I drove past Newhall Hardware and did a double take as I read the fluorescent signs pasted all over the front windows stating "Quitting business sale" WHAT!! I almost crashed into the car ahead of me!!  One of the oldest businesses in the Santa Clarita is going out of business.  I still can't believe it.  This was one of the few places  you could still go where you could explain a project you were working on and get what you need.  You could also count on some good advice on how to do it as well.  I'm going to have to get used to seeing blank stares back on future projects when I go to the National chains.  If I am able to find someone! I cannot think of another true "Hardware store" here in the Santa Clarita Valley so what are our options if the big chains don't have the hard to find p... 02/09/2008

Did you hire the right real estate agent?  Does your real estate agent know what they are doing?  In almost every occupation when applying for a job the first part of the process is to provide a prospective employer a resume, references, and past accomplishments.  This is the starting point in the hiring process in corporate America.   The resume highlights the experience, education, and background of the applicant before they are even considered for employment.  Many are hired by referrals from others because employers prefer to work with people they know than someone just off the streets but in most cases they have some prior experience in the chosen field.What was the hiring process you went through in determining the competency of your Real Estate Agent?  Where they referred to you,... 02/09/2008

I just receieved an update from Donna Deutchman CEO of Habitat For Humanity representing both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.  Donna updated us as to the most recent developments and the local efforts in fundraising.  As of 2/2008 this local chapter has raised $120,000 to date and counting. This is an incredible achievement and a testimony to those actively involved.  These needed funds are critical in seeing that local disaster fire victims can be assisted in rebuilding when local and national efforts are not sufficient or they don't qualify for certain funds because they don't fit the "criteria".  Read about local Santa Clarita business people and their efforts to make this happen here in Santa Clarita by clicking on Habitat for Humanity SCV   Habitat for Humanity is now ... 02/08/2008

I just wanted to take a minute and give an update on my perspective of the current real estate economy in Southern California. More specifically the Santa Clarita Valley (Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch and West Ridge) and the San Fernando Valley. While we all realize that the real estate market in both the Santa Clarita Valley and the San Fernando Valley has been some what depressed (to say the least) over the past year or more. I'm  not here to say that we have hit the bottom and are on the rebound. Because we probably have not. What I see is that it dosen't make any difference if you are looking to buy your home. I am the managing partner and broker of Vintage Sotheby's International Realty in Valencia, California.We are seeing a tremendous amount ... 02/07/2008

Hi, just wanted to welcome and union people to my blog. Been a tough several months if you're a member of the writer's union or any of the other people union or not who have been affected.I'm keeping my finger's crossed. I am a current member of SAG and AEA and keep up with the latest in the entertaiment world.On to the real estate market. Very difficult times; however, a great time for a buyer to find that "perfect" house. Well, I put it in quotes because we all know that the perfect house is always on the wrong lot. Or the perfect location with the perfect lot has an imperfect house.But, that being said, with all of the inventory, and seller's needing in some cases to "unload" their home for a multitude of reasons, the buyer has the upper hand or what we call a buyer's market. In the ... 02/04/2008

It is a sad day in Santa Clarita, an old friend is on the verge of disappearing for good. Newhall Hardware is closing its doors after there liquidation sale is over. Why are they closing? It seems that competition from the big guys, the economy, and a new traffic patteren have all contributed to the final days..If you asked anyone in the SCV where you could get an obscure object, most people would ask "have you checked Newhall Hardware" Man they had every thing. Opened in 1947 by Don Guglielmino, whom owned and operated it until long time employee Victor Feany bought it in 1998. You could go there and ask just about any one a question on a "how to project". Most of the guys that used to work there were retired from the construction trade of some sort. And they would give you a good idea... 01/29/2008

If you ever used the excuse that you would like to go to an MLS soccer match but it's too far from Santa Clarita?  Have you ever thought I would like to give back to something worthwhile in our community but I don't know where to begin or what to get involved in?  Well you have an opportunity to do both soon as Chivas USA and Columbus Crew descend upon Santa Clarita playing at College of the Canyons in Valencia. Here's your chance to watch professional soccer locally and support a local charity at the same time who's sole purpose is to help Children with Cancer.  Take a moment to learn about Michael Hoefflin and why the Michael Hoefflin Foundation was created. Hope to see you at the game and at future events! All proceeds going to benefit the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's C... 01/28/2008

I met Chuck Maier at the Santa Clarita Business Expo a little over a year ago.  Unlike the other booths who were selling their wares and services, Chuck had his own booth and was sharing information about his and his wife Teri's Project.  What project? Mac's Project.  What's Mac's Project?  One of the most important projects I have participated in.   Read below. I was touched after learning about her battle with cancer and took action.  Many times we have good intentions but we don't follow through.  This is a no brainer and I have been personally contributing by recycling my water bottles, soda cans, mostly items you can drink from, ever since meeting Chuck that day.  It is such an easy way to not only make a difference in keeping Santa Clarita and our planet beautiful, but you are hel... 01/24/2008

If my neighbor's tree falls on my house and I sustain damage to my roof, whose fault is it? This is a common question I am asked. The answer is that the insurance company considers this to be an 'act of nature' - no one's fault.You homeowner's insurance policy covers any damage to your roof done by wind, hail or ice - no matter whose tree it is. It is then your responsibility as a homeowner to avoid any further damage by having the tree removed and then covering your roof if it is exposed. 01/24/2008

