Do you remember Old Glory the tree? The tree is the symbol of the Stevenson Ranch Boy Scout Troop 499

OLD GLORY

Some of you may remember who are not from Stevenson Ranch that this tree made history it had inspired tree sitters and activists to rally behind her. The tree sitters and activists were concerned that this tree which is aged 400+ years old would not survive the move. Old Glory had world press coverage back on January 20, 2004 for being the world's largest transplanted tree documented by The Guiness World Records. This tree was adopted by the local Boy Scout Troop as it's symbol and I am happy to report that to this day the tree is alive and thriving.

Let me introduce you to Stevenson Ranch Boy Scout Troop 499

There lives a great big tree... She belongs to you and me! "Old Glory" is her name, and she's gained a lot of fame... A magnificent Valley Oak, deep-rooted in a canyon of Stevenson Ranch, where she has thrived for over 400 years! During the cold of winter, this mighty oak tree is dormant, storing up tremendous energy. As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm, the first signs of life begin to appear. Her fresh new cloak of green leaves burst out almost overnight and is a sight to behold! Enhanced by the majestic blue skies above, these images fill us with inspiration and the desire to explore nature's boundless beauty filled with limitless adventures. These oak trees were also vital in sustaining the lives of the Indigenous Peoples of this valley, not only with food from its acorns, but with a jet black pigment as well, produced by having the bark boiled and mixed with the iron oxides of the soil to be used in tattooing, coloring of baskets, fish nets, and hides. We're 499 the Boy Scout Troop, and she's the symbol of our group! Way-o Way-o! The vision which led to the formation of "Old Glory" Troop 499 was inspired by the need for a local Boy Scout program where the emphasis is on outdoor experiences and time-honored traditions; a Troop for the boys of Cub Pack 499, and the youth of our community. On November 14, 2004, the founders, Jim Chikato and Nina Rettke, held the Inaugural Ceremony and Celebration beneath the boughs of "Old Glory", unveiling the vision, and acknowledging the willingness of the newly formed Troop 499 Committee and Leadership to promote and enhance the Boy Scouts of America program of this newly formed unit. We wear three colors, and each represents something special to us; defining our spirit! The green of "Old Glory's" leaves is symbolic of bridging new Scouts into our Troop in early April. This is what sustains the life of our Troop! The skies of blue inspire us, promoting inner peace and the desire to learn, to be understanding; guiding us along our path in life, a life based on values, good deeds, and honor. The black segment of our neckerchief anchors our Troop patch proudly displaying "Old Glory", the symbol of our Troop. She stands for determination, perseverance, and longevity; reminding us of our "deep-rooted" heritage!
My husband and I are original committee members for this Boy Scout Troop. I was the secretary, my husband was the Board of Review Coordinator, Assistant Scout Master, and a Patrol leader. From the beginning we have had the pleasure watching this troop grow and inspire young boys to become future leaders and innovators of this country. Since it's inception this troop has promoted 2 boys to the rank of Eagle Scout!

If you live in the Stevenson Ranch area and are looking for an activity for your son to get involved in I encourage you to look into Pack 499/Cub Scouts and Troop 499/ Boy Scouts for a life time of memorable exciting experiences! If you would like to visit their website go to: http://www.oldglorytroop499.com/.

Santa Clarita is home to many popular movie and tv shows

The City of Santa Clarita is a quiet bedroom community located in North Los Angeles County home to Six Flags Magic Mountain Amusement Park, but is also home to many popular movies and tv shows did you know this? The next time you watch some of these shows you will be seeing the beautiful city of Santa Clarita and you dont even realize it! Entertainment is Santa Clarita's fourth-largest industry. I would like to share with you some of the many movies and tv shows that have been shot here.

Here are a few that I found: Pump Up the Volume which was filmed in Saugus High School, Heroes, filmed at Golden Valley High School and West Ranch High School, NCIS, CSI, and Christine filmed in Valencia. The HBO Series Big Love shoots in Mentryville. In addition to these productions short-lived series, Freaks and Geeks was filmed at and around William S. Hart High School. The Secret World of Alex Mack was filmed at Charles Helmers Elementary School in Santa Clarita. Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was also filmed in parts of Santa Clarita and Castaic as well. Santa Clarita was destroyed by a ficticious nuclear bomb in the tv series 24. FX's The Riches and Jag were also filmed in Santa Clarita. The HBO series, Deadwood is filmed in Placerita Canyon at Melody Ranch Studios, once owned by Gene Autry. The Showtime series, Weeds is filmed in various locations around Stevenson Ranch and at the College of the Canyons. Sierra Vista Junior High's gym was used to shoot the movie Mr. Woodcock. Santa Clarita has a long history of doubling for other places, on occasion it is credited as itself in the opening of Ocean's Thirteen when Clooney and crew are attempting to rob a Toys R Us. The movie Vacancy was largely filmed in Santa Clarita.

