This news comes from my friend, Susan Raffler, at Michael’s Travel Centre.

This Lakeshore beauty was  recently remodeled to the nines! Located on a cul-de-sac and backing a greenbelt, 32030 Viewlake Lane, Westlake Village, CA, has an open floor plan with a great room, 4 BR and 3 BA. One suite, equipped with a Murphy bed, is downstairs. Stainless-steel appliances, granite counter-tops and a built-in refrigerator grace the kitchen. Wood flooring and smooth ceilings run throughout the interior. A front courtyard and a rear patio provide additional living areas. This all-electric home has newer windows and sliders, plus an attached 2-car garage. There are 3 community pools, a paddle tennis court, and lots of paths throughout the community. Las Virgenes schools and all the amenities of Westlake Village, are nearby.

Listed at $3,300 a month. Call or text me (805.906.1001) to see this turn-key lease listing.

Wild Cherries Coffee Shop, Truckee, CA, Dec. 2011

Here’s a bit of trivia about “the fairest picture the whole earth affords” (Mark Twain).

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (1,644 feet), after Oregon’s Crater Lake (1,932 feet), and the 11th deepest in the world.

If Lake Tahoe were drained, the state of California would be buried under 15 feet of water.

Lake Tahoe contains enough water to to supply everyone in the U.S. with more than 75 gallons of water a day for five years.

Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

Lake Tahoe never freezes; it’s too deep.

Some 2.7 million visitors come to Lake Tahoe each year.

Skiing at Lake Tahoe

A rare one-story find! Sharp town home with two private bedrooms, each with its own bath. There is also a large bedroom/office with custom built-ins. The home was remodeled/updated in 2005 with newer kitchen cabinets, appliances and charming tile counter-tops, plus smooth ceilings and newer flooring (tile and carpet). The living room has a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. There is an inside laundry room leading to the two-car attached garage. An enclosed patio off the living room and a courtyard off the office and bedrooms offer additional space and light. The home is situated in a private location amidst trees, greenbelts, community pool and tennis courts.

Listed at $449,000.

To see this lovely home, please contact me (805.906.1001, text or call).

With bargain home prices out there, you may be tempted to buy investment properties – certainly a good long-term strategy for building wealth. In fact, a chart from MSN

But being a landlord can be a hassle. Here is a good Wall Street Journal article to help you determine if being a landlord is a good fit for you:

Ten Tips for High Value Home Appraisals

And, of course, the same advice goes for appraisals when you are a home seller.

Joel McCrea

Historic McCrea Ranch, located at the base of the Norwegian Grade, was home to legendary film actor and western movie hero Joel McCrea. Originally purchased in 1933, the ranch has a long tradition of dry land farming. Joel and his wife of 57 years, movie star Frances Dee, raised their three sons here, living a simple lifestyle and actively participating in the community. The family, along with hired hands, farmed and ranched the land, raised feed crops for animals, and ran an average 150 head of cattle. In 1995, the McCree: family donated 225 acres of the ranch, including the family home, to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

The new 1,400-square-foot Visitor Center, which includes an exhibit/display area, meeting room, restrooms, and an expansive deck, will offer a variety of interpretive, educational and programming opportunities. The Visitor Center vividly portrays family ranch life during the 1930s -1950s.

The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation exists to honor and preserve the legacy of Joel and Frances McCrea by raising and managing funds to support the restoration and preservation of McCrea Ranch.

Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be managed through scheduled programs with CRPD. As the trained docent and volunteer base expands, and funds are available, hours of operation will be established allowing the Visitor Center, as well as other parts of the ranch, to be open to the general public.

For the visitors center, call 805.495.2163.

Don’t jump for joy yet, however. Even if you your loan is held by Fannie or Freddie, if you also have an equity line or a second trust deed, your chances for refinancing are not good unless you can pay off this second loan.

This charming one-story home on a cul-de-sac has a large lot with lush landscaping and great privacy. Interior features include new carpet and kitchen flooring, fresh paint, some bathroom fixtures (all done in Oct. 2011), plus newer heating and air. The roof has been replaced and the landscaping recently refreshed. This is an excellent 3 + 2 floor plan with a large family room open to the kitchen and to a patio and yard; the living room has fireplace. A nice-sized master BR opens to a second patio and a secluded backyard with mature trees. This home is conveniently located near Trader Joe’s, parks, open space, schools, shopping and Los Robles Hospital.

Listed at $459,000.