Dorene's Blog

head_left_image

SENATORS AGREE TO EXTEND THE $8,000 HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT

 

Senators agreed on October 28th to extend the beneficial first-time Home Buyers Tax Credit..and to also consider a smaller credit to repeat buyers.

Senators agreed to extensThe tax credit and add to the  the existing credit by offering a reduced credit for up to $6,500 to repeat buyers.

About 1.4 Million home buyers have qualified for the existing credit. The National Association of Realtors esitmates that 350,00 of these buyers would not have been able to buy..without it. New Home Sales fell 3.6% last month. Some builders blamed the drop on the uncertainty about the tax credit extension.

There has been no "cost estimate" for extending this tax credit..though similar proposals were projected to cost about 10M.

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 29 2009 04:30PM

What Your Dog Says About You

You know the saying, that the owner and the dog begin to look alike? It could be because the type of dog that you pick, says quite a bit about YOU.

All toy breeds were bred to be companions, so if you have picked up a Toy breed you have purchased a little buddy for yourself. These breeds include, Toy Poodles, Maltese, Pomeranian,Yorkies.

The Chihuahua on the other hand is high enery and mischef makers, and their owners tend to be the same.

Owners of America's most popular breed the Golden Retriever tend to be physically active and social butterfly's, Given this dogs gregarious nature and warm personality.

The Afghan Hound, with its elegant long coat , and aloof nature is the pet of one person alone..people outside his close circle are regarded with contempt.

If you are friendly, chances are you will pick a pet who is also friendly. Concerned about security? You are likely to choose a Rottweiler, Doberman or Pit Bull.

What type of Dog should A Realtor Choose? I had an Old English Sheepdog for years..a goofy and clownish  Oaf....I wonder what that says about Me???!!!

 America's Most Popular Breeds

1. Golden Retriever
2  Labrador Retriver
3. Boxer
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. German Shepherd
6. Pug
7. Poodle
8. Dachshund
9. Rottweiler
10. Bulldog

 

4 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 21 2008 01:09PM

Culver City Happenings!

Breakfast with Santa


Enjoy a catered breakfast, arts & crafts, face painting and a chance to share your Christmas wishes with Santa. This program is especially designed for the younger child, walking to 6 years old.

2nd Saturday in December at 9:00a.m.

Where to Register
Sign up at the Recreation Offices
4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City

When
Location of Event
Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

Fees
Advance registration $5.00 per person
Day of registration $6.00 per person

Bring the Kids and have a fun Morning!

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 19 2008 12:59PM

California Wildfires destroy Foothill Homes

For those of you who do not know California, our climate is similar to the Mediterranean areas. Our population continues to grow and expand into the outlying foothill areas that are covered with scrub and grass most of the year. Unfortunately, when we have very dry years, these plants dry out and become a fire hazard to the homes and developments in those areas.

We also have a weather condition called the Santa Ana's during October-January. They are a warm wind condition, that under normal circumstances, causes no damage..but when there is a fire..these unpredictable winds can take the embers from one location and place them miles uphill. This is exactly what has happened the last few days.

So far, this particular Widlfire has destroyed over 2,000 acres of land. We in California struggle find an answer to this problem. Some of the fires are natural, while  others are not.

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 16 2008 12:22PM

Red Sun from California Wildfires

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 16 2008 04:12AM

Agent Interview Questions

  • Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?

           An agent who is dedicated to working full time will have you  and their career in Real Estate as a priority.

            Do you know the area(s) I am interested in?

          It is much to your benefit if your agent is familiar with the area in which you wish to purchase or            sell. They will know the neighborhoods, schools, traffic patterns and development for an area                 will be much better at directing your purchase or sale

  • Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant?

    A knowledgeable assistant is an asset but make sure that you can reach  your agent when you need to.

  • Can you give me a comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in the area and homes currently on the market?