In the 1970s, The Dukes of Hazzard, CHiPs, Charlie's Angels, and Knight Rider were filmed in and around Santa Clarita Valley.

Golden Oak Ranch is a property owned by the Walt Disney Company located east of the 14 in Newhall. This has been used as a location for several Disney features.

Santa Clarita is also featured in many national tv commercials as well as various music videos. The Foo fighter's recently did a video at the Valencia Town Center.

I hope you enjoyed learning something new about this great community, I am a proud resident and Realtor of Santa Clarita. I look forward to sharing more information with you all.

Families Come First In Santa Clarita

There are so many beautiful parks within The Ctiy of Santa Clarita limits. While planning the development of this community you can clearly see that our city has made sure to include parks for the citizens to enjoy. You will see many sports programs like soccer, baseball or football practicing or competing, or people just walking their dogs. Many of the parks host concerts or arts and crafts fairs as well. This is just one of many reasons why people are attracted to living here Santa Clarita. Families come first!

Parks
Almendra Park
Begonias Lane Park
Bouquet Canyon Park
Bridgeport Park
Canyon Country Park
Central Bark
Central Park
Circle J Ranch Park
Creekview Park
Newhall Park
North Oaks Park
Oak Spring Park
Old Orchard Park
Pamplico Park
Santa Clarita Park
Todd Longshore Park
Valencia Glen Park
Valencia Heritage Park
Valencia Meadows Park
Veterans Historical Plaza

You may click on each of the park names to find out about each park individually. The outer lying areas of Santa Clarita also have many beautiful parks and recreation areas that are not shown on this map such as Richard Rioux park in Stevenson Ranch. I hope you enjoy this post.

Stevenson Ranch Market Report/Homes For Sale September 25, 2008

Homes for sale in Stevenson Ranch. As your Santa Clarita Realtor I am here to provide you with the most current home and condo sales information in the Stevenson Ranch area which includes Southern Oaks and Sunset Point.

This is a picture of Six Flags Magic Mountain located here in Santa Clarita.

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there are a combination of 85 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $279,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $666,598 Days on Market: 90
Maximum List Price: $2,300,000 Days on Market: 400

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 18:
There were a combination of 87 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $224,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $667,078 Days on Market: 92
Maximum List Price: $2,300,000 Days on Market: 393

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there are 28 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 250,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 563,469 Days on Market: 73
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 495

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 18:
There were 26 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 250,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 535,755 Days on Market: 56
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 393

PENDING AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there are 35 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $239,990 Days on Market: 4
Average List Price: $481,962 Days on Market: 75
Maximum List Price: $799,000 Days on Market: 375

PENDING AS OF SEPTEMBER 18:
There were 36 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $256,500 Days on Market: 0
Average List Price: $518,500 Days on Market: 59
Maximum List Price: $999,000 Days on Market: 317

HOMES/CONDO'S SOLD IN THE PAST 30 DAYS:
17 listings SOLD in Stevenson Ranch.
Minimum Sale Price: $268,900 Days on Market: 0
Average Sale Price: $572,635 Days on Market: 80
Maximum Sale Price: $1,125,000 Days on Market: 334

With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current home sales statistics in the Stevenson Ranch Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All properties are different and an in depth comparative market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Stevenson Ranch, there are many different homes for sale. Whether your buying or selling I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your property in front of buyers to get your property sold.

To see the latest market activity in Stevenson Ranch click on the Stevenson Ranch Market Report button located in the archives.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.

Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Stevenson Ranch homes for sale, or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.riccosellshomes.com/ and click on the Search MLS button.

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS

Valencia Market Report/Homes For Sales September 25, 2008

Homes for sale in Valencia. As your Santa Clarita Realtor I am here to provide you with the most current single family home sales information for the entire Valencia area.

