The long wait is over! Football is back in America.

Bogies Bar in Westlake Village

By: Todd Perkins

All over the Conejo Valley, Restaurants were packed with excited football fans cheering for their favorite teams and jeering at their rivals. During the Vikings and New Orleans Game on Thursday night, the rematch that kicked off the 2010 season, you could hear the celebrations from the parking lot at many of the sports bars in town.

At Bogies in Westlake Village, the ladies went wild when Brett Farve took the Field for the Minnesota Vikings. Brett had announced his retirement twice in as many years, but has come back to lead the Vikings to the playoffs and boost ratings for the NFL. Farve,who is a NFL poster boy,  has the Midwest looks and a West Coast swagger.

Michael Vick also made waves this weekend. The once NFL MVP, who was convicted of Dog Fighting in 2007, has returned to the NFL as a back- up for the Philadelphia Eagles. The starting Quarterback Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion in the second quarter, opening the door for the Pit Bull fighting Vick to assume control.  Vick lead the Eagles on a vicious comeback against the Green Bay Packers. The atmosphere at Bogies was charged, and all eyes were fixed on Vick. He came up short on the game winning drive, but the TV ratings went through the roof.

With Brett Farve’s drama in the off season, and Michael Vick’s on and off field antics, the NFL is a hot topic all year long. The League has good and bad role models, fanatic fans, and TV ratings that put all other sports to shame. Speaking of other sports, the word Baseball was never heard this last weekend in many circles. Considering the Popularity of college and NFL football as a whole, I would say Football has taken baseballs place as Americas pastime.

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.

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A few points to consider when buying a home or condo with an FHA Loan

By: Sher Hann

I have fielded a lot of questions about using FHA financing to buy a condo or town home. Here are several points to keep in mind.

1. Is the property a condo or town home? This may seem like a simple question, but actually, seeing is not always believing. In Thousand Oaks a number of neighborhoods, while appearing to be single-family homes, are deeded as condos, that is, they are zoned as condos on the county tax assessor’s record.

2. If the property is a condo, then ask, Is the complex approved by FHA? If the complex is already on the FHA-approved list, the escrow process can go fairly quickly and smoothly – a must if you are buying a short-sale or bank-owned property. For an FHA-approved complex, lenders only need to certify that the project remains in compliance with current FHA guidelines. This streamlined process involves a 1-page questionnaire completed by the property manager.

3. If the complex is not FHA-approved, you may still be able to use FHA financing for the purchase, provided you and your lender can get FHA approval during the escrow process. To obtain FHA approval on a complex that had not been reviewed, the lender must obtain significantly more documentation – including a complete set of homeowner governing and financial documents and title records of every unit in the complex. Collecting the required documents is a time-consuming process which necessarily translates into the need for a longer escrow (typically 45-60 days). It is important to plan for that when you make an offer. Most short-sale and bank-owned [properties will not allow the extra time needed.

4. Consider the monthly cost of homeowners’ dues when you are choosing a condo or town home. These can be more than $400 a month – a fair chunk of your monthly payment. HOA monthly dues typically pay for fire/hazard insurance, earthquake insurance, property management fees, and such services as housekeeping, gardening, pool service, plumbing, roof repairs and general building upkeep – all things you would be paying out-of-pocket as a homeowner. However, some complexes have been able to hold costs down for various reasons, while others have seen their monthly dues go up substantially.

5. Give careful consideration to your choice of lender for your FHA financing. Direct-endorsement lenders have contracts with FHA, allowing them to approve and fund the loans directly; generally, these lenders also have the authority to approve condominium projects. If your lender is not a direct-endorsement lender, your loan will be brokered to a third-party for approval and funding. This process will take longer and will be subject to more restrictive guidelines.

For more information, including the latest list of FHA-approved condo complexes, visit the FHA website, or call Brownie Stanisch at 818.681-2401, Prospect Mortgage, your direct-endorsement FHA lender.

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.

sherhann1

The North Ranch Hawk

By: Sher Hann

Little Hudson stepped out into his yard early in the morning, as he usually did, at his home in North Ranch. And, as usual, his owner watched him more closely than he watched the three big dogs who lived there alongside Hudson, who is, after all, only 15 pounds of much-loved white fluff. Suddenly a great shadow loomed over Hudson: a red-tailed hawk, commanding a wingspan of three feet, swooped down to seize its breakfast. Only the dog’s owner’s quick hands saved him from a terrifying flight.

It seems the hawk, along with Hudson and other family pets,  now resides in the vicinity of Fairway Ct. and Golf Course Dr., in North Ranch – a reminder that we all live within a few feet of wildness.

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.

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The Conejo Valley Historical Society Presents . . .

By: Karen Crystal

Make your reservation for the Tales of Old Conejo event. As many of you saw in our historic photos of conejo valley, the Conejo valley became a tourist destination with Goebel’s Wild Animal Farm, later known as Jungleland. At this years event, you’ll get to visit Timber School, find the early Norwegians off on a picnic and get to know Joe Russell, the rancher in what is now Westlake Village.

Guests will be scheduled into groups every 15 minutes beginning at 4:30 p.m. to be guided around the museum property to eight scenes for an hour program of time travel. Refreshments with live music will follow.

Stagecoach Inn Museum 51 S. Ventu Park Road Newbury Park, CA

Click here to sign up

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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.

Karen Crystal

Karen Crystal, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in estate properties. She brings a unique blend of efficiency, honesty, integrity and business-savvy to her clients.