    This should contain listing and sales prices for recently sold homes as well as listing prices and the listing date of homes currently for sale. It also should include detailed property descriptions (such as square footage and numbers of bedrooms and baths).

  • Can you provide me with local information ?

    Your agent should have access to information on local schools, community services, transportation, shopping, etc.

  • Do you have a website?

           Having an internet presence is crutial to marketing any property today.

             Is your license in good standing?

           Never work with an agent who's license is suspect or suspended.

           . Can you furnish me with References?

           A good agent should have at least one or two clients with nice references.           

                      

1 commentDorene Slavitz • November 11 2008 12:46PM

Culver City Stats

Market View for Culver City

 Avg. Listing Price $605,807 Wk ending Oct 22 -$1,591  -0.3%
w-o-w Median Sales Price $515,000

Oct '07 - Sep '08 -$75,076-  12.7%

  

98 Homes For Sale 16 Open Homes
249 Recently Sold 106 Foreclosures

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 08 2008 02:57PM

Election Day

Go to fullsize image EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS...VOTE TODAY!

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 04 2008 10:18AM

Culver City School Comparisons

 

 

District Comparison Results, Fiscal Year 2007-08
(10 of 10 matches listed, sorted by Enrollment)
Help 
County Name District Name Enrollment Students Performance Teachers
Average Class Size % Proficient Lang Arts % Proficient Math % Fully Credentialled Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Los Angeles Manhattan Beach Unified 6,332 28.2 88.7% 88.0% 99.7% 21.2
Mendocino Ukiah Unified 6,425 24.4 40.2% 38.8% 97.4% 20.2
Fresno Selma Unified 6,480 26.4 42.8% 47.8% 99.0% 21.3
Los Angeles Charter Oak Unified 6,501 28.5 55.6% 47.9% 95.0% 23.6
Sonoma Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified 6,655 26.1 51.9% 51.1% 98.8% 21.9
Los Angeles Culver City Unified 6,656 26.3 60.4% 59.6% 92.7% 20.8
San Diego Ramona City Unified 6,893 25.5 57.5% 59.6% 99.3% 24.6
San Luis Obispo Paso Robles Joint Unified 6,910 23.1 52.3% 54.4% 98.0% 19.2
San Bernardino Barstow Unified 6,949 25.9 39.7% 41.0% 87.3% 20.3
Los Angeles Claremont Unified 6,968 28.5 64.6% 63.2% 94.5% 16.7
Averages for all Districts  25.2  48.5%  51.2%  92.9%  20.9 
Note: * A statewide average for this value is not computed by the California Department of Education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 03 2008 07:10PM

Culver City Happenings in November

10/11/2008 to 11/08/2008
Read
More
Art - LISA SOLBERG: NEW PAINTINGS 6009 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232 310 837 1989 - Kinsey/DesForges is pleased to introduce Los Angeles-based artist Lisa Solberg with an exhibition of new paintings in her first solo show in L.A. Solberg's improvisational process exposes concrete tr ....

 
  10/18/2008 to 11/15/2008
Read
More
        Theater - "I AM NOT A RACIST, BUT..." 9070 Venice Blvd, Culver City, 90232 310-838-GANG - The Actors' Gang invites audiences to witness the development of a new work-in-progress. With its signature take-no-prisoners style, The Gang takes a bold, funny, sad and incendiary look at what it t ....

   
11/05/2008 to 11/05/2008
Read
More
Music - BRAZILIAN BOSSA NIGHT FEATURING DAN MONIZ & THE BOSSA ENSEMBLE 5990 Green Valley Cir, Culver City, CA 90230 310-641-7740 - The Studio Bar & Grille at the Four Points by Sheraton is proud to present a new feature, Brazilian Bossa Nights. Join us on Nov. 5th for delectable foods, wine & spirits, and authentic Bossa Nova mu ....

