By: Karen Crystal

The Oaks Christian Annual Auction dinner entertained more than 900 people and earned more than $700,000 for their financial aid program. With the help of singer, songwriter and producer, Lionel Richie performed 5 of his most popular songs at the event. As a parent at Oaks Christian, Richie was generous enough to donate his time which generated funds that aid 40% of Oaks Christian students.

The evening’s live show kicked off with magician Jason Latimer as Fred Roggin of NBC sports acted as master of ceremonies. Bid items from Eric Clapton signed guitars and tickets to the Teen Choice Awards were sold at exceeding prices.

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

Axing Oaks in Thousand Oaks just got easier

By: Karen Crystal

Thousand Oaks probably won’t have to change its name, but it’s now easier for property owners to chop down some of the namesake trees. And homeowners may even be more willing to plant oak trees now that they don’t have to worry about government interference with future landscaping of the trees. 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.

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

This Night Club and Restaurant will be big time…

By: Karen Crystal

The well known Rolling Stone magazine, knows for its edgy news on aspiring musician and writers are creeping into the nightclub scene. In order to cement their brand in a new venue, Rolling Stone is going big.

Think Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues. If things play out for the Stone Guru’s this place will be popping. According to the owners at Stone, guests will experience immaculate quality of food in a hipper and fancier setting than establishments in its niche.

Next summer, we expect to see this club erected at Hollywood and Highland Center.

To get more, go to the LA Times Article LA Times

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

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

By: Kyle Gulock

Who doesn’t want to save gas and burn fat in the process? A friend of mine, Vinnie Tortorich, has created a website where people can go to learn about how to save gas and burn fat in the process, www.savegasburnfat.com. Vinnie been a personal trainer for over 27 years in Los Angeles County, and has been an ultra cyclist since the early 90′s.

Savegasburnfat is a website that is dedicated to helping people lose weight, save money, and go green in the process. In 1983 Vinnie played football at Tulane and weighed 250 pounds, which is good size for a linebacker. After Vinnie’s football career was over, he ballooned up to 270 pounds. At this point, Vinnie had decided that enough was enough and health became Vinnie’s number one concern. Vinnie’s new diet consisted of him eating half of what he did before and ridding his bike everywhere. After this simple diet was put into place, Vinnie was able to drop his weight from 270 to 180 in around a year’s time.

Currently, Vinnie rides his bike an average of 13,000 miles a year and has even been recorded riding 17,000 miles one year. There aren’t any miracle drugs involved, but just pure hard work. For more information on Vinnie’s story, how to save gas and burn fat, click on the link below: www.savegasburnfat.com.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD3yI5cVO94&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

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.

Kyle Gulock

Born into a Real Estate family, Kyle has had an interest in Real Estate from an early age. Prior to his Real Estate career, Kyle earned his Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning & Development from Michigan State University. With a constant eye on future trends and a flair for the unconventional, Kyle has a passion for leading innovative marketing methods.

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