Tina Stern’s Hollister Ranch Property Featured as LA Times Home of the Week

By: Tina Stern

My listing of 114 Hollister Ranch, Gaviota, California was featured in the Business Section of the Sunday Los Angeles Times on 9.4.2011 as their choice for “Home of the Week” (view here). This 108 acre property with 5 structures is nothing short of magnificent. To view the property, see the YouTube video below or view the property website at www.114hollister.com

The legendary Hollister Ranch. Full parcel Listing. Inaccessible to the public, guard gated 24 hours a day. The 14,400 acre Ranch has 8 ½ miles of private pristine beach frontage for the exclusive use of homeowners. Property includes 2 complete houses, 1 guest house, 1 barn-game room and 1 secluded hilltop hideaway. Located approx. 30 minutes up the coast from Southern California’s most charming city, Santa Barbara. Ranch consists of 136 one hundred acre, or larger parcels. Parcel 114 is nestled in its own private valley. Its approx. 108 acres lie on a private road winding through 100 year old oaks, spring-fed creeks & vistas from rolling hills to pastures & the Pacific Ocean. It offers privacy, security & beauty only minutes to the beach. Whether seeking solitude or staging a grand getaway for family & friends, this is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a virtually unspoiled piece of the California dream right on the most protected coastline in Southern California

Tina Stern

Tina Stern’s Hollister Ranch Property Featured as LA Times Home of the Week

By: Tina Stern

My listing of 114 Hollister Ranch, Gaviota, California was featured in the Business Section of the Sunday Los Angeles Times on 9.4.2011 as their choice for “Home of the Week” (view here). This 108 acre property with 5 structures is nothing short of magnificent. To view the property, see the YouTube video below.

The legendary Hollister Ranch. Full parcel Listing. Inaccessible to the public, guard gated 24 hours a day. The 14,400 acre Ranch has 8 ½ miles of private pristine beach frontage for the exclusive use of homeowners. Property includes 2 complete houses, 1 guest house, 1 barn-game room and 1 secluded hilltop hideaway. Located approx. 30 minutes up the coast from Southern California’s most charming city, Santa Barbara. Ranch consists of 136 one hundred acre, or larger parcels. Parcel 114 is nestled in its own private valley. Its approx. 108 acres lie on a private road winding through 100 year old oaks, spring-fed creeks & vistas from rolling hills to pastures & the Pacific Ocean. It offers privacy, security & beauty only minutes to the beach. Whether seeking solitude or staging a grand getaway for family & friends, this is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a virtually unspoiled piece of the California dream right on the most protected coastline in Southern California

Tina Stern

Miley Cirus buys home in Studio City, Ca

By: Tina Stern

As the listing agent of 11524 Amanda Dr., I recently sold this 5 bedroom, 7 bath home to Miley Cirus in Studio City. This home was featured by the Los Angeles Times as Home of the Week and the NBC show Open House LA. Take a look at this fabulous property below:

Drive up this quiet country lane and discover a one-of-a-kind rare offering nestled atop the hills of Studio City. This astonishingly beautiful setting with lush canyon vistas creates a unique opportunity to toast the sunset with breathtaking unobstructed panoramic views.

The Mid-century modern single story gated and walled compound has been re-imagined from studs to ceiling with meticulous attention to style and design. It combines the ultimate California indoor/outdoor living experience for entertaining and is the perfect celebrity hideaway.

Situated on a private promontory of approximately 1.15 level and useable acres, the home has been beautifully landscaped and features approximately 5173 square feet. An abundance of light floods the open and smart floor plan encompassing the living room, formal dining room and expansive family/media room and kitchen with walls of windows, rich dark stained oak floors and three fireplaces. Additional features include dual zoned HVAC, a 5.1 surround sound family room, iPod docking stations, security alarm system with multiple cameras and phone and data cable. There are speakers located throughout the interior and exterior of the home.