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Offered at $699,999

By: Sher Hann

This airy one-story ideally located in a cul-de-sac in Westlake Hills features updated interior features, high smooth ceilings, newer kitchen amenities, remodeled baths and Quenn Anne street side windows. The gated front entry leads to a charming patio and large private yard with roses and fruit trees.

This is a pocket listing so please contact me by email if you’d like to learn more.

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.

sherhann1

My Son’s letter from Amman, Jordan

By: Sher Hann

For every parent of a child in school, this is a busy and sometimes emotional time of year. My son, now in college, has chosen an unusual place to go back to school: Amman, Jordan. He left early on August 25. Soon he will move in with a host family. Until then, he is ensconced in a hotel that offers intermittent Internet access. Here is his first letter from Amman, complete with slide show: Picture Show 1 from Jordan,

This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.

My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.

My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.

Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).

I hope things are well with all of you back home.

Cheers,

David

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.

Sher Hann

Conejo Valley and the Jungleland days

By: Sher Hann

Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.

My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. It’s a photo from the 1960s that he took at the intersection for Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).

However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm. Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!

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There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.html

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.

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One easy way to help the environment

By: Irma Haldane

Sid Lerner is 79. Known for his successful Charmin toilet paper campaign, he is now focusing on a little different topic he calls, Meatless Monday’s. The cause is self explanatory – it aims to generate a following that abstains from eating meat on Monday. A health cause designed to reduce meat consumption by 15%, the cause is partnered with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The cause does not advocate for the elimination of meat but simply hopes to bring perspective on the strain meat places on the environment. Most people are surprised to know that producing 1 ton of beef requires 140,000 bathtubs full of water (many millions of gallons). Growing the needed crops to feed cows is extremely demanding in terms of natural resources. This is one way to help alleviate the demand.

You can join them on Facebook and they offer daily recipes to help.

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.

Irma Haldane

Irma Haldane, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, represents buyers and sellers throughout the West San Fernando, Conejo and Simi Valleys with specialization in Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

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The hunt for the perfect Bundt

By: Misty Smoke

For nearly 9 months I’ve been in hot pursuit of what some would call the perfect Bundt. However arduous the lengthy process may seem, I must assure you that it has been nothing but pure joy. Although once bashful of attempting to uncover the most prime, flawless Bundt, I have since fully embraced the enticing call.

I was acquainted to the store by way of fluke, that is, I merely stumbled upon the fine establishment on a miserably dreary day last December. My first exposure could be considered somewhat of a tease in that I hadn’t entirely decided what this shop would mean to me. It was not long, however, before I became considerably friendly toward the owners, Tom and Terre Downey. Through snappy rhetoric and my first purchase, my blooming relationship with the store would soon surely reveal the nebulous concept of the premier Bundt.

The first bite was not a fairy tale story of a prince and princess, nor was it entirely repugnant. Instead, as I pulled away from the first bite my eyebrows twitched, raising gently as if to consider the rarity just encountered. Recalling the richness of the chocolate only led me to consider its fluffiness; just as the buttery frosting only led me to ponder its crispness. I was indeed torn. Where to begin? How to approach? How to proceed? The options were immense, yet so simple. Take another bite. The next was a bit larger, again, more interesting, and of course the process continued in scale. Before long the cake was gone and still the desire for the perfect Bundt loomed – now even larger than before. What was a girl to do?

Over a period of 8 months I continued to tease my buds with the most complex of flavors. From dark chocolate to light, from raspberry to carrot and lemon, I knew I had not achieved perfection. I tried pecan swirl and ‘flavors of the month’ to no avail. Then, when the pursuit was ripe, the air began to change. The humidity increased uniformly with the temperature, the trees stopped swaying and the wildlife seemed to disappear. Never mind that it was summer, I was on the verge of discovering the perfect Bundt! I could feel it.

I strolled in to Nothing Bundt Cakes with my usual flaming desire but a bit more casually this time, as if to show my confidence. I struck up a quick conversation and promptly had the one cake that had not yet been consumed. It was the perfect alliance of sugar and eggs, the holy matrimony of vanilla and chocolate – a sensational marble cake. But, alas, after consumption I was fooled! I couldn’t help but think of the famous author Goethe who once said:

“Distance is like the future. A vast twilt entity lies before us, our perception is lost in it and becomes as blurred as our eye site, and we yearn – we yearn to surrender all of ourselves and let ourselves be filled with a single, tremendous, magnificent emotion but alas … when we hurry to the spot, when there becomes here, everything is as it was and we are left standing in our poverty and constraint, our souls longing for the balm that has eluded us.”

I still have yet to find the perfect Bundt, but it’s there. I will keep searching.

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.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

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Coming to Hyatt Westlake

By: Karen Crystal

With more than 60 exhibitors spanning from wedding exhibits to fashion shows, this Sunday Carmen Carter from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will host a Bridal Premier at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 3 pm., guests will enjoy viewing new bridal collections with the opportunity to win one of the headpieces. The exhibitors will answer questions, provide advice on pricing, and assist brides with all aspects of wedding planning.

Held from 12:30pm – 1:30pm, the two fashion shows will show the latest in bridal attire and evening wear from Alayana’s Bridal & Formal of Camarillo and The Bridal Collection and Friar Tux, both of Thousand Oaks.

Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 from the website www.bridalpremiere.com.

For more information, call (805) 376-3515 or (877) 994- 4321

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.

Karen Crystal

Karen Crystal, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in estate properties. She brings a unique blend of efficiency, honesty, integrity and business-savvy to her clients.

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