This picture is the Valencia Town Center.

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there are 203 single family homes for sale in Valencia.
Minimum List Price: $295,000 Days on Market: 0
Average List Pirice: $688,080 Days on Market: 93
Maximum List Price: $3,350,000 Days on Market: 566

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF AUGUST 24:
There were 224 single family homes for sale in Valencia.
Minimum List Price: $250,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Pirice: $671,045 Days on Market: 92
Maximum List Price: $3,350,000 Days on Market: 534

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there is 40 homes in back up offer status.
Minimum List price: $295,000 Days on Market: 2
Average List Price: $482,754 Days on Market: 67
Maximum List Price: $950,000 Days on Market: 410

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF AUGUST 14:
There were 35 homes in back up offer status.
Minimum List price: $295,000 Days on Market: 2
Average List Price: $530,671 Days on Market: 55
Maximum List Price: $959,000 Days on Market: 347

PENDING AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
Currently there are 59 homes pending.
Minimum List Price: $299,000 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $531,272 Days on Market: 67
Maximum List Price: $2,199,900 Days on Market: 332

PENDING AS OF AUGUST 14:
There were 57 homes pending.
Minimum List Price: $285,250 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $555,642 Days on Market: 71
Maximum List Price: $2,250,000 Days on Market: 370

HOMES SOLD IN THE PAST 30 DAYS:
45 Homes SOLD in Valencia.
Minimum Sale Price: $305,000 Days on Market: 1
Average Sale Price: $559,647 Days on Market: 50
Maximum List Price: $2,000,000 Days on Market: 347

With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current home sales statistics for the entire Valencia Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All homes are different and an indepth comparitive market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Valencia, there are many different homes for sale.Whether your buying or selling a home in Valencia, I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your home infront of buyers to get your home sold.

To see the current market activity go to Jennifer's Blog button and click on Valencia Home Sales.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would you like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.
Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Valencia homes for sale or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/ then click on the Search MLS button.

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS

Buyer in Santa Clarita are experiencing multiple offers

Buyers looking to purchase in Santa Clarita have been watching and waiting for the right opportunity to jump into the market hoping to capture a bargain, many have made the choice to do just that. Home prices have steadliy declined back to prices before the real estate boom, these homes may be regular listings, short sales, or bank owned properties.
This activity has sellers's experiencing mulitple offers. Many of the properties seeing offers presented to them over the list price. With this happening, many buyers are in competition for the same property, they are growing frustrated waiting to see if their offer is the lucky one to be choosen.
Short sale listings are being listed well below market value thus generating interest and multilple offers. With short sales though the bank is the one who sets the approved sale price. Just to get the bank to set an approved sale price could take months. With this time frame it has driven many buyers away from short sale listings, they need a home now not months from now.
With REO's (bank owned) the sale price has been predetermined and the home is sold "as is". You will need money to put new carpets in, paint, new landscaping due to the dead landscaping and costly repair expenses due to the home being trashed. These homes are also seeing multiple offers which drives the price up from the original list price.
At this point whether your buying or selling, anything could be a deal breaker or extend the close of escrow. There are so many factors that come into play when buying or selling a home. Financing being a major factor with strictor guidelines and most of the down payment assistance programs being phased out in October.
As a buyer in Santa Clarita I encourage patients, be persistant, and work with a skilled real estate agent that is giving you all the details of a listing before you put an offer in. Be prepared in many cases to counter offer or decide to move onto the next property.

If you would like to see what the Santa Clarita market is doing go to: SCVHOMES4SALE.INFO and click on the Search MLS Button.

Santa Clarita Home Sales are up 22% from a year ago

Santa Clarita Valley home sales up 22%
Sales of existing single-family homes increased 22.2 percent throughout the Santa Clarita Valley during July with the 237 closed escrows up 43 transactions from the 194 total of a year ago, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported on Thursday, Aug. 28.
According to the sales statistics the median price of single-family homes sold last month was $441,000, down 22.6 percent from a year ago, well below the record high of $643,000 reached in April 2006.
Most of the sales activity is concentrated on homes listed for less than $500,000, which then pulls the overall median price lower.
At the current pace of sales, the inventory represents a 5.5-month supply. Industry experts believe a balanced market - where neither buyer nor seller hold sway - appears when there is a 5- to 6-month supply.
The mismatch between the public's view and reality often leads to fruitless negotiations as buyers think sellers must accept ridiculously low purchase offers.
"Realtors need to educate buyers before they even get in the car to go look at a property," Chastain-Shine president of the Southland Association of Realtors Santa Clarita Valley Division said. "Buyers think they can negotiate with the bank on a foreclosed property, but there really is very little room for negotiations when you have a financial institution struggling to recover money invested in a property."