The huge spa inspired master wing includes a sitting room, fireplace, sky light, dual walk in closets, private viewing patio and luxury bath. Enjoy a steam shower, or relax in the Jacuzzi tub while enjoying complete privacy and the peaceful green canyon view.

The expansive professional style state of the art kitchen utilizes top of the line appliances including an imported Bertazzoni range, Rohr faucets, Walker Zanger tiles and Cesar Stone counter tops. The center island topped with exotic wood and the integrated dining peninsula are perfect for grand entertaining or an intimate dinner for two.

Enjoy your workout in the gym while looking out at commanding valley views and the serene saltwater solar heated pool and luxurious pavilion for al fresco dining.

A separate guest unit, 3 car garage and gated motor court with room for approximately 10 cars complete the property.

Close to many sought after schools and minutes from Mulholland, Universal and Warner Brothers Studios with easy access to the west side.

View Floorplan (click on the image to enlarge)

Sold at: $3.9 million

Tina Stern

Help identify lost possessions in case of disaster

By: Tina Stern

Photographing the interior of your home is a great way to document your belongings & most valued possessions, just in case disaster strikes. While it is never convenient for theft, natural disaster, or fire to damage your property, unfortunate things do happen and being prepared can give you a great head start in rebuilding your life.

To create a digital inventory of your home and possessions, simply use a digital camera to take shots of each room at varying angles, while making sure to include all valuable objects. These digital images can later be used to identify your exact losses.

Photos should be stored on a flash drive or CD-R and kept in the safe or safe deposit box, and this digital inventory should be updated every few years.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Be prepared for our next quake

By: Tina Stern

If you’re like most people, after every California earthquake you tell yourself, “I’m going to get prepared for the next one.” Then you don’t do a thing about it.

Well, now you can do something about it. Just by reading this page, doing what it says and saving it. Many earthquake experts in Southern California recommend the following tips to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake.

1. Put together a kit of basic emergency supplies. Include a portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and handbook, wrenches to turn off gas and water valves, and food, water and medication for every member of your family for at least one week.
2. Secure your hot water heater. If your hot water heater falls over during an earthquake, the gas line can rupture and create sparks which can lead to a fire or explosion.
3. Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to shut them off.
4. Secure your tall and heavy furniture. Bookcases, entertainment centers and china cabinets can easily fall over during an earthquake.
5. Put some extra nails in heavy objects that are off the floor such as shelves, mirrors and large picture frames.
6. Hunt for hazard areas in your home. Teach your children to stay away from windows, mirrors and tall furniture.
7. Search for safe places in your home. Show your children how to take cover under a table, desk, or against inside walls.
8. Have a plan to reunite your family after an earthquake. Travel may be difficult and phone lines may be down, so don’t drive or call anyone unless it’s a real emergency.
9. Check for injury or damage after the shaking stops.
10. Above all, do not panic.

Practicing earthquake drills with your entire family and being prepared with the above instructions will put you in a safer position during any ground motion. Stop rumbling about how you’re going to get ready for “the next one.” Prepare for it today. The County of Los Angeles has an Earthquake Survival Program (ESP) with easy monthly preparedness steps.

For more information, call the Office of Emergency Management at (213) 974-1166 or visit the ESP website at www.espfocus.org

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

By: Tina Stern

As many of us were concerned that the federal tax credit for first time home buyers would expire at the end of April, here’s some encouraging news for home buyers and green technology companies. After weeks of bickering over how to cut the deficit-ridden budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers agreed today to give new tax breaks to home buyers and green-technology companies.

Taking effect on May 1, the linchpin of the legislation is the tax credit of up to $10,000 for first-time home buyers and those purchasing newly built homes. For listings in your area visit Sotheby’s Listings.