 
  11/08/2008 to 11/08/2008
Read
More
        Art - INGLEWOOD OPEN ARTIST STUDIOS TOUR 1150 East Hyde Park, Inglewood CA 90302 310-621-5416 - EVENT/ART EXHIBITION/OPEN STUDIOS Inglewood Open Studios, Saturday, November 8th, 2008 2pm-7pm Inglewood Open Studios is an all day event in which artists, with studios in Inglewood, will open their ....

   
11/08/2008 to 11/08/2008
Read
More
Fashion & Style - FEM DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City, CA 90232 310-312-6212 - FEM Designer Sample Sale
Saturday, Nov 8 12:00p to 5:00p
at Smashbox Studios, Culver City, CA
Age Suitability: 18 and up Designer sale! Up to 60% off and more! Over 40 designers/brands will be off ....

 
  11/09/2008 to 11/09/2008
Read
More
        Fundraisers - SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: "INAUGURAL CELEBRITY BOCCE TOURNAMENT" 310.444.0100 - Special Olympics Southern California will host its inaugural Celebrity Bocce Tournament on Sunday November 9th at noon on the lawn at historic Culver Studios. This event will transport you to the gen ....

   
11/12/2008 to 11/12/2008
Read
More
Community - "WHAT IS A GOOD DEATH?" 9909 Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232 NPR West 213-403-0416 - Thanks to medical advances, we now live longer, but living longer doesn't necessarily make death any easier when it comes. Forget the good life, what in this world makes a good death? How does cultu ....

 
  11/13/2008 to 11/30/2008
Read
More
        Art - WHERE THE WILD ART IS: MAURICE SENDAK ART SHOW 9517 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 310.836.4992 - I wanted to invite you to Wonderful World Art Gallery's Maurice Sendak show and am also hoping that if you feel this is something that is of interest to the visitors to your website, if you could be ....

   
11/15/2008 to 11/15/2008
Read
More
Performance - LA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 4464 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230 3104572385 - Over 20 multicultural storytellers weave their tales in the genres of folk and fairy tales, personal stories, improv, world stories, fringe tales and concerts for the whole family. All day tickets a ....

 
  11/15/2008 to 11/29/2008
Read
More
        Art - NIGHT GALLERY: "STUDIO ART PARTY" 11523 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90066 310 * 313 * 4931 - Artworks by: TIMOTHY WILLIAMS, JAMES MATHERS, GEZA X, CHRISTOPHER MOONLIGHT* Triad B-Day Bash for Timothy Williams, James Mathers, Eric Dhyrsen Gothic/Acoustic Music by MICHAEL BERG myspace.co ....

   
11/22/2008 to 12/20/2008
Read
More

Art - WILLIAM HUNDLEY: DRACO 6009 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232 310 837-1989 - Kinsey/DesForges welcomes Austin-based, multidisciplinary artist William Hundley with his first solo show in Los Angeles. Hundley's signature amorphous figures-produc

ed by capturing fabric-draped hu ....

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • November 03 2008 10:14AM

Venice Happenings!

  Celebrate with us!
Venice Arts: 15 Years

October 25, 2008
RAVENSWORK STUDIO
1611 Electric Avenue, Venice

5:30-7 Intimate Dinner
Honoring Neal Baer, Executive Producer, Law & Order:SVU and
Eugene Ahn, Wigglefish Design Communication

Featuring A Taste of Venice | Music by Birdie Mendoza | Exclusive wine courtesy of Slusser Ranch Vineyards | Cocktails courtesy of VeeV | Portraits by youth

7-10 Celebration & Party
Featuring more scrumptious food & drinks | Music by Cuban sensations Las Estrellas de Los Angeles | Silent & live photography auctions | Digital storytelling booth | More!

Cool Raffle: Winners need not be present to win!
iPhone 3G | iPod Touch | Nikon D60 camera outfit | 2 nights Las Rocas Hotel & Spa, Baja
Portrait session with  Russell Baer + dinner for 2 at Lily's | VIP Clippers' tickets
Gourmet cooking demo + dinner for 8 by Seedling Organic Catering




For more information
| 310.821.1857
  http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001X_4hH1-ict0ssfSpk0IEJpopE_SwEr1-RPZ8Nxf-ASsabEAa2_GknPcjoltF7dGs5pM-TbczbzfLRKAtEbx5WW6_OEUDQgOrnsY2InBY9uHleStwY0WQCw==
1702 Lincoln Boulevard
Venice, CA  |  310.392.0846

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 20 2008 10:57AM

Childrens Halloween Party At Royal T!

 

Address

8910 Washington Blvd           
Oct 26, 2008 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Culver City, CA 90232
T 310 559 6300
F 310 559 6633               Call for More Information!

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 20 2008 10:51AM

Halloween Event!

 
 
Surfas Restaurant and Supply
>Address: 8824 National Blvd ;
; Culver City ; California ; 90232 ;
Venue
Name: Essential Chocolate- Halloween Ideas
  (Acceptable For Children And Teens: Not rated)
  Dates: 10/25/2008
 

You will Love Surfa's Gourmet Cooking Supplies! A must for serious Cooks!
 
Price : Free
Opening hour : 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 
  Description:

Essential Chocolate- Halloween Ideas


Date: Sunday October 25, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tickets: Free

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 20 2008 10:39AM

Culver City's 50's Car Show

Culver City Car Show
DON'T MISS NEXT YEARS EVENT! 
 
0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 07 2008 08:55PM

Culver City Public Transportation


On March 3, 2008, Culver CityBus commemorated its 80th Anniversary. Culver CityBus is the second oldest municipally-owned bus line in the State of California. Following a dispute with Pacific Electric Railway, the City of Culver City sought to establish its own independent transit system, one that would provide quality transit service to the residents of Culver City and its neighbors. On March 3, 1928, the State Railroad Commission granted Culver City's request and Culver CityBus was established. Since its inception, Culver CityBus has provided efficient and affordable public transit service to the residents of Culver City and the surrounding communities. Today, the name "Culver CityBus" is synonymous with safe, reliable, convenient, and friendly public transit service.

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 07 2008 07:56PM

How to Hire the Best Realtor

Hire a Realtor®

All Realtors are licensed to sell real estate, but not all real estate agents are Realtors®

Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors and follow the Code of Ethics, a standard of practice, with levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law. Less than 1/2 of all Agents are Realtors®.

Attend Open Houses

You can tell quite a bit about an Agent while attending an Open House. Is the Agent professional and informative? Does the agent talk about the features of the house and take an interest in the people who are viewing the home? If the Agent is watching the game on T.V or ignoring you and trying to read a book..RUN!

Get Personal and Professional Referrals

Just because an Agents advertising claims.."they are the best in the West" doesn't make it true. Talk to your friends and business associates who have had a good experience with an Agent. It's very helpful, to talk to first time buyers (if they are in your circle.) First time buyers need guidance and honesty from their agent, if they have had a good experience...that is likely a very good Agent.

Check Out the Internet

With statistics showing that up to 85% of all homebuyers begin their search on the internet, an Agent that is not internet savy is not going to be able to market your home effectively. Your Agent must have an internet presence, have a website and be proficient on the internet. It would not hurt to see that they have an e-pro certification which designates them as having additional Internet training and experience.

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 07 2008 07:46PM

Culver City Home Sales Stastics

Culver City median sales prices Number of sold homes in Culver City

No. BedroomsJun - Sep '08y-o-y3 months prior1 year prior5 years prior
1 bedroom $301,000 -6.7% $322,500 $360,000 $222,500
4 bedrooms $695,300 -5.8% $738,500 $767,000 $561,000
All bedrooms$515,000+18.4%$435,000$590,076$342,500

Select chart to embed:   Copy & Paste HTML to embed this graph in your website:

Average Price Per Sqft for Homes in Culver City

Embed Info

<form enctype="application/x-www-form-urlencoded" method="get" id="qma_price_per_sqft_chart_options_form" accept-charset="UNKNOWN" onclick="update_chart('qma_price_per_sqft_chart', 'http://graphs.trulia.com/real_estate/Culver_City-California/graph.png?version=116&width=600&height=250&type=qma_price_per_sqft&city=Culver+City&state=CA', '', '');"> 1 yr 5 yr Max </form>

Culver City average price per square foot

No. BedroomsJun - Sep '08y-o-y3 months prior1 year prior5 years prior
1 bedroom $413 0.0% $413 $564 $280
4 bedrooms $416 -22.1% $534 $529 $283
All bedrooms$420-0.2%$421$538$309
0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 07 2008 07:42PM

Home Statistics for Culver City, California

Culver City average property price Culver City - number of properties

No. BedroomsWeek ending
Oct 1
w-o-wWeek ending
Sep 24
Week ending
Sep 17
Week ending
Sep 10
1 bedroom $357,379 +2.5% $348,605 $344,938 $351,831
4 bedrooms $832,411 +2.5% $812,313 $848,194 $872,688
All bedrooms$604,622+1.2%$597,677$592,892$598,878
0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 07 2008 07:30PM

Children's Performing Arts in Culver City

The City of Culver City Presents The 2008 Rainbow Series


The City of Culver City presents The 2008 Rainbow Series which is a unique children's series featuring theatrical and dance performances by the recipients of the 2008 Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program. The series features performances by We Tell Stories at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library, Culver City Public Theatre at Carlson Park and Lion's Pounce Dance Theater at Culver City Park. General information on the series is available by calling the Cultural Affairs Hotline at 310.253.5716. More information on each performance is available by contacting the individual performing arts organizations.

Performances remaining in 2008 include:

Lion's Pounce Dance Theater October 18 - 2pm
Culver City Park October 19 - 2pm
www.wcbartsfoundation.com
310.396.7324

We Tell Stories October 31 - 4pm
Culver City Julian Dixon Library December 6 - 2pm
www.wetellstories.org
323.256.2336

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 04 2008 10:16AM

Culver City Events Calendar

EVENTS IN CULVER CITY FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER  
   Calendar View List View

  October2008  

Program   
sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday
      1
Click Here

Civil Service Commission

Sister City Committee
2
Click Here

A Flea In Her Ear
3
California Arts Day

A Flea In Her Ear
4
STAR ECO Station Presents: The 8th Annual Creepy Crawly Creature Feature

Heritage Fair

A Flea In Her Ear
5
A Flea In Her Ear
6
Disability Advisory Committee

Culver City Redevelopment Agency
7
Annual Fire Prevention Week

Parks & Recreation Commission
8
Click Here

Poetry Night

Parks & Services Foundation

Planning Commission

CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CENTER
9
Click Here
10
City Hall Closed
11
12
Westside Children's Center 15th Annual Children's Arts Festival
13
Click Here
14
Cultural Affairs Commission
15
Click Here

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities Subcommittee

Traffic Committee

Culver City Historical Society Quarterly Meeting
16
Click Here
17
Celebrating Success
18
Lion's Pounce Dance Theater presents Adventure In Wonderland

"Boneyard Bash 4" Fundraising Dinner

Electronic Waste Roundup
19
Lion's Pounce Dance Theater presents Adventure In Wonderland
20
Culver City Redevelopment Agency
21
Fiesta LaBallona
22
Click Here
23
Click Here
24
City Hall Closed
25
Farragut Fall Festival
26 27
Click Here
28
Committee on Homelessness

Committee on Homelessness
29
Click Here

Landlord Tenant Mediation Board
30
Click Here
31
Halloween Party -Culver City After School Program
 

 

0 commentsDorene Slavitz • October 04 2008 10:01AM