me and my team a call 661-309-3195.

Here are Your Monthly Real Estate Stats for the Santa Clarita Valley:  CLICK HERE

Link includes Residential Properties in the Santa Clarita Valley area, including homes in Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Castaic, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia.  If you would like stats for YOUR neighborhood Visit http://HomeValuesForSCV.com/

Let me know how my team and I can help. As REALTORS my team and I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.

Please contact me

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best REALTOR in your area.
• If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you!

sweet home

Apple picking in Maine, Cherry Picking in Leona Valley, CA, Fruit Festivals in and around the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond! The other day I was assembling breakfast looking for the sweet compliment to end to my meal. I checked the fruit drawer in the fridge, the cupboard shelves, and in between the kitchen counter and the stove, my selection was made! So there I was… navigating this ripe mango with a knife and teeth, thoroughly enjoying the sweetness and challenge to discover just how much more of the strands and juice I could wiggle free… it dawned on me I could never eat one of these in public. It just would not be the same. As I scraped to the core of the pit, reassured that floss that was at hand, I resolved myself that some pleasures are meant for the privacy of your own home.


What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?

Whether you are storing your fruits in the fridge or on the counter, or if you are want to pluck and peel the fruit right under your own tree, give my team and me a call. There are so many way you can think of to enjoy fruit. Let us help you find where you can enjoy it too!
 
Please contact me:
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.

If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.

If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you!

NO MORE CALIFORNIA STATE TAX ON FORGIVEN DEBT*

Here is an update on those who may need to consider Short Sale or Foreclosure. You MUST consult your CPA or Tax Advisoras conditions, restrictions, guidelines, etc. may apply.



**No More State Tax on Forgiven Debt:
Distressed homeowners no longer have to pay California state income tax on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification. Enacted into law yesterday, Senate Bill 401 generally aligns California's tax treatment of mortgage debt relief income with federal law. For debt forgiven on a loan secured by a "qualified principal residence," borrowers will now be exempt from both federal and state income tax consequences. The existing federal exemption is for indebtedness up to $2 million, whereas the new California exemption is for indebtedness up to $800,000 and forgiven debt up to $500,000.
"Qualified principal residence" indebtedness is defined as debt incurred in acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving a principal residence. It includes both first and second trust deeds. It also includes a refinance loan to the extent the funds were used to payoff a previous loan that would have qualified.
The tax breaks apply to debts discharged from 2009 through 2012. Californians who have already filed their 2009 tax returns may claim the exemption by filing a Form 540X amendment. Taxpayers who do not qualify for the above exemptions (e.g., second home or rental property) may nevertheless be exempt under other provisions. Most notably, taxpayers who are bankrupt are exempt from debt relief income tax. Also, taxpayers who are insolvent are exempt from debt relief income tax to the extent their current liabilities exceed current assets.

For more information about mortgage forgiveness tax consequences, go to:
California Franchise Tax Board's Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Extended webpage and the Internal Revenue Service's Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation webpage.
The full text of Senate Bill 401 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.





**Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® April 13, 2010. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.







For a FREE one-on-one discussion on home options. Please contact me.

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
  
• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.


• If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.

I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com/

Roaring Art in the Santa Clarita Valley - CA Bear Project

To See The Video: Click HERE

As part of the project, artists are commissioned to create a work of art from a life-sized replica of the California Grizzly. Each Bear is unique and the Transit Bear is the 6th Bear in the series and the 5th one of it’s kind in Santa Clarita.

To learn more about the project http://www.californiabearproject.com/
To learn more about Art in Santa Clarita Valley:
http://www.santaclaritaartists.org/
http://www.santa-clarita.com/arts/

Let me know how I can help you connect to Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley!When you are Selling Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley - call me to upgrade your marketing!

Leah Pollack
REALTOR®, GREEN #01805569
phone: 661-309-3195
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
website: http://www.eliteprosre.com

Lombardi Ranch 2009 Saugus, CA in the Santa Clarita Valley

See Video: Click HERE

Visit The Ranch: www.lombardiranch.com

Pumpkin picking at Santa clarita Valley's own Lombardi Ranch! Music, Train and Wagon rides, food and much, much more!

Some Pumpkin Facts:

• Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.
• Pumpkins originated in Central America.Pumpkins originated in Central America.
• The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon".

To Learn More: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/facts.cfm

Let me know how I can help you connect to Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley!When you are Selling Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley - call me to upgrade your marketing!

Leah Pollack
REALTOR®, GREEN #01805569
phone: 661-309-3195
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
website: http://www.eliteprosre.com/

Job Seekers and Businesses Connect with Work Source in the Santa Clarita Valley!

In an effort to connect you to Resources in the Santa Clarita valley for business and personal success, here is a snippet on Work Source a great resource right here! Work Source's Mission Statement...to contribute to the economic development of our community by providing the highest quality of service to our job seekers and business customers. We strive to achieve this goal through continuous quality improvement, recognition of the unique needs of each customer, dedication to compassionate, friendly, and courteous service, and a results-oriented work ethic.

For more information on Work Source check into www.worksource.com

Let me know how I can help you connect to Real Estate and Resources in the Santa Clarita Valley!

Leah PollackREALTOR®, GREEN #01805569
phone: 661-309-3195
Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
website: http://www.eliteprosre.com

2009 Leona Valley Cherry Parade / Craft Fair / Car Show / Fun Run, Leona Valley, CA

2009 Leona Valley Cherry Parade / Craft Fair / Car Show / Fun Run Festival Possible Vendors
Check into this fantastic event
CHERRY Picking! www.cherriesupic.com
Cherry Festival JUNE 6, 2009 http://www.leonavalleysertoma.org/2009_Festivities.html

Leona valley improvement Association http://leonavalleytowncouncil.org/LVIA.aspx

Service to Mankind http://www.leonavalleysertoma.org
Sheree Tompkins661-256-1796Mariah Country Goat Milk Soaps www.mariahcountrysoaps.com mariahcountry@antelecom.net
Peggy Wiley661-944-1181Stained Glass
Puppy Mamas Biscuits661-236-6387Puppy Biscuitscrazy4cooking@yahoo.com

Candy Reichard661-212-5824Party Lite Candles candykr18@hotmail.com
Glori661-946-9679Tastefully Simpleglorisgourmet@roadrunner.com
Lin Roberts661-878-4086Western Itemshrsewhspr@aol.com
Jay Ryatt/Kitty661-270-9353Infinity Metal Art Jryatt@roadrunner.com
Cheri Wilson661-341-0245Pampered Chef Cheri_wilson@verizon.com
Judy661-874-5314Designer Baby Clothes Bstimmel2@gmail.com
Karen Guggenmos760-946-1095Kool Quip Bandanas 16502 Malahat Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92307 Craft Master News
Paige FryerCaboodle of Candles caboodleofcandles@sbcglobal.net
Jim Schmidt661-972-8335Jschmidt003@yahoo.com
Margaret Bennett661-944-5203Angels Crafters - Jewelry mbennett01@earthlink.net
Nancy Burroughs661-270-1388Lia Sophia JewelryNdazzle33@aol.com
Sam661-373-4526Mini guitars framesEscapeReality@socal.rr.com
Tammy661-478-9075Wooden Bird Houses KTGilliland@hotmail.com
Kerri Mason661-264-8980Botanical Soapssoapmakingmoma@aol.com
Jeanne Laundy661-618-1951Arbonne Skin Care Arbonne_believe@yahoo.com
Debbie Perry661-722-4251Mainstreet Candles mainstreetcandleshop@verizon.com
Delia661-943-5112Delias Exotic Fashions Scented Oils Delia1love@live.com

Mike BurroughsRound Table PizzaMbrtpizza@aol.com
Lee Baaron661-466-8892Nut, Fruit, Candy Baskets
Christy Sims661-270-0940Mr. Frostee/ice cream misterfrostee@gmail.com self contained trailer
Jill and MarkQuartz Hill High Booster Club/ Tri Tip Sandwiches
Dave ClaytonAnnas Bakery Donuts
Chuck661-722-9096Scrambles Bar & Grill
Juleinne661-824-4514Goat Cheese / goat soledadgoats@wildblue.net
Carlos Quezada951-536-3644Kettlecornkettlepopcorn@live.com
Diane Haney702-845-0779Taffy Tyme Candy taffytyme@aol.com

Enjoy the World Around You!

Elite Professionals Real Estate Services, Inc.
www.eliteprosre.com

FHA Lenders to Allow $8000.00 to be used for Down Payment

Buyers in Santa Clarita Valley and beyond, this is exciting news for you!

HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan announced that FHA Lenders are going to be allowed to let First Time Homebuyers use the up to $8000.00 tax credit as a down-payment.

To quote Mr. Donovan, speaking at the Mid-year conference of NAR in Washington:
Secretary Donovan said that important changes, which the National Association of Realtors® has been calling for, will help consumers purchase a home. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a downpayment,” Donovan said. According to Donovan, the FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

The rate on the bridge loans were not mentioned, but it is another resouce and consideration for home buyers! The National Association of Realtors continues to work dilligently on efforts for home-buyers.

Read More at Realtor.org


How may I help you? www.eliteprosre.com/buyers.aspx

Go Green Expo - Los Angeles, CA

The Go Green Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center was fantastic. A good group of people, products, services, programs and incentives showcased to innovate and educate. Sustainability is achievable for the future marketability of our homes and to lessen our dependence on foreign sources for energy.

I look forward to sharing the information, products and services available in our own area when I see you around town. Promoting good stewardship and responsible attention to how we use items and re-use items is exciting for renters and property owners, business owners and those in public office. It is possible to acheive this with community cohesion toward this valuable cause.

Mariel Hemingway shared some interesting insights into the meaning of 'Green'...in the home evaluating the fit and finding the home that reflects who we are and who are yet to be. This is one of the best buyers markets in a long time. Elite Professionals are Realtors®. Don't miss out and call us today 661-310-9477 or visit us online at http://www.eliteprosre.com/Buyers.aspx

Enjoy the world around you!

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

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/