I will post again when all the details of the program are made available.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

As I talked about this on Monday March 22, here is a follow up to the California home buyer tax credit…

By: Tina Stern

On Monday, the legislature passed AB 183 (Caballero & Ashburn) which would provide $200 million for home buyer tax credits. The Governor is expected to sign AB 183 into law before the end of the week.

AB 183 is designed to help stimulate the economy and create jobs.  The bill allocates $100 million for qualified first time home buyers of existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes. The eligible taxpayer who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit. This credit is equal to the lesser of 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183 purchasers will be required to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e. repay it to the state).

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

By: Tina Stern

If you are one of the only people in Los Angeles who hasn’t noticed yet, there’s a new craze hitting the streets.. They’re rolling food trucks. Below are a few that I think are great.

You can track multiple trucks at: Mobile Cravings, Find LA Food Trucks, Road Stoves

Pastrami on Wheels

The Canter’s Food Truck Is Here

Follow this one on twitter @canterstruck

Canter’s—the classic 24/7 Fairfax deli that for decades has been home to drunk hipsters, retirees and celebs from Monroe to Ali—has gone and joined the 21st century
It’s launching with six sandwiches and a few soups and salads. To dial down your sodium intake, try the Lunch Box, with a half-sandwich, side, pickles, chips and an old-fashioned soda, like a Dr. Brown’s root beer.

Border Grill Truck

Street food twists on its Latino eats. Try the Peruvian Ceviche with lime and ginger.

Kogi BBQ

The Korean fusion tacos are fabulous. Try the short rib taco, wow!

The Gastrobus

Gentrified pub food with farmers’ market ingredients. Try the sweet-potato fries and daily specials like wild mushroom soup.

Dosatruck

Try the crisp lentils crepes with south Indian fillings or the Slumdog, with potato and paneer (cheese), wash it down with a ginger limeade – the truck has a great Sgt. pepper style paint job.

HAPPY EATING, these trucks are fun!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Great News! The appliance stores are all having great Spring sales on appliances and now you can get even more savings with rebates from the government and the utility companies.

By: Tina Stern

The California Appliance Rebate program will begin April 22, 2010. The Energy Commission submitted its proposed Appliance Rebate Program design to the U.S. Department of Energy on October 14, 2009, and it was accepted by the DOE. Three residential appliance categories were selected to be eligible to receive rebates: clothes washers (rebate $100), refrigerators (rebate $200), and room/window air conditioners (rebate $50). These rebates are in addition to existing rebates offered by California’s utilities or appliance manufacturers. The Energy Commission used the list of “pre-screened” appliances from the DOE. To qualify, the appliances must be ENERGY STAR-listed, meet CEE tier standards, and certified to the Energy Commission as meeting all state and federal appliance efficiency standards.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

By: Tina Stern

Swiss bank UBS recently released its tri-annual Prices and Earnings report revealing which of the 73 surveyed cities in the world had the most purchasing power (in terms of the local costs of goods) after taxes were deducted from the average hourly pay. Forbes Magazine further analyzed the data and listed the top 100 highest-Paid cities in the world. While this data isn’t all that useful in practical terms, it’s always interesting to see the facts and figures and how we fit into the global picture. Here are the top ten cities according to this data.

1. Zurich, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $22.60 (Gross pay per hour: $30.30).
2. Geneva, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $20.40 (Gross pay per hour: $29.20).
3. New York City: Net pay per hour: $19 (Gross pay per hour: $26.10).
4. Dublin, Ireland: Net pay per hour: $18.70 (Gross pay per hour: $22).
5. Luxembourg City: Net pay per hour: $18.20 (Gross pay per hour: $22.40).
6. Copenhagen, Denmark: Net pay per hour: $17.70 (Gross pay per hour: $32.80).
7. Los Angeles: Net pay per hour: $17.40 (Gross pay per hour: $23.90).
8. Oslo, Norway: Net pay per hour: $15.80 (Gross pay per hour: $24.40).
9. Helsinki, Finland: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.30).
10. Miami: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.10).

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern