Ask a Realtor

By: Karen Crystal

I was asked the following on ask a REALTOR:

“I would like to sell my home in the next 5 to 7 years as I know my current home is not my ideal  for the long term, but will suit me just fine in the short term. Since I would like to sell at some point, does it make sense to do any home improvements?”

I responded by saying:

The first one is curb appeal. Curb appeal is a powerful selling tool, and you don’t need to create the Versailles Gardens. Simply mow the lawn, plant some pretty flowers, replace the mailbox, and perhaps paint the front door.  If you spend about $1,000 on this, you will get this money back for sure.

I believe you should focus on smaller, more visible upgrades inside your kitchen (second hot button), such as installing new granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Keep your costs down and use a few high-end materials to make your kitchen look fresh.

To answer your “recoup” question: While the amount you recoup may not be as high as it once was, projects like these will help you sell your home faster and for a better price than a home that isn’t renovated.”

Read the rest of my response at Realtor.com

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.

Website - More Posts

When Billionaires Build, it’s time to Buy

By: Karen Crystal

Forbes estimates he is the 183rd richest person in the world, with a net worth of 3.3 billion US Dollars, and he lives right here in Thousand Oaks, California. His name is David H. Murdock, and he is a property developer (among many other things).

I have been watching Mr. Murdock carefully with regards to his new phase of real estate development in Sherwood Country Club, and waiting patiently to see what this highly successful man will do. And perhaps even more importantly…when he will do it. You might say that this Billionaire is my own personal “economic indicator” for this geographical area.

Why? Because David Murdock only builds property that he believes will sell, and he does so, only when he is confident that the marketplace has the ability and the desire to buy.

Well……our Billionaire is building, and with the interest rates still at an historic low, it is definitely time to buy!
There are currently 3 homes under construction with completion dates at the end of June 2010, with 3 more already breaking ground. The pricing is very competitive: all under $2.5 million, and the sq. footage is a bit smaller than a typical Sherwood home : approx. 4,500 sq ft. on average.

Here are some photos I took the other day, along with a rendering of a very rare Single Level new home called “Amalfi”.

Sherwood luxury construction

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.

Website - More Posts

By: Karen Crystal

The Tea Party political movement plans to hold a peaceable assembly on Feb. 27 in Thousand Oaks to mark the anniversary of a series of gatherings it staged across the nation.  From 12pm – 4pm at Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive, the political group will exercise their right to protest.

Organizer Carolyn Guillot explained the Tea Party as a nonpartisan group representing constitutionally limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets. Similar to the anti-tax Boston Tea Party, this group has receive national attention.  The first National Tea Party Convention was held this month in Tennessee. To learn more about this group please visit: Tea Party

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.

Website - More Posts

Stagecoach Inn Museum

A special event at the Stagecoach Inn

By: Karen Crystal

Head over to the Stagecoach Inn Museum this Valentine’s for free portraits and antique Valentines on display throughout the museum.  There will be complimentary lemonade and cookies from 1pm – 4pm.

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.

Website - More Posts

Whale & Dolphin

Channel Islands

By: Karen Crystal

Island Packer’s trips to the Channel Islands cruise with an open eye for wildlife, especially everyone’s favorite, whales and dolphins. Go out into the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary just to look for whales. Trips that set out to view the migrating gray whales depart from both of our locations; 1691 Spinnaker Dr. in the Ventura Harbor, and 3600 S. Harbor Blvd., in the Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard.  Whale watching tours are 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning departures are often scheduled for 9:30 and 10:00, and afternoon departures are at 1:30 sometimes we have trips at 9:00am & 2:00p.m. please check our departure schedule for the date of your choice. Also, additional departures, and group charters may be added to this schedule if the demand is high. Reservations are recommended for these popular trips.  Whale watching tours do not land on the Channel Islands, however our island trips during this time of year will also be on the look out for whales as the boats travel to and from the park.

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.

Website - More Posts

Treat yourself to the new Muvico

By: Karen Crystal

Front of Muvico

Muvico is a growing chain of premium, megaplex motion picture theaters in the United States. The Company currently operates 154 screens in 9 locations located in Florida, California, and Illinois. The Company’s theaters have developed a reputation as true entertainment destinations attracting patrons from as far as 25 miles away. Check them out at this site.

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.

Website - More Posts

Homeless Shelter’s Bustle in bad weather

Helping in the back of the shelter

By: Karen Crystal

When winter rains pound in Thousand Oaks and Westlake, where do the homeless find a place with a roof?  The Lutheran Social Services’ winter homeless shelter in Thousand Oaks is one option.  On December 1st, during one of our biggest winter storms, 20 people checked in for a hot meal and a dry place to lay down.

People struggling financially are urged to come to dinner once in a while to save some grocery money and avoid falling behind on rent.

The homeless can use a multitude of donations such as backpacks, hamburger gift coupons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoo, soap and razors. You can drop these items at, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call (805) 497-6207.

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 real estate agent Ewing and Sothebys.

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.

Website - More Posts

Raz, the Guinness World Record holder for the Tallest Dog Alive, recently beat out by a slightly bigger dog from San Diego

The Tallest Dog in the World, Raz. Courtesy of the Acor

By: Karen Crystal

Eating three to four times a day, standing 7 1/2 feet on his hind legs and weighing 185 pounds, Raz currently holds the record as the largest dog in the world.

As a certified service dog, Raz visits hospitals to cheer up sickly children.

Gary and Jill Clark, owners of Raz, reside in Thousand Oaks and purchased a large utility-type van and removed some back seats to make room for Raz. They also constructed a ramp to help him get inside easily.

Raz’s job, as a certified service dog, is to visit hospitals and cheer up ill children. “He’s a big dog with a big heart,” Clark said. “A gentle, goofy giant.”

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.

Website - More Posts

The Daily News did a short story on our local High School, Oaks Christian

Montana, Gretzky & Smith

By: Karen Crystal

One of our most prestigious local schools is creating quite a legacy.  With a quarterback by the last name of Montana and the backup quarterback named Gretzky, Oaks Christian is getting some major press.

View the video at: Daily News

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.

Website - More Posts

The tournament continues without Woods

Tiger Woods

By: Karen Crystal

After a suspicious car crash, talk of extramarital affairs and a rather mangled SUV, Woods has now decided to withdraw from his own tournament due to injuries.  With minor cuts and bruises, Woods opted out of what would have been his last tournament of the year.

Meanwhile, questions continue to loom about his actions and cause of accident.  Most fans are supporting Tiger’s decision to keep the matter private but some are scorning him for keeping this a secret. View the latest information on http://web.tigerwoods.com/index.

Although Woods released few statements regarding the incident, he did say  “I appreciate all the concern and well wishes…But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy.”

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.

Website - More Posts