Westside Story

OK, the fates have narrowed the field for our house hunting. 520 Thrift and its neighbors on Birdella- we loved those houses. Big, big yards, lots of house, great schools. While the neighborhood is currently OK, the narrow switchbacks and roads greatly hamper fire personnel. Also, there's no ingress or egress untill all the road closures are lifted. If you live in one of these areas, it is certainly tempting to invest in the services of a gel company to come and spray your property if the fires get close. It costs about $50,000 to buy a truck rig and about $2000 per property to spray. It's a bit like slime. There are home kits for the do-it-yourselfer, but if a fire is that darned close, it may be the very last thing you do. So fire clearance is now on the list of mandatory requirements for our home. No narrow streets, no neighbors with overgrown brush, no shake roofs, no overhanging trees that happen to be oaks (since oaks require permits to be cut down). It's a good th...

There’s no baby like your baby. Every baby is different, and every baby’s parents have a story. The March of Dimes cares about ALL babies – those born healthy and those that need our help to survive. You and your baby can show your support for the March of Dimes by telling the world your story on the Every Baby Has a Story Bus. Farmers has pledged $20 for each person who climbs aboard the Story Bus and tells their story. The Story Bus is traveling across the country, gathering baby stories. It’s equipped with "story stations" where you can tell your baby story via video or type it in. You can even add your baby’s story from your own computer. When you’re done, you can see your story and other baby’s stories online or send a link to share with others. Not every baby’s story starts with "Once upon a time," but with the help of the March of Dimes, every baby has a chance at a "Happily every after." Check out the Story Bus at www.everybabyhasastory.org OK Moms...

The house on Dunleer just wasn't too be. The fact that the house itself was a tear down wasn't so bad... but the incredible noise of a future COMMUTER TRAIN passing through the back yard on a daily basis every 15-30 minutes plus the traffic noise currently experienced was a deal killer. I'm beginning to really like the Cheviot Hills/Rancho Park area. The schools within walking distance are good, the high school is the music magnet, the lots below Pico are large and homes are sized for larger families. At 5 PM on a weekend there were families in the front yards washing cars, riding bicycles down the sidewalk and tossing footballs. We haven't seen that in Bel-air.

So nice to hear from you today. Yes, we are still looking for the perfect house and of course we will call you up to start the loan docs the minute we see something. By the way, I hear that Countrywide Bank is offering 5.7% on their 6 month CD's. What's your current rate? http://www.bankrate.com is my new friend. I just found a local credit union with a 1 yr "special rate" CD of 6.02% Might as well park a portion of the house proceeds in a decent yield.

This house meets none of our criteria- except perhaps aesthetic. 1. Size- it's 2 bed- 1 bath 2. Geography- it's in WeHo 3. Yard- there isn't one 4. Schools- 4/10 Greatschools However, I always wanted to live in Dracula's castle. 7924 ROMAINE ST http://www.redfin.com/stingray/do/printable-listing?utm_source=myredfin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=listings_update&utm_nooverride=1&listing-id=752903

er·u·di·tion [er-yoo-dish-uhn, er-oo-] –noun knowledge acquired by study, research, etc.; learning; scholarship. Find a place, study the heck out of it, then go see if we can have a meaningful relationship. Our subject today- 2720 Dunleer Pl, 90064 asking $1,150,000 Big, big yard- needs some landscaping and fruit trees, but plenty of room. Beds: 3 Baths: 1.5 Small and dated floor plan. Needs updating and probably a second floor for us. Area: Cheviot Hills - Rancho Park Some of the best public elementary schools and middle schools in LAUSD. Excellent GREATSCHOOLS scores. Backyard backs up to the old Exposition Blvd train right of way and the school parking lot. House andard are bordered to the west by busy Overland Blvd. 30 days on the market Sales pitch: Great opportunity on cul-de-sac in Rancho Park - charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with beautiful landscaping and HUGE backyard. This house has an ideal layout. Large living room with fireplace and French doors to patio and backyard...

Sorry, no open houses this weekend. The six humans had a miserable case of food poisoning. I'd love to blame the realtor sandwiches, but the kids didn't go on the Tuesday tour with us. The latest suspect is homemade cantaloupe ice.