Home Fire Safety Guide

This checklist is designed to help homeowners determine areas of a home that need to be checked for fire safety concerns. This check list does not represent all of the areas of a home that need the be checked or maintained.

The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. In 1992, fire was the third leading cause of preventable deaths at home. Every year there are more than 400,000 home fires serious enough to be reported to local fire departments. According to the National Fire Protection Agency Fires account for roughly $4 billion in property losses annually, and the long-term damage to fire victims and their loved ones is incalculable.
You can use this fire safety checklist to increase your awareness of how fires can occur. By spotting hazards and taking some simple precautions, most fires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.

Sources of Fire

Home heating equipment is associated with nearly a third of all home fires. Hundreds of injuries and deaths each year result from contact burns and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wood Stoves

Is your wood stove installed away from combustible walls?
Does a non-combustible floor protector extend 18 inches beyond your wood stove on all sides, to reduce the chances of your floor igniting?
Has your stove and its installation met fire and building codes?
Has your chimney recently been inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep if necessary to avoid buildup of flammable creosote?
Do you use and maintain fires in your stove only as recommended by the manufacturer?
Do you burn only recommended fuels?

Kerosene Heaters

Purchase only kerosene heaters that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
Do you know if your local and state codes and regulations allow the use of kerosene heaters? (Ask your fire marshal.)
Do you know to burn kerosene only, and never to mix even the slightest bit of gasoline or any other fuel with kerosene in your heater?
Are your fuel containers properly labeled to reduce the chance of mistaking gasoline for kerosene?
Are you careful always to use K1 kerosene? Other grades contain more sulfur and will increase emissions, endangering your health.
Are you careful never to fill the heater while it is operating or still hot? Refueling outdoors, when the device has cooled will prevent spillage which could ignite or ignition from the hot surface.
Is your heater placed where it will not be knocked over or block an escape route in the event of a fire?
Is the heater in a room which is well ventilated (an open door or window is enough) to prevent indoor air pollution?
Do you carefully keep anything that can burn, such as fabrics and flammable liquids at least 3 feet away from an open flame?
Do you know how to activate the manual shut-off switch if a flare-up occurs? Never try to move the heater or smother the flames with a rug or blanket.

Gas-Fueled Space Heaters

Did you follow the manufacturer's instructions for where and how to use unvented gas space heaters?
Are you aware it is dangerous to use unvented gas space heaters in bathrooms and bedrooms?
Do you follow the manufacturer's instructions for igniting the pilot light? Gas vapors can accumulate and ignite explosively.
If matches are needed to light the pilot, do you strike the match before you turn on the gas, in order to prevent gas buildup?
Do you keep all flammable and combustible materials at lest 3 feet away from gas-fueled appliances?
Is there a propane gas cylinder stored in the body of your propane heater or anywhere in your house? This practice is very dangerous and generally prohibited in the United States.

Cooking Equipment

Do you keep constant watch on anything that is cooking?
Are pot holders, plastic utensils, and dish towels hung or stored away from your cooking range? These items can catch fire.
Do you enforce a "kid-free zone" three feet around your range?
Do you roll up long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins when you are cooking?
Do you store candy or cookies somewhere other than above your range? This will reduce the temptation kids feel to climb on cooking equipment.
Are you careful never to use a chair as a step stool in the kitchen, especially when your range is operating?

Cigarette Lighters and Matches

Do you keep lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet?
Do you make sure that cigarette butts are cold before emptying ashtrays?
Do you check furniture where smokers have been sitting for unintentionally dropped smoking materials? (Dropped cigarette butts can smolder for hours before igniting.)
Are you careful to use deep sturdy ashtrays and to place them on sturdy surfaces where they are unlikely to be knocked over and to avoid placing them on the arms of chairs or sofas where they can be knocked off?
Early Warning and Escape from Fires
Even when you comply with every item on this checklist, you should have a plan for early warning and escape in case a fire happens.