Ladies and Gentlemen, and my Active Rain Friends and associates.  If you are going to be, or are already, in the Santa Clarita Valley and wish to have a great time with some fantastic food, drink and by attending a great FUNDRAISER to benefit Canyon Country High School Boosters, then continue reading.Chef Cameron will be Catering (Wild Honey Catering) this event who has "the" best Chicken Enchiladas that I have ever tasted.  He is definately "top-shelf" and one of a kind.  Keep his number (661.312.1245 - hurley72@tmail.com - Cameron McClean)close for you event if it is taking place in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.There will be "adult" beverages served, with gambling to boot.  Read the Flyer below and I look forward to seeing you at this event to earn money for a GREAT cause, our ... 01/22/2008

Attention top producing agents in the Santa Clarita, California area. I just want to let you know that I am looking for agents to assist in home and mold inspections, if you already have a Home and Mold inspector great. However, I would still like to be a back up if they cannot assist you for that inspection, for everyone knows that you are short on time and you needed that inspection done yesterday not next week. Our promise to you will be:1) The inspector will be there at the day and time agreed upon.2) Client satisfaction with a completed report on site, the report will be easy to read, and all of the photos will be in color. Plus you will have the photos on a CD disk.Thank you for your time. Please visit my website at http://www.thompsonsinspection.com Jeff Thompson. 01/21/2008

Once you do not have a teenager or anyone under age 25 living at home, be sure to let your insurance agent know right away. You may be eligible for a rate reduction. If anything changes in your circumstances, talk to your agent and let them advise you on how you can save some money. 01/14/2008

I live north of Los Angeles, in a city of 200,000 people. Residential real estate prices seem to have leveled off for now. Does anyone else notice this is their market, or are we just one of the unique cities where the economy is doing alright? I am just curious what anyone else is observing. 01/14/2008

Be sure to have your heart ready for this one! As always, all my best and Happy New Year!!! 01/02/2008

Real Estate search engines are pretty much the same when it comes down to it.  You can get fancy ones that will show the clients properties in cute bubbles and display the listings in a more dramatic fashion.  Or you can get something that resembles the Local Multiple Listing Service that us Real Estate Agents use to search for properties for our clients.To ask those that are searching for homes to register to view any of the active listings, is that something that is good or something that is bad?  I don't know if you are able to really label it Good or Bad.  Here is my position, I have had it required for people to register before conducting a search.  I have had people have to register after viewing 5-10 listings.  I have had people have to register before they can even access the se... 01/01/2008

Biblically it is spoken that we should not worry about tomorrow but only concern ourselves with today.  It justifies that statement by talking about there being enough to digest for the present and tomorrow will take care of itself.I notice when I worry about things they only seem to get worse.  But when I relax and leave them to handle themselves, after I have done all I can, they seem to take care of themselves.  What is that about?  How does it work that when we don not focus on the negative but only on the positive, we seem to attract positive things?I want to take a moment of your precious time and welcome in the year of 2008.  At the time I am writing this blog post, the calendar has already moved forward.  When it is midnight in Los Angeles, where we live, it will already will ha... 12/31/2007

12/24/2007

If you're a guy looking for a haircut in Santa Clarita there are not a whole lot of choices to choose from.  You can either go to the local "Barber" like some of us used to as a kid, which is great if you want a buzz cut, or you can roll the dice and get a "super, fantastic" haircut.  Better yet, you can go to a hair salon and pay 40+ bucks like the rest of the girls not including your manicure and pedicure.  We shouldn't pay anymore or less for a haircut RIGHT GUYS!!!  We should suck it up and breath in the alluring mixture of nail polish, hair colorant, and hair spray, and smile to ourselves because we have smelt worse right!  Are you a girly man I THOUGHT NOT!  We now have another option to choose from here in Santa Clarita thanks to Sport Clips.  My first experience with Sport Clips... 12/22/2007

This may or may not be up your alley, but if you are into scripture then you will likely splurge on this dinnerware.  Pamela Gallagher of Splurge Alley located in Canyon Country here in Santa Clarita California is a reseller for Feed on the Word dinnerware and her sales are growing like a feeding frenzy. Everyday our families are force fed a daily menu of secular entities trying to remove God from our daily lives.  It's up to God loving families to fight back and instill those values at home.  Great opportunities avail themselves to share the word with your family or friends around the dinner table.   A particular verse could spark a conversation or prayer as you give thanks for your meal.  A bowl of soup could inspire a small group,  a plate or cup would bring the topic up?. There is a... 12/19/2007

 Donna Nuzzi is the City of Santa Clarita Emergency Services Supervisor.  Here is her tip for December.  This is a monthly series by Donna which provides important Emergency Preparedness information to the general public and  subscribers to the Real Estate News, Views and Insights.   This is vital information we need to know. Identity Theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name. They may even commit crimes while impersonating you! Also know that these protective measures will not guarantee that a criminal will not get access to your credit from a "less than cautious" credit grantor. There are many ways to steal private information about you (i.e., anyone who has access to your social s... 12/19/2007