Smoke Detectors

Do you have at least one working smoke detector on every floor of your home including the basement?
Are your smoke detectors properly installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions?
Have you checked your smoke detectors' batteries lately?

Escape Plan

Does every member of your family know your plan for escape in the event of fire?
Does everyone know at least two ways out of each room?
Have you agreed on a meeting place in front of your home where you will gather to wait for the fire department?
Does everyone know to get to get out first, then call for help from a neighbor's phone or call box? Does everyone understand that they should never, ever go back inside a burning building?
Has your family practiced escaping through smoke by getting down on hands and knees and crawling to the nearest exit? (Make sure everyone understands that they should use the exit "free from smoke or flames if they can.)
Does everyone in your family know how to stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother flames if clothes catch fire?

10 smart resale suggestions that can put your house under contract quicker!

1. Look at your house from a buyer's point of view. Forget about how cute your 1-year-old looked when she learned to crawl on the living room floor and start thinking about your home as a commodity. This will help you to assess the condition of your home more objectively. Once you see your house from a potential buyer's perspective, you can make the changes needed to allow your house to stand out.

2. Have a home inspection. Marti Hampton, broker and co-owner of Remax One Realty in Raleigh, NC, highly recommends a home inspection if your home is older than 10 years old. "Why not spend 300 or 400 bucks to clearly define what's wrong or what's right?" she asks. "You'll avoid surprises when the buyer conducts their inspection of your home." With this done, you can be proactive and fix all of the house's problems before it goes on the market, saving buyers time and making their decision to buy your house even easier!

3. Don't be the worst house on the block! If the standard in your neighborhood is to have granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, then your house should include those features. "If you have a home that is second-rate for the neighborhood you live in and you bring it up to the neighborhood norm, you're going to get a good return on your investment when it is time to sell. There is so much inventory on the market today, your house will not get a serious consideration if it's substandard," says Molony.

4. De-personalized and de-clutter your home's décor. Let potential buyers imagine their own possessions and décor choices more easily in the home. This means removing clutter such as toys, exercise equipment, family pictures and mementos. It is hard for a potential buyer to notice the beautiful mantel if it is covered with distracting personal photos. Light and airy is inviting, so you should repaint any colored rooms in neutral beiges or whites. Enlist the help of a staging professional or get advice from your real estate agent if you have trouble making these choices.

5. Make a good first impression at floor-level. Install fresh carpet or have your carpet professionally cleaned. If you have hardwoods, refinish them if necessary. This will prevent buyers from making a lower priced offer on your home because they feel the floors aren't move-in ready. Conrad Kuiken, owner of House Hunter Realty in San Diego County and co-author of the "Fast Action Home Sales System", suggests touching up the trim around windows and baseboards. "It's like wearing a new tie if you have an older shirt."

6. Choose an experienced ‘online' agent. Choose an agent that will market your home online to reach more buyers 24/7. "Having the correct online exposure is like having a billboard on the interstate showing your house is for sale," says Hampton.

7. Avoid being involved in the showing process. Make buyers feel comfortable in your house and allow them to imagine themselves owning it. When your home is being shown to a potential buyer you should not be at home so that they can feel comfortable to look around the house in detail. "I was showing a property recently and the owner and his wife were basically showing my clients around like they were the ushers in a museum," explains Kuiken. "That's a big turnoff for most buyers."

8. Offer a home warranty as an incentive to buyers. A home warranty is a service contract that covers such things as the air conditioner, furnace, plumbing and appliances. By offering a warranty, you will give potential buyers piece of mind during one of the most important decisions they will make. Home warranties are quite affordable, with annual premiums costing $300 to $600, depending on what is covered.

9. Make sure your home sparkles inside and out! Show potential buyers what your home looks like at its best! "Sometimes just power washing your house and your driveway can make all the difference," says Kuiken. "Try to get it as light and bright looking as possible. Just washing the windows is a huge thing for some people."

10. Keep your landscaping trimmed or replace it if it's out of date. If the outside of your home looks like it hasn't been well-cared for then buyers will assume that the inside hasn't been either. One thing you can do to improve your curb appeal is to keep the lawn mowed and get rid of those overgrowing shrubs. "If you've got large, overgrowing shrubs that look kind of shotty and unkept, that can affect some of that curb psychological impact," says Molony. You want potential buyers to drive up to your home and think "this is a place I could